Foundation Repair in St Joseph, MO

Damage to your foundation impacts the stability of your entire home, so it’s important to keep track of potential issues. Most of the time, problems in the foundation are obvious, including wall cracks, bouncy floors, and standing water. However, less obvious signs, such as poor air quality, skin irritation, musty odors, and increased electricity bills, can also be indications of structural deterioration. In any case, KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair provides high-quality foundation repair in St Joseph, MO. Our comprehensive service includes a thorough inspection, reliable repairs, and post-repair assistance to deliver outstanding results within your budget. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Common Signs of Foundation Problems

No matter what foundation problems your home has, we are here to help in St. Joseph, MO. Some of the symptoms of foundation issues that you may notice include the following:

Wall Cracks

Wall cracks are often caused by poor construction or foundation failure. Understanding the types of wall cracks can help you understand how serious your foundation issues might be. Hairline cracks: If you have a newly constructed house, hairline cracks are common within a few years of construction. You can repair these cracks by using fillers and applying a layer of paint over them. The size of these cracks is less than 1 millimeter, so they are not serious and may appear when your foundation starts to dry and settle, which is usually not a matter of concern.

• Horizontal cracks: If you observe horizontal cracks anywhere around your walls or basement area, there may be hydrostatic pressure causing the soil to shift. If these cracks are not treated properly, they will pose a threat to your structure. With professional assistance, these cracks should be treated and the underlying structural issues addressed.
• Vertical cracks: Vertical cracks are less serious than horizontal cracks and will not compromise your home’s structural integrity as they emerge. However, if these cracks get wider, 5-15 mm or more, then they could be a result of foundation problems.
• Diagonal cracks: While vertical cracks form due to temperature fluctuations, diagonal cracks are longer and go up against the wall diagonally at a 30-degree angle, indicating potential structural movement and damage.
• Stair-step cracks: As the name suggests, these cracks resemble the shape of a staircase and usually form in brick walls and masonry. These cracks are common in brick foundations, Windows, and Doors that Don’t Shut Properly and are formed due to settling foundations or even damage. Instead of ignoring these cracks, hire a professional to complete an inspection. Cracks above doors and window frames: If you find that your doors and windows are not closing easily, you may have foundation damage. Shifting door or window frames not only causes cracks, creating drafts but indicating that your foundation is moving.

Sloping and Uneven Floors

When your foundation is at risk, your floor is bound to be affected, creating a risk of falling. You may encounter bouncy, sloping, uneven floors with any kind of foundation, due to:

• Faulty design
• Weak foundation due to soil movement
• Excess moisture accumulation around the foundation
• Tree roots intruding into the foundation and causing it to shift
• A poor drainage system that allows water to seep into the foundation

If you have sloping or uneven floors, call our professional technicians to inspect the cause and prevent further damage.

Windows and Doors that Don’t Shut Properly

When your windows or doors stop closing normally, your first instinct may be to repair hinges or locks. But jammed doors and windows could actually be a result of foundation issues. Moisture issues, a shifting foundation, or foundation cracks can also cause extra pressure on window or door frames, making them difficult to open or close.

Ceiling Cracks

Ceiling cracks can be an outcome of foundation issues. If you get hairline cracks just after your home’s construction, they are likely a result of the foundation settling, which is normal. But other issues can cause cracks in the ceiling, including:

• Normal wear and tear of your home
• Moisture issues in the roof area due to heavy, consistent rainfall
• Poor construction
• Foundation shifting
• Heavy weight on the upper storey

You may observe multiple types of cracks in the ceiling. Never overlook cracks that run down a wall from the ceiling, cracks in a sagging ceiling, or gaps between the ceiling and adjoining walls, as these are definitely signs of structural damage. If you notice any cracks, contact us for a free inspection.

