The foundation is single-handedly the most important part of a well-built and long-lasting home in Mobile. One minor issue with the foundation could result in major structural repairs for the rest of the home, so it can be a scary situation for a homeowner when they may think their foundