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Foundation Repair 101 – Common Causes of Foundation Failure Southwest Marietta, GA

Several tell-tale warning signs of foundation failure present themselves during the various stages of your foundation’s demise. These include windows and doors not closing or opening correctly, and diagonal cracks forming at the corners of your home’s interior walls. Additional signs include visible cracks in the concrete foundation, warped floors, cracked bricks, and new separations around your garage doors, or home’s windows or doors. If your home is experiencing foundation failure, it is a good idea to brush up on some of the common causes of foundation failure so you can avoid the situation happening again after it has been properly prepared.

Top Five Reasons for Foundation Failure

Evaporation

When the weather in your area constantly fluctuates from extremely wet to extremely dry, or vice versa, the soil under your home can contract and expand in relation to these weather changes. The process of the soil underneath your foundation swelling and shrinking causes your foundation to elevate and settle. Therefore, the repeated effects of this generally call for immediate foundation repair services. The foundation repair company will then re-align your home’s foundation, and seal the cracks in your foundation, so that it is better equipped to handle these random changes to the soil beneath it.

Transpiration

Trees, outdoor decorative plants and other types of vegetation around the foundation of your home need large amounts of water to flourish. If they remain inadequately watered, they will “drink” from the soil underneath and around your home. This process, called transpiration, causes the soil underneath your foundation to dry out in certain places. Because some areas of your soil are now dehydrated, differential settlement of your foundation occurs. At this point, foundation repair services must be utilized to re-balance your home’s foundation, making it secure again from cracking or splitting from uneven soil and water pressure.

Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks are notorious for eliciting foundation repair services. You most likely think to call a foundation repair company after a large plumbing leak to assess any damage. However, minor leaks left undetected can also contribute to cracks or other types of failure within your foundation. If you notice an increase in your monthly water bill, it is best to have a foundation repair company come out and look for small problems before they become larger and more expensive to fix.

Drainage

Sometimes it is not what is coming in to your foundation, as much as what is not leaving it. If you fail to properly waterproof the area around your foundation, excess moisture can build up and cause your foundation to swell. In Georgia most homes are built on clay soils which are not good acquifers, meaning clay tends to hold water rather than allow it to soak through into deeper areas. Clay soils expand and contract quite a bit based on water content thus clay soils exert pressure on foundations or pull away thereby allowing foundations to settle or crack.

Poor Building Site

In recent years, building codes have improved to protect against sinking foundations due to poor building site conditions. However, if you own a older home, your sinking foundation might be attributed to unsatisfactory materials, unskilled labor construction mistakes or defective home construction design plans. Your reputable foundation repair company will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your foundation failure after a thorough inspection of your home’s foundation.

Certainly you can hire a foundation repair company to address foundation cracks, settling or other structural deformities. In some cases you may be able to recognize potential causes of foundation problems and take proactive steps to prevent costly problems. If you believe that your foundation may be subject to any of theses common causes for foundation failure, call a foundation repair expert for a free evaluation.

Posted on behalf of John Anglin, Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs

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Our Client Reviews

Anglin's Foundation & Masonry Repairs

4.8 / 5.0

Based on 55 reviews

Tammy S.

From start to finish, everyone at Anglin's was amazing! Gus was responsive, always answered his phone, knowledgeable, professional, honest and fair. He went above and beyond to make a stressful situation less stressful. Scheduling was a breeze and the crew that arrived on the job (on time, I might add) were courteous, respectful and efficient. They allowed me to watch and take pictures, and explained the process step-by-step, as well as what results were to be expected. Iggy was so knowledgeable, professional and amazing. He was able to pin point a problem that 2 other competing companies couldn't explain or relay in layman's terms what needed to be done and why. He was an absolute superstar in easing the mind of the buyers purchasing the house. His 27 years experience was so valuable. Shelly was quick to send paid invoices and warranty information. Everyone did an amazing job and I would recommend them highly.

Penelope Greensmith

I cannot say enough good things about GUS at Anglin’s Foundation and Masonry! GUS, was fast and gave a free estimate on raising, reattaching and fixing my brick stairs. I will be sure to post before and after photos! Thank you GUS for your no nonsense, straight forward approach! Thank you for listening to me! The Greensmith’s

Regina Renee Kalasz

Today was a install of a 2nd beam for our house... first one was easy, 2nd one gave them a run for their money. But they stuck it out and got it done! Awesome work! I'd throw a + behind my 5 stars if I could. Sorry I held your crew up, but they were determined to get it done with no issues. So shout out to your team Chris, Leo and Dan!

Scott Lapin

The team that lifted our chimney was prompt, courteous and efficient. Other then the repair, you simply could not tell they were even there despite the fact they had to remove part of our deck to do the work. I would HIGHLY recommend them.

Melissa Reed

Diagnosis and estimate from a picture, arrived as scheduled, done in just a couple hours and results were absolutely amazing. Price, workmanship, clean up - everything was absolutely 5 star!! Highly recommend these folks!!! I must add, 2 other well known and much advertised companies came out and estimated 6x the work and price, claiming we had more issues than what was actually going on. These guys call it like it is - honesty and integrity are hard to find in construction.

Dana Brennan

This crew is top notch. Worked with the office and mainly with Gus on site who was great. Showed up early, super knowledgeable, tons of experience. We really felt served in the way he recommended only what needed to be done and at a great price. Had another company wanting to add in other extras and unnecessary work. HIGHLY recommend Anglin!!

Aaron Gray

Quick to call back and totally honest. I wasn't sure if I had a foundation issue or a flooring issue but after a few questions, Nathan helped to figure out that it thankfully wasn't a foundation issue. Insteand of trying to sell me a job, Nathan helped me to make a good decision. I hope I never have foundation issues but if I do, this is the company I'm hiring.

Jake Herman

Another masonry contractor referred us to Anglin because we had a concern about the structural integrity of our chimneys. We were told that they were the best people to talk to. I called them and they actually came by to assess my house within two hours. Although I was fully prepared to spend a lot of money to stabilize my chimneys, he did a full assessment and very honestly told me that my chimneys were fine and just needed some caulking where the mortar met the brick. I greatly respect his expertise and honesty and would recommend him without reservation.

A Proven Value
Since 1930

John Anglin

John Anglin "I Fix It For Life
the First Time"

Anglin's Foundation & Masonry Repairs 1027 Oregon Trail Southwest Marietta GA, 30008
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Financing available through Regions Bank. Must be approved to Qualify. Call Anglin’s for Details: (770) 422-2924