Garage Foundation Problems

Garage foundations can display the same issues as the foundation of your home. Usually, garage foundations are made up of poured concrete slabs or blocks. But if foundation issues persist, you will notice the following symptoms around the area:

• Cracks in the wall and floor
• Prominent space between door frames and walls
• Flooding or standing water
• Soil movement
• A sloping or uneven floor
• Prominent gap between your home and garage space

If you observe any of these signs, call us immediately for a free consultation in St.Joseph, MO.

Bulging Walls

Your home walls will bulge if they are aging or under constant pressure from the soil. Some factors that cause bulging walls include:

• Hydrostatic Pressure: If the soil around your foundation pushes against its walls and causes pressure, the water seeps into the foundation walls, weakening walls and causing them to bulge.
• Expansive clays: Expansive clays under your home cause stress to the foundation by making it shift repeatedly. This cyclical stress causes walls to bulge.
• Roots: If you have trees or plants around the foundation area, the roots may intrude on the foundation and compromise your home’s structure.
• Poor Construction: Builders may construct foundation areas poorly, causing them to crack eventually. Additionally, if the soil is not prepared well before erecting the house, the foundation can be unstable.

Unfortunately, you can’t DIY foundation issues, and ignoring them leaves you open to costly repairs later on. Call us today to fix any kind of foundation problems arising in St.Joseph, MO.

What Causes Foundation Issues? 

Here are a few causes of foundation issues:

Poor Construction

It’s possible that your foundation was built with low-quality materials or that the builders cut corners. The foundation type may not be appropriate to the existing soil conditions. Likewise, if a contractor does not maintain the foundation’s level or if they build your home above two types of soil, one which absorbs moisture and the other which doesn’t, then your structural integrity will be damaged as the foundation will be under a lot of stress.

Poor Soil Conditions

The soil conditions under your foundation vary according to seasons and fluctuating temperatures. For example, during the summer, the soil dries and shrinks, shifting the foundation. When the foundation shifts, you will observe cracks in your home and may have problems opening and closing doors and windows. During a rainy season, the soil under your foundation absorbs moisture, causing it to swell. When the swelling takes place, the foundation again moves and shifts upward. Additionally, when the ground takes on a lot of water, it can even lead to soil erosion. Repeated shrinking and swelling put stress on your foundation, making it brittle and imbalanced.

Excess Moisture in the Ground

In some areas, soil may have excess water content and a highly absorbent capacity or simply constantly absorb moisture due to climate. When there is excess moisture in the soil, it expands and disrupts the soil’s stability, thus preventing proper foundation support. Many water sources could make soil unsuitable for maintaining structural integrity, such as:

• Flood or heavy rainfall
• Melting snow
• Overflowing water from gutters and rooftops
• Standing water near the foundation
• Broken drainage system

All of this moisture must be directed away from the foundation area to prevent moisture from entering the foundation.If you have any problems, call KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair in St. Joseph, MO, for expert assistance. Do not postpone repair plans, as minor damage today could lead to havoc in the future.

Foundation Repair Services Provided by KC Waterproofing 

We provide multiple foundation repair services since each foundation is unique, and your problems don’t necessarily match those of another home. So, hire us to get a free estimate for repair in St. Joseph, MO, and restore your foundation to its original condition. Here’s a walkthrough of all the services we provide to give you back stability.

Pier Installation

Pier installation is one of the permanent solutions for restoring your home’s support system. We install piers by drilling them deep in the soil to provide extra support to your home’s base. There are different types of piers, but the two we use most commonly are push piers and helical piers.

• Push Piers: These steel piers are driven into the ground and attached to the foundation by brackets in order to lift and stabilize it.
• Helical Piers: These piers are installed by twisting them into compact soil until they reach the desired depth.
• Concrete Piers: These piers are installed by excavating holes deep into the soil and pouring concrete into them.

Push piers are best for heavy or large buildings since the weight of the building pushes them into the ground. They have a high load-bearing capacity for providing extra support. They can be installed in tight spaces and are a long-term solution for foundation issues. No matter what solution we use, depending on the foundation, we provide you with a well-repaired structure, peace of mind, and increased property value. Contact us now in St Joseph, MO, to get rid of pests, mold, and moisture issues and repair your foundation for years to come.

