Contractor Tips Blog

Oct
16

Common Cause of Window and Door Problems

Does your door stick when it opens or closes? Do you have windows that are hard to open or will not open at all? When you have doors and windows that are not working right, it may be a bigger problem. If your home is settling or your foundation is sinking, it can affect your home’s structure. Window and door problems can be one of the first signs you may need a foundation repair.

One door or window that does not work correctly could be an isolated issue. However, when you have more than one door or window that are not opening or closing right, it may be a structure issue. Even if there is not a noticeable change in the level of your home, you could be experiencing the beginning of foundation problems. This issue will only continue to get worse if the foundation is settling and could eventually cause serious structural problems.

Hire a Foundation Specialist for an Inspection

To determine whether a foundation problem is causing your door and window issues, contact a foundation specialist. They can perform a thorough inspection on your foundation to determine if it is sinking or settling. Catching this issue early can give you a chance to have your foundation leveled or repaired to prevent serious and expensive damage to your home’s structure.

If more than one window or door are hard to open or close, you should consider that a foundation problem may be causing these issues. Find a foundation professional to inspect your home and foundation. Not only could this help resolve annoying door and window dysfunction, it can protect your home from further structure damage.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

Jun
24

Does Your Deck Need Leveling?

Have you noticed your outdoor deck seems lopsided? Decks are supported by a system of posts that can sink and settle over time. If you deck is unlevel it may also become unstable, putting your family and guests at risk of injury. Before summer arrives and it is time to spend afternoons and evenings relaxing on your deck, it is vital to have your deck inspected and repaired.

Deck Post Leveling

Lopsided decks are often caused by settling deck posts. The some of the support posts that are on the corners and spaced throughout the perimeter can sink, allowing the deck to shift on one side. When this occurs, extra stress is put on the joints and structure of the deck. If not repaired, the deck could collapse and cause serious injuries to your family or guests.

To relevel a deck, first you need to have a foundation or concrete specialist inspect your deck posts and footings. It is likely one or more deck posts, the slab or footings have settled. Once the problem posts are identified, a solution can be recommended. Concrete leveling techniques can be used to elevate the posts back to their original position and add support to prevent future settling.

It is important to have your deck fully inspected for structural safety after you relevel the posts. You will want to ensure that the deck was not damaged and can still support the weight intended once the posts have been leveled.

An unlevel deck is more than just an eyesore; it can be a safety hazard. Make sure to call in a concrete or foundation expert to level your deck before summer to make your outdoor space safe.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

Jun
5

How Much Will a Foundation Repair Cost?

One of the most common questions a foundation repair expert will be asked is the cost of a home foundation repair – it is also the hardest one to answer. Foundation problems can range from a small crack that can be quickly fixed to structural problems that can impact the entire home. However, there are averages that can help give you an idea of the range of cost for most foundation repairs.

Foundation Cracks

Small cracks in a home’s foundation are to be expected over time – larger cracks can lead to structural damage. Cracks over one-eighth of an inch can be a sign of a serious problem, but many cracks in foundations can be fixed for less than $1,000.

Leaking Basements

When a foundation is no longer sealed and leaking water, there are a few different options to fix the issue. Waterproofing or sealing your basement can cost $2,000-$6,000, depending on the size and what needs to be done.

Repairing Foundation Problems

When the foundation is settling or needs leveling, repairs can range from mudjacking and piering to underpinning and stabilization. These can start with small repairs that only cost $500-$1000 but can range up to $12,000 and beyond. It depends on how much of the foundation needs repair, the material of the foundation and what type of equipment and labor is required.

The only sure way to know how much a foundation repair costs is to schedule a foundation inspection with a masonry expert. A thorough inspection can narrow down the exact issue and what type of repair will be needed. This can give you the exact cost of the repair needed to fix this important structural element of your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

May
9

Finding and Fixing the Cause of Structural Cracks

Are there stair-step cracks in your brick or a crack forming on a interior wall? Cracks on structural surfaces of your home are more than just an aesthetic issue; they often are evidence of a deeper problem. Before you decide to cover up the crack and forget it, consider what these cracks may mean and what will happen if you do not find and fix the root cause.

Why Walls and Foundations Crack

Cracks do not appear on walls or foundations without reason. It requires stress to create a crack, usually from changes in the structure. The most common reason your chimney, foundation footing or walls will crack in your home is settling or sinking of the base foundation. If one area of the foundation sinks or shifts, it put stress on the structure above it. Cracks are the first signs that structural damage is occurring. If not fixed, the structural integrity could be at risk, endangering the safety of your home.

Fixing Structural Cracks

Hiding a crack with cement or plaster without investigating the cause is a bad idea. The problem is not likely to go away and will only continue to get worse and more expensive to fix. Fixing a surface crack is like putting a bandage over a scratch on a broken arm – it will hide the visible signs but not fix the real issue underneath.

To find and fix the cause of structural cracks, you need a foundation expert to inspect your home. A professional masonry or foundation repair specialist can locate the issues and help you find a solution to protect your home from further damage.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

Jan
25

What Is Causing Your Unlevel Deck or Porch?

