Table of Contents
Your home’s foundation supports your entire house, so it’s essential to ensure that it’s in good condition. You want to keep your home free of cracks, leaks, bowing basement walls, and other damage. If you find gaps in the exterior or interior in Illinois, it may lead to the loss of your structural integrity. The quicker you discover these cracks and fix them, the lower the cost of repairs.
There is a long list of things that can affect your foundation in Illinois, and In Illinois, it’s easy to overlook some of the factors. You probably know that water can affect your foundation but did you also know that your soil can also be problematic?
Homeowners who like to garden pay attention to their soil when gardening but probably not while walking around the outside of their home. Since most soil in Illinois is clay, this is not a good idea and can lead to problems down the road. The soil under your home can cause your foundation to settle incorrectly, lead to sinking areas, and cause multiple cracks inside and outside of your home. For further information on foundation crack repairs in Illinois, visit our website at bloomingtonfoundationrepairexperts.com.
Foundation Cracks That Need Repair in Illinois
Foundation stabilization is crucial in addressing these issues and preventing further damage. When foundation cracks are left unattended, they can lead to more significant problems over time. If you notice any signs of foundation issues, such as cracks or shifts in your walls, it’s essential to consult with experts in foundation stabilization to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate repair solutions.
Stem Wall Foundation is a crucial aspect of your home’s structural integrity, and addressing foundation cracks promptly is essential for maintaining a secure and stable foundation. If you notice any cracks, it’s wise to consult a professional to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary repairs.
It’s crucial to understand the underlying reasons behind these cracks. Factors such as soil settlement, temperature changes, and moisture levels can contribute to the formation of cracks in concrete foundations. Ignoring these cracks can lead to more extensive and expensive structural problems in the future. Proper Concrete Crack Repair not only prevents further damage but also helps in preserving the value of your property over time. If left unattended, these cracks can worsen and compromise the stability of your home.
Some foundation cracks obviously need repair, while others aren’t so obvious. Large cracks may indicate the home is no longer structurally sound; however, some small cracks should be repaired as soon as possible. Even small foundation cracks can allow water, debris, insects, and pests to enter your home. Keeping your home safe requires ensuring that all gaps are repaired as soon as possible.
Vertical cracks
These are typical in foundations and aren’t usually a sign of structural issues. These cracks normally run up and down the wall or at a slight angle. Wide vertical cracks of more than ½” may result from soil expansion resulting from excess moisture in the soil, causing it to push against the foundation wall.
Horizontal Cracks
These are the most severe types of cracks. These run sideways along your foundation and indicate soil pressure because of seasonal temperature changes or hydrostatic pressure. Excess moisture in the Illinois clay soil causes it to expand, pushing against the foundation walls and exerting a lot of stress which can cause cracks. Then when it dries out, it shrinks and may draw away from the foundation walls, which may cause shifting, which then can lead to uneven settling.
Stair-Step Cracks
This type of crack is most often found in block foundations and results from foundation sinking and settlement. If the cracks go through the foundation, they may be minor and fixed by injection techniques. However, if it goes all the way through, something more extensive may need to be done, such as foundation underpinning using piers.
Most Common Foundation Crack Repair Methods In Illinois
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber repair is one of the newest ways to deal with foundation cracks that are causing basement walls to bow. The first thing that will need to be done is to push the wall back into place; then, the carbon fiber will be epoxied to the damaged wall in strips. It is essential that only foundation repair experts use this method; otherwise, you may cause more damage.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane foam injection is one option that we may use on more minor cracks, which is the process of injecting foam within the crack and then expanding resin to accommodate soil movement during seasonal changes.
Epoxy Injection
Epoxy injection is another option many professional foundation repair companies choose to repair cracks. However, a professional should only do this because those untrained may just cover up the underlying issues.
Drilling and Key Plugging
This method is often used in the crack that runs in a straight line and is accessible at one end. Drilling is done down the entire crack length, and plugging is done using a grout key. If you live in Illinois, you should hire your local foundation expert because, like all crack repair methods, you must know what you’re doing, or you can cause more harm to your foundation.
Grouting
Grouting is an advanced crack repair method used for wide cracks. It involves cleaning the gap, fitting grout nipples at intervals, then sealing the crack with grout flushing the crack and sealant, and then making sure it’s strong enough to withstand outside pressure.
How Much Does Foundation Repair In Illinois Cost?
The most frequent question asked is how expensive it is to repair a foundation. The truth is, without an inspection, it’s impossible to tell you how much you can expect to pay. However, we can tell you the average cost is between $386-and $1230, with the national average being $542. If there are significant issues and hydraulic piers are needed, some homeowners can expect to pay $15,000 or more. It’s highly recommended to repair any cracks right away to avoid irreversible damage. The longer it takes to fix it, the more expensive the repair will become.
How Are Foundation Repair Costs In Illinois Are Calculated
Foundation repair costs depend on several factors, including the severity of the issue, repair method, the type of foundation, accessibility to the damage for repairs, home size, soil stability, and the foundation settlement.
Most foundation repair companies charge by the hour, and you can expect to pay around $200 per hour, but you need to double-check with the company to make sure. Permits cost between $75 and $150, depending on what is required. The cost of materials can vary by a lot depending on what is needed to repair your home’s foundation. The most common materials are.
- Jacks
- Epoxy
- Polyurethane foam
- Waterproofing items
- Grout
- Cement
- Sealant
- Hydraulic piers
- Carbon fiber
- Steel reinforcement strips
- Support beams
A professional will let you know which works best for your specific situation.
Why You Must Repair Your Home’s Foundation
The cracks in your foundation walls will allow water and pests to come in, which can cause mold, mildew, and exasperate issues. Foundation damage also affects your home’s overall value. You may not think this matters unless you’re selling your home; however, this is not the case. If you need a home equity loan, disrepair may make you ineligible. The worst-case scenario is that your Illinois home can become unsafe if you put off the repair.