One of the major questions any homeowner has during foundation repair is, How long will my repair last? While some contractors come up with a rough number of years to satisfy the clients, understanding the longevity of a foundation repair extends beyond quoting a number of years. In reality, the longevity of a foundation repair depends on the type of repair performed and if the job went without any hiccups. Not all foundation repairs last for the same number of years, and anyone who tells you it does is just trying to get on your good side.
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Concrete repairs:
Concrete repairs are one of the more common types of repairs and can have longevity anywhere from five to fifteen years. The average lifespan for concrete repairs is about ten years. Concrete repairs don’t last as long as other types of repairs because, over time, the ground will settle and cause the repair to crack or sink.
Pilings:
Pilings are another common repair type with a slightly longer lifespan than concrete repairs. Pilings can last anywhere from fifteen to twenty-five years. The main reason why pilings have a longer lifespan is that they go deeper into the ground, which provides more stability.
Foundation crack sealant:
A foundation crack sealant works by filling the crack with a waterproof sealant. The sealant will prevent water from seeping into the crack and causing further damage. Foundation crack sealants have a lifespan of five to ten years.
Soil stabilization:
Soil stabilization is a type of repair meant to stop the soil from moving. This type of repair can last anywhere from twenty to thirty years. The main reason soil stabilization has such a long lifespan is because it stops the root cause of foundation problems, which is moving in the soil. However, there are a few risks associated with soil stabilization. The ground could settle unevenly, which would cause the repair to crack. Another risk is that plants could grow through the stabilization material, which would cause the repair to fail.
Slab jacking:
Another common method of foundation repair, slab jacking, can last for twenty to thirty years. Slab jacking is a process where concrete is pumped under the foundation slab to raise it back into place. The main reason why slab jacking has such a long lifespan is because it does not require any excavation.
As you can see, many factors will determine the longevity of your foundation repair. The best way to ensure that your repair lasts as long as possible is to hire a reputable contractor who uses high-quality materials. In addition, you should have your foundation inspected every few years to catch any problems early on. An inspection will allow you to catch any issues early on and fix them before they cause further damage. You should also have your foundation repaired by a professional contractor with experience with the type of repair you need. Trying to repair yourself could result in further damage and a shorter lifespan for the repair. While these are on the professional side of things, there are a few things that you, as a homeowner, can do to ensure that your foundation repairs last for a long time.
One is to ensure that the area around your home’s foundation is well-drained. This means ensuring that rainwater and melting snow are diverted away from the foundation and that any gutters and downspouts are in good working order.
Also, keep an eye on the trees near your home. While extra greenery is never a bad idea, trees with roots that grow too close to the foundation can cause cracks and other damage, so it’s important to have them trimmed back periodically.
Something else you can do to extend the lifespan of your home’s foundation is to have it inspected regularly by a professional. This way, any potential problems can be caught early and repaired before they cause major damage. Also, don’t take foundation problems lightly; call in for professional help as soon as possible. DIY repairs will only do so much and may even end up causing more damage if not done properly.
The bottom line is no repair will last forever. Over time, foundation repairs will need to be redone if they start causing more and more problems. The best advice we could give to help you with foundation troubles is to cut the problem at its source. If you have been experiencing foundation problems due to soil movement, try to limit the amount of water that goes into the soil. In the long run, cutting the problem at its source is the best way to get rid of foundation problems and ensure that foundation repairs last the longest. And if you start noticing problems with the repair, contact your repair personnel. Most companies issue a warranty/ guarantee for their repairs, and you can cash in on it.