Wall Anchoring

If your walls don’t firmly stand at a 90-degree straight angle, then your foundation is at risk. If your walls are bulging more than 2 inches, the walls may need to be anchored. Wall anchoring is the process of connecting two steel plates with a connector rod. One plate is attached to the walls of the basement, and the other is placed in the ground around 12 feet from your home. The connecting rod is adjusted until the walls become strong and upright. Contact KC Waterproofing and Repair in St. Joseph, MO, for a warrantied repair solution.

Basement Waterproofing

Moisture issues are a frustrating obstacle that hinders the use of your basement. With our service in St. Joseph, MO, you don’t have to worry about a damp or leaky basement anymore! Basement waterproofing is all about sealing cracks and leaks to recurring problems. KC Waterproofing and Repair in St. Joseph, MO, provides you with a range of waterproofing services according to your basement’s needs, including: If you need exterior waterproofing around your basement, we start by excavating the soil outside the exterior wall and then applying a waterproofing coating. For interior waterproofing, we use our KCW Drain System™, and if needed, we also add a sump pump and drainage pipe to direct water away from the basement area.

Sump Pump

If you have water issues in your basement area, it’s better to install a sump pump than risk flooding. Climate change and constant temperature fluctuation can lead to flooding issues, incurring huge costs. Instead, our well-experienced technicians will install a sump pump to ensure your foundation’s safety by keeping it dry at all times.

Dehumidifier

If you have constant moisture issues, you should consider a dehumidifier as part of waterproofing your basement. Dehumidifiers keep your basement dry at all times by removing excess moisture.

Sealants 

We use sealants to fill gaps and cracks in the walls, creating a barrier against seeping water in both external and internal walls.

Polyfill

You can use this environmentally friendly method when your foundation needs a lift with minimal disturbance to your daily routine. Polyfill is also known as foam jacking, poly-lifting, or poly leveling. To use polyfill for foundation repair, we start by drilling small holes, after which we inject polyurethane foam in void spaces. The foam hardens and helps the surface level. This method is useful to treat multiple foundation issues such as sloping floors, cracks in walls or ceilings, and out-of-square doors.

Sump Pump Installation

One of the major causes of foundation issues is water; thus, it is necessary to redirect water away from your foundation. Often, foundations are at high risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall, snowfall, or tornadoes. It is a good idea to install a sump pump to remove excess water. A sump pump is a device submerged in water in a pit dug below the foundation level. Sump pumps are self-operating machines. As soon as water overflows, these pumps suck in water and direct it to a discharge pipe away from your home’s foundation. If your home’s foundation meets the following criteria, you should definitely install a sump pump to fix foundation issues.

• You live in an area that is prone to flooding, heavy rainfall, or snow
• The soil under your foundation has high moisture content and water-absorbent capacity
• You have experienced standing water issues and floods in the past

It’s always better to install a sump pump than to risk expensive damage in the future.

Foundation Repair and Moisture Damage 

Keeping your basement dry can affect the longevity and property value of your whole home. Even if you don’t use your basement frequently, moisture issues can damage your floors, create air quality problems, and make it difficult to open and close your windows and doors. A moist basement doesn’t necessarily mean standing water or recent flooding; you may see peeling paint, a musty smell, or black patches all around your walls. You may also notice poor air quality or respiratory issues the longer you live in your home. We help you get rid of moisture issues in your basement and keep it dry long-term. With warranties and frequent monitoring, we provide you with a dry home and peace of mind.

Keep Your Home Safe and Dry With Foundation Repair in St. Joseph, MO

We know that foundation repair can be a stressful process. We are here to protect you and give your home expert solutions that fit your budget. With our professional guidance, you will get back your home’s stability long term. If you want a free evaluation and estimation for foundation repair in St. Joseph, MO, we are here to help. Contact us today.