Have you noticed your porch or deck is no longer level with your home? This is a common problem and one that can be perplexing, especially if your home’s foundation seems to be in excellent shape and level. Understanding why these exterior structures can become unlevel can help you come up with a solution to fix the problem and prevent further issues.

Why Decks and Porches Settle Faster

Unless they were constructed poorly for the beginning, in most cases, an unlevel porch or deck is caused by settling. The footers that support the deck or porch can settle or sink, often not at the same rate on the opposing sides, creating an unlevel surface. While the house these structures are attached to may remain level, the exposure to the elements is usually why decks and porches settle quicker.

Water and soil erosion are often the culprits of settling foundations and footers. With decks and porches, there is less protection from the elements, allowing more rain and moisture to affect the soil around the footers and supports. This causes quicker settling and can lead to an unlevel structure.

Repair and Prevention

The good news is most decks and porches that are unlevel can be fixed without complete replacement. Often, an experienced foundation expert can elevate the structure to make it level again and repair deck posts that will prevent further settling. In some cases, additional supports need to be added to keep the structure level. Other prevention options include adding a roof or covering that will add more protection from the elements and looking at better drainage solutions.

If your deck or porch is unlevel, have it inspected by a foundation specialist. They can offer repair options and help with prevention methods to protect your structure.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

Nov
8

3 Signs Your Concrete Stairs Need Repair

Concrete steps are a common fixture on many homes due to their durability and affordability. However, even concrete does not last forever, especially when put under undue stress from shifts in the soil beneath them. Most likely you are aware if your concrete stairs need repair, but there are also reasons why certain issues occur. Here are three common signs that you need your concrete stairs repaired.

  1. Separation. Concrete stairs, especially those for a porch or entrance, are a separate piece and can become separated from their destination. When there are gaps between the home and the stairs, it may be due to settling and other problems, either with the house or the stairs themselves. Concrete raising or lifting can resolve sinking stairs, offering better support.
  2. Tilting. Settling is the most common cause of tilting stairs, with the base on one side sinking deeper than the other. Concrete lifting can solve this issue, giving you stairs that are level and safe again for your family and guests.
  3. Crumbling and cracking. Concrete does disintegrate, and cracks are common as it ages. When your steps are cracking and crumbling, they need repair and possibly replacement. Cracks can be filled, but you also want to address the stress that is causing the damage.

Concrete stairs with issues can be a stand-alone issue, or it may be signs of bigger problems that are occurring with your home. It is best to have a masonry expert that can inspect both the stairs and your foundation to ensure that repairing your concrete stairs is not the only issue. If settling is occurring, it may be affecting your home as well, which is a much bigger concern than your stairs.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

Oct
4

Common Problems Homeowners Mistake as No Big Deal

When you own an older home, you expect that some things won’t work perfectly. Decades of time can settle a home and cause slight changes in the structure. However, there is a big difference between floors that creak and a home that has a foundation that is sinking. Some common problems that homeowners write off as no big deal can often be signs of a foundation issue. Here are some issues that deserve a second look and inspection by a foundation specialist.

Door and Window Issues

Windows that won’t open or doors that won’t close can be more serious that just settling in the door jams or stuck window paint. If the foundation is settling, these openings in the structure may be the first places that show signs of distress. One problem window may be just an old home oddity, but if you have having trouble with a few doors or windows, you should get a foundation inspection.

Walls Cracks

Interior or exterior wall cracks are not “wrinkles” on an old home. They are signs of a foundation that is unlevel or settling. If not fixed, these cracks will become larger and more frequent. Eventually, the home may no longer be safe.

Floor Issues

Your floors are another area that may be overlooked when it comes to old homes. Unlevel or sloping floors; cracks between the floors and walls; cracks in the floor tiles; these can all be signs of a foundation issue.

Even if a problem seems in significant and is only a nuisance, it can be a sign of a larger issue in your home. Call in a foundation expert to have your home inspected to determine whether your common old home problems are due to an issue with your foundation.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

Jul
18

Signs Your Home’s Foundation Needs Repairing

Underneath your home is the most important element of the structure – your foundation. Yes, the walls and roof are all important, but the foundation holds everything in place. If the integrity of your foundation is corrupted, your entire home is in jeopardy. Catch issues in your foundation early to prevent damage to the rest of your home. Here are some early signs that your foundation needs repairing.

  • Visible cracks. Not all foundation issues are easy to see, but sometime they can be in plain sight. If there are cracks in your foundation, it is a blatant sign that you need a repair. Even if your home still seems level and intact, call in a foundation expert for an inspection.

 

  • Stuck doors and windows. Are your windows and doors difficult to open or close? This can be a sign of settling under your foundation.

 

  • Unlevel floors. Have you noticed the floor slopes slightly in some rooms of your home? You may have a foundation that is settling on one side of your home, creating unlevel floors.

 

  • Cracked walls. Are there cracks in your brick or in the interior walls of your home? Often these are due to the foundation moving below the home. It can be caused by a rapid shift like an earthquake or a slow shifting of the foundation.

 

  • Separating walls and floors. If you have noticed that there gaps between your walls, floors and ceilings, this can occur due to foundation problems.

 

Foundation issues are serious. If you have any of these signs of foundation problems, call your local masonry or foundation specialist for an inspection. Repairing your foundation can fix these issues and protect your most important asset – your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

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