What happens after foundation repair?

Your foundation was just repaired–congratulations! That’s a big job and an important investment in the stability and longevity of your home.

The doors are opening and closing again but you can still see a crack in the wall. It turns out that having your foundation repaired doesn’t mean all the cracks will close. Often times, homes are left in need of repairs to sheetrock. Considered cosmetic repairs, these cracks aren’t included in a standard service.

So what do you do now? Start by reading over any paperwork the company you worked with left behind. Work orders and warranty certificates describe the repair service and guarantees. Foundation repair services will stabilize the foundation but residual damage is common.

Keep reading to learn more about what damage to watch out for and tips on how to proceed.

What to do after your foundation repair is complete

Foundation repair companies use the utmost care in raising and stabilizing homes. Unfortunately, residual damage isn’t uncommon and you can’t count on all cracks to close.

In our experience, in about 70% of cases the cracks come together, 20% the cracks stay the same, and the rest worsen. In fact, as the foundation settles into its new position new cracks can appear.

Each situation is unique. Repair services stabilize the foundation so your home sits on a dependable surface. Structural damage and residual damage won’t disappear after the foundation service. The best way to avoid more damage is to have your foundation repaired as soon as you notice problems.

Whether you work with us or another company there are a couple of things you should do once the repair is complete:

1. Review your work order and warranty

Foundation repair companies should inform you about what you can expect during and after the repair. Our work orders include information about residual damages and foundation maintenance tips.

2. Make a list of the issues that need addressing

Look at the condition of the walls, floors, and landscaping. Watch for anything from cosmetic repairs to structural repairs. Note everything you see on a list so you can decide what to tackle first.

Post-foundation repair watch list

1 – Backfill soil

If your foundation required exterior repairs, check areas where the dirt was removed. If soil was removed, it should also have been backfilled.

Soil settles after some time but if the soil is high enough to touch the siding it’s too high, some of it should be removed. When the soil reaches the siding, moisture can get behind the siding and cause damage.

2 – Sprinkler systems and plumbing

Lifting the foundation can also affect plumbing and sprinkler systems. If issues arise check to see if the foundation company you contracted is able to help you. Depending on the circumstances most will recommend a plumbing expert.

3 – Walls

You may still have visible cracks in your walls or bricks after the repair. Wait a few weeks after the foundation repair to see if there are any changes to the existing cracks and to see if new ones develop. After the foundation settles you can begin filling in the cracks. These are cosmetic problems but exterior cracks need to be filled to prevent water or insect infiltration.

4 – Floors

When the slab requires interior repairs, tiles and boards may need to be replaced. It’s ideal to have extras of this material but it’s not always available and sometimes discoloration is a problem. There’s not a perfect solution to this situation but it’s good to be aware this could be something you encounter.

5 – Doors and Windows

Doors and windows that are difficult to open are usually a sign that there could be a problem with your foundation but each situation is different. Maybe your home didn’t have window or door problems until after the repair. Sometimes this happens when windows and doors are installed or adjusted while the foundation is unlevel. Keep the condition of your foundation in mind before taking on other remodeling projects.

Don’t put off your foundation repairs

Many companies offer financing plans making it easier for many homeowners to afford the cost of repairs. The sooner you take care of the repairs the less costly it will be.

Ecoscape Foundation provides foundation repair services and drainage services to homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

If you think your foundation needs some repairs, contact us to schedule a free in-home evaluation. Our detailed evaluations include foundation elevation readings, work order, and payment plan options.