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After a long day’s work, you need a place you can lay your head and rest peacefully. To make this possible, your home needs to be in tip-top condition. Yet, some of the most crucial parts of the home often get overlooked because they are not visible. One of them is the foundation.
Did you know that foundation problems can cause some of the most significant issues in your home and even interfere with that good night’s rest you long for? Unfortunately, these problems are not always easy to spot, and you may need foundation repair services to fix them. In this article, we will take a look at the types of foundations typical in Toronto homes, common foundation problems, and how they can be addressed.
There are several types of foundations, each with its unique function and design. In this post, we will consider four of the most common:
Full basement foundations are often eight feet deep, creating an underground living space that has a floor space similar to the rest of the home at ground level. This type of foundation can be made from several different materials, but the most common ones are poured concrete cinder blocks and stone.
The advantage of this type of basement is the additional living space available to the homeowners when they choose to finishes the basement walls and floor. Additionally, these basements are very durable and resistant to damage from fire and extreme weather conditions.
Crawl space foundations are built on a concrete pad that is only a few feet deep. The area underneath the home is left open, allowing for easy access to plumbing and electrical systems. This type of foundation is most common in areas with high water tables or poor drainage.
One advantage of this type of foundation is that it is easier to make repairs directly to the plumbing and electrical systems as they are not inside the drywall. Additionally, crawl spaces provide better ventilation than fully finished basements. This can help prevent moisture problems.
Pier and beam foundations are similar to crawl spaces, but they have supports (foundation piers) that extend down to the bedrock. This type of foundation is most common in areas with expansive clay soils.
The advantage of this type of foundation is that it is easier to level if the ground settles. Additionally, pier and beam foundations provide better drainage than crawl spaces, and this helps to prevent moisture problems.
Slab-on-grade foundations are built on a concrete slab that is a few inches thick. The slab is poured at the same time as the foundation walls, creating a monolithic structure. This type of concrete foundation is most common in areas with good drainage.
The advantage of this type of concrete foundation is that it is very durable and resistant to damage from fire and extreme weather conditions. Additionally, a slab-on-grade concrete foundation provides good insulation, which can help cut down energy costs.
A home’s foundation problems can be diagnosed by analyzing many factors. Some of these factors are:
Each one of these factors can play a role in the development of foundation problems and the repair services needed. Below are some of the common foundation problems in Toronto and some possible solutions:
Foundation settling is a natural process that can result in structural damage and shifting. As the soil around a foundation settles, it can place stress on the foundation and cause it to develop foundation cracks. Additionally, as the soil settles, it can become compressed, causing the foundation to settle.
Other causes of foundation settlement include improper foundation pouring, improper steel reinforcement, and water leakage. One way to prevent foundation settling is to have the soil around the foundation compacted before the foundation is built. Additionally, you can install piers or foundation supports, also called basement underpinning to prevent the foundation from settling and concrete floors from cracking too.
Your foundation wall will bow and buckle when outside pressure becomes greater than the strength of the foundation wall. This can be caused by poor soil conditions, hydrostatic pressure, or inadequate footings.
Foundation wall anchors can prevent the foundation wall from becoming inwardly mobile. This could also potentially straighten the foundation walls back to a level position.
Sagging foundations can be caused by the improper spacing of supports, sinking supports, or due to mold and rot damage. Sagging foundations can cause doors and windows to become misaligned and can result in the development of foundation cracks.
Foundation jacks can be used to support sagging foundations and prevent further damage. Additionally, you can install foundation helical piers or steel beams to support the foundation.
Foundation wall cracks are among the most common foundation problems in the Greater Toronto Area. They are usually caused by foundation settlement, or by expansive soils pressing on the house foundation walls.
Foundation wall cracks can be repaired with either epoxy injection or carbon fiber reinforcement. Epoxy injection is a quick and easy way to repair foundation cracks, but it is not as durable as carbon fiber reinforcement. Carbon fiber reinforcement is a more permanent solution, but it is also more expensive.
Foundation problems can lead to further damage to your living spaces, structural components, and possessions. To avoid all these, it is a good idea to have an experienced company conduct a foundation inspection which will help identify any potential problems.
Once the inspection is complete, the company will provide a report that outlines the problem areas and provides recommendations for repairs. The foundation repair process will vary depending on the severity of the damage and the type of foundation. Additionally, it is important to have a qualified professional team perform all the necessary repairs to avoid further damage.
The cost of foundation repair depends on the kind of problem to be resolved. The National average cost of repairing foundation cracks ranges between $1000- $3500. An exterior basement waterproofing may cost $100 – $300 while an interior basement waterproofing could cost approximately $100 – $400. A sump pump installation on the other hand may cost $550-$3500 in Toronto.
Moreover, you’ll need to get a foundation inspection first to determine the actual problem. For a good obligation inspection service from trusted foundation contractors, you may invest about $200 – $400.
Repairing your foundation can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. The length of time it takes to complete the repairs will depend on the severity of the damage and the type of foundation.
If you have a foundation problem, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage. That way, you’ll shorten the time and lower the cost of foundation repair, since you’ll catch the problem early. Moreover, you need to ensure that high-quality waterproofing materials are used so that you get value for your money.
Yes, there are some maintenance requirements after the repairs are done. For example, if you had foundation wall anchors installed, you will need to have the anchor bolts checked and tightened every few years. Similarly, if you had piers or steel beams installed, you will need to have them checked periodically to ensure that they are still in good condition.
It is also important to monitor your foundation for any new cracks or other problems. If you notice any new damage, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
With this information, you are now more aware of home foundation repair and the common problems that can occur. If you have any concerns about the condition of your foundation, it is important to have it inspected by a qualified professional.
Foundation problems can cause serious damage to your home if they’re not dealt with right away. That’s why it’s important to call in a professional foundation repair company in Toronto as soon as you notice any signs of trouble.
At Royal Work, we have over 25 years of collective experience in foundation repair and construction expertise. As a result, we stand out as a full-service company and industry leader in Toronto and the surrounding areas. While many organizations are limited to a few components of the basement waterproofing services, we can handle most foundation problem areas.
Each of our 15 waterproofing experts is licensed and bonded for your protection and peace of mind. Our technicians are trained to perform basement waterproofing, foundation repair, sump pumps, battery backup installation, and drain cleaning. In addition, we are experienced in concrete work and can install basement floors and stairs, concrete walkways, and basement underpinnings.
If you think you may need a foundation repair project, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and provide you with a free estimate.
