Foundation Repair Contractor in Coral Springs, FL
Fix broken or damaged foundation in Commercial or Residential structures before the problem gets worse.
Is Your Foundation Showing Signs of Failure?
If you spot cracks in the walls of your home or business, it could be a sign that the foundation supporting your structure has been damaged. The good news is that foundations can be repaired and your structure can be saved You will want to act quickly since the problem can get worse over time. Foundation repair projects should be addressed as soon as possible.
NOTE: Because of the significance of a home’s foundation, the law requires that foundation repair work must be done by a licensed general contractor. The law was put in place to protect homeowners and business owners, and to prevent more severe problems from arising down the line.
When facing something as potentially serious as foundation damage, you’re going to have questions…Can foundation cracks be repaired? Can you live in a house during the foundation repair process? What is the best foundation repair method?… So, be sure to find someone that you can trust and who is willing to explain the ins and outs of foundation repair and options like concrete lifting and waterproofing, to you.
Just don’t put things off too long. When it comes to foundation repairs and concrete lifting, the longer you wait, the worse things can get.
Are foundation problems common in South Florida?
What are the most common causes of foundation damage in South Florida?
As we mentioned, South Florida’s sandy soil is often a factor in foundation damage. A licensed general contractor will know if the soil supporting any given residential or commercial structure could be contributing to foundation problems.
Oftentimes, the native sandy soil is mixed with other materials, such as rocks or coquina shells to make it more course, compactable and stable. (Have you ever been doing some gardening around your house and started digging up lots of little pebbles or bits of crushed shells? It might not be ideal for begonias but finding that kind of soil is a good sign that the land was prepared properly before the concrete slab your house is built on was poured.)
And speaking of gardening, planting trees too close to a structure can undermine the foundation. Trees – especially trees that need a lot of water – can pull moisture from the soil leading to settlement or sinking.
- INSIDER’S TIP: Some trees, such as the ficus tree, also have very invasive roots that can inflict a lot of damage on cement driveways, pool decks and patios as well as foundations. (When it comes to ficus trees, you really can’t get far enough away from the house. Coral Springs native and licensed general contractor Adam Hoffmann says that your best bet is to avoid them completely.)
Too much moisture can be a problem, too. And South Florida definitely gets its share of moisture! If you have had a major plumbing leak somewhere in the past or if your property isn’t properly graded and water tends to collect around the foundations, a number of problems could develop, ranging from a mold infestation to foundation cracks.
Signs you may have a problem with your foundation
- Cracks in drywall/interior walls (common locations might include above door frames.)
- Cracks in exterior walls
- Gaps around doors or windows on the outside of your home
- Cracks running across cement garage floors
- Warped, uneven, sloping or sagging floors
- Gaps between exterior walls
- Water collecting near your house or in a crawl space
- Cracked crown molding
- Damp, musty odors
- Windows or doors that stick or don’t close properly
- Separation between an interior wall and the ceiling or floor
- Cracks in exterior brick walls
- Cracks in ceilings
- Visible cracks in the foundation itself
- Failed waterproofing
- Soil separation around the foundation
- Gapping or separation of exterior trim
Does foundation repair in Coral Springs require a permit?
Yes! The work must be done by a licensed general contractor who pulls a permit.
What is the best method for foundation repair?
The best method of foundation repair will depend on the type and extent of the damage. Common methods include:
- Piers, which come in a variety of materials and formats (steel, concrete, spot piers, helical piers, segmented piers). They can provide long-lasting stabilization when a foundation has been compromised.
- Polyurethane foam – high density foam is great in an emergency
- Masonry patches and sealants can be used to protect from further damage
- Slab-jacking, or concrete lifting, can be a more cost-effective solution that replacing the foundation.
Is foundation repair considered a capital improvement?
It can be. If you catch the problem early enough, the foundation repair process may be relatively minor and would probably be considered maintenance. If extensive work is required, the repairs to your foundation could easily be considered a capital improvement. (Experts remind us that if something is considered maintenance, it does not qualify as a capital improvement.)
What is the cost to repair a Commercial or Residential foundation in Coral Springs?
Expect to pay approximately $6,0000 – $7,000 to repair a small to medium sized foundation failure in Coral Springs, FL. That includes materials, labor and all required permits. In this case, the walls of the structure would be cracking and the strata underneath the foundation is dissipating. The repair method would be pin piles. The cost will vary depending on the extent of the damage and which of the various foundation repair methods your contractor recommends.
For a free assessment of your failing foundation, contact Access General Contractor. Locally owned and operated by Adam Hoffmann, a licensed and insured general contractor who lives in Coral Springs. Access General Contractor has been helping South Florida homeowners with foundation repairs as well as a range of renovation projects and new construction for 17+ years.
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