Foundation Repairs: Why to Do Them Sooner Rather Than Later

When you’re a homeowner, the home repair to-do list can feel never-ending. There’s no way most of us can ever truly get through all the things we’d like to do to our homes, so that means we all end up having to identify our priorities. What’s at the top of your list? If you’ve noticed little cracks developing in your foundation, you may not think that’s something to do immediately. You may be right, but what if you’re wrong?

Yes, some cracks are to be expected; all houses settle and shift. However, if those cracks widen or spread, you could be in for some major foundation problems and major expenses. Failing to address foundation repairs promptly could result in bigger cracks, and if the foundation is unstable, your windows, door frames, and sheetrock can suffer.

In short, the longer you wait to repair your foundation, the more damage your home is likely to sustain. The soil is going to keep expanding when rains, contracting when it’s hot and dry, and causing your foundation to move around. Every time the season’s change and the foundation shifts, your home’s structure will get a little bit weaker. You’ll start to see doors and windows that stick or gam, cracks will appear in your sheetrock or exterior bricks, and your plumbing will start to show signs of stress. The more time that passes, the worse these problems will get, and bigger problems are more expensive. What’s more, the cost of labor and materials is always going up, so putting it off could end up putting a serious dent in your budget.

For minor cracks, you could use a DIY foundation crack repair kit. It pays to get an expert opinion, though, because you don’t want a superficial fix for a profound problem. A basement crack repair, for instance, may look like it’s holding up until the next shift when it cracks again. If you call in a professional, you’ll have someone who knows what to do and stands behind the job once it’s done. When it’s time to choose a contractor, shop around. Look into the reputations and experience of different foundation repair companies before you commit to one. It may take a little bit of extra time to do your research, but that’s ok. While you don’t want to wait another season for foundation repair, it’s not an emergency that needs to be fixed the same day you notice the problem.

If you need help with your basement or foundation, Reliable Basement Services is here for you. A family-owned and operated company, we’ve served the greater Chicagoland area for over a decade. We offer a full spectrum of basement services, charging reasonable rates for work that includes crack repairs, sump pump systems, basement waterproofing, basement windows, and floor repair. Our consistently high standards have made us an award-winning Chicago basement waterproofing contractor, so call us at (630) 318-4888 or visit our website.