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Concrete Slab Foundations

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A home's foundation is the bottom-most layer that provides the support for a home. Depending on the part of the country, the size of the home and when it was built, the type of foundation may vary. Concrete slab foundations are the most common; some are built to sustain crawl spaces or basements. Other foundation types are pier and beam, pile and spread foundations. Regardless of the type, all will require at some point foundation repair. Signs of a foundation in need of repair include cracks in the walls, bricks, drywall, tile or even the foundation itself. Other signs are sticky doorjambs and windows, sloping floors, cracking or separating chimneys or fascia board. In some cases, mold may accumulate in the cracks. Whether too much or not enough, water is the main culprit in foundation repair cases. Over-saturated soil expands pushing into the home and foundation and over time loses stability, causing the foundation to again move and crack. Dry soil on the other hand contracts, pulling away from the perimeter of the home, leaving little support for the foundation, causing shifts and cracks. When foundation problems begin to appear it is crucial to repair them as soon as possible. Early foundation repairs may prevent further problems down the road and save …show more content…

Interview foundation repair companies to find their area of expertise and to obtain bids. Based on your research, then ask for referrals to obtain customer insight into the company and process. Ask the companies about warranties, guarantees, how they handle unexpected findings that increase the initial bid and cost estimate. Also ask them how they propose to repair the damaged foundation and what to expect about the time of the project and any pre-project work you will need to do. Some repairs require that mantels and walls are emptied or basements cleared

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