Has your home undergone foundation repair lately?
Now that your foundation has received the necessary repairs, you can rest assured knowing that your home is in better shape. The fixes will likely add years or even decades of stability and durability to your home and its components.
However, the results of foundation repair often aren’t visible from the outside. You may still have numerous cosmetic fixes to make. For instance, you may see cracks on your walls, floors, and sheetrock that may be in need of repair
These cosmetic fixes are rarely, if ever, included in the standard service agreements of foundation repair companies. That’s why we are going to list the top things to keep in mind after your home has received foundation repairs. You’ll learn about what steps to take to restore the aesthetics of your property.
#1: Read the Paperwork
Your company has more than likely left behind some paperwork that will help you take the next steps and learn about everything that they have done so far. For instance, you could check the warranty certificates.
These documents are going to give you an overview of what particular repair methods they used and what their guarantees are going to be. There is normally a note in the documents saying that their services fixed the foundation failure, but not the residual damages, and in fact may cause additional damage.
#2: Wait for 45 Days
You should wait 45 days after foundation repairs before you start planning any cosmetic repairs. That’s because, usually, over two-thirds of the cracks come together. The remainder will stay the same or get worse over time. Foundations assume new permanent positions in hours.
As the wood framing begins to bend to a new foundation shape, you could even start seeing some brand-new cracks in your walls or ceilings. This is completely normal. It’s also the reason why you should wait around six weeks before committing to cosmetic fixes.
Without waiting for the 45 day period to pass, you could discover that you need further cosmetic repairs. Sheetrock cracks should be properly repaired with tape and bedding, and not just by caulking the cracks.
#3: Create a Comprehensive List
Once the six week period is over, make a list of all the problems that need to be solved. Check your walls, ceilings, floors and landscaping situation. See if there are any new cracks or structural flaws that have appeared while you waited out the six weeks.
Then, it’s time to prioritize these issues according to their seriousness and impact on your home’s aesthetics. Whenever in doubt, get in touch with a professional remodeler to reflect on the list and prioritize more efficiently.
#4: Watch Out for Typical Problems
When you’re creating the list of issues to address, pay close attention to typical problems that arise after foundation repairs. To make things simpler, we put together a concise overview of the most common challenges that homeowners face after the initial fixes:
Sprinklers and Plumbing
There is a considerable chance that lifting the foundation can start affecting your sprinkler and plumbing systems. Spotting any problems in this department means that you should discuss this with your foundation contractor before the work is performed. Sprinkler repair is usually covered by the contractor, while plumbing repair is usually the responsibility of the homeowner.
They can likely direct you to the right company and individual for the job.
Floors
Did your slab need some interior fixes? In this case, you probably have to replace the associated tiles and floor coverings. Sometimes homeowners won’t have access to the exact tile covering anymore. Just take into consideration that there might be some mismatch and discoloration between the original materials and their substitute.
Soil
Your foundation repair may have required some exterior procedures as well. Check areas that have had any soil removal with the follow-up of backfill. This backfill is bound to settle after some time has passed, but you may be dealing with soil that touches your home’s brick fascia. Then you have to remove that soil. Otherwise, this dirt can start transferring unnecessary moisture and provide a convenient pathway for bugs, including termites.
Doors and Windows
Many homeowners experience problems with their doors and windows before the foundation repairs are finalized. An unstable foundation can easily cause sticky or misaligned doors and windows. However, when you find these issues after the repairs, you should get these fixed. This is common when your windows and doors receive some adjustments while the foundation is sitting in a position that isn’t level.
Also, windows and doorframes may take a set to the new distorted foundation. It’s not uncommon for foundation lifting to lead to broken windows during or within weeks of the foundation repair.
Walls
Cracks or gaps are common problems that arise after foundation repair. These issues may have been there before repairs and have stayed in their spot well after the fixes have been made. You just have to wait around six weeks for the wooden framing to completely stabilize.
Then you can tackle these cosmetic issues. Keep in mind that if you have any exterior cracks in brick, you should fill these quickly to prevent moisture accumulation and pest intrusion.
Roofing
While not exactly cosmetic, as the foundation bends, so bends the roof. If you were already in need of a new roof, repair the foundation first. Repairing the foundation after installing new roofing can lead to roofing leaks and buckling.
If you suspect your foundation may need repair, ask the Granite Foundation Repair foundation evaluator as to what repairs can be expected. They’ll be able to give you general guidelines as to effective foundation repair.
Drainage
Even though the shifting soil may have already been addressed by the foundation repairs, you could still be dealing with some exterior drainage problems. When you have water collection around your foundation, this situation can cause major issues in the long run.
One solution lies in extending the downspout so that the water can drain further away from your home. Soil should slope a minimum of one inch over eight feet.
In a Nutshell: Cosmetic Repairs After Foundation Repair
Foundation repair is one of the essential fixes that you need to do in case your home has structural issues. However, you could still be facing the need for some cosmetic repairs after the foundation work has been finalized.
Here are some of the top cosmetic repairs you may have to tackler after foundation repair:
- Fixing cracks and gaps in your walls.
- Replacing some tiles or floor coverings, such as hardwood.
- Removing soil that is too close to the brick line.
- Renew caulking around the windows.
Are you looking for an experienced team of foundation repair experts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Get in touch with Granite Foundation Repair today and we’ll explain the services we can provide to ensure your home’s foundation is rock solid for years to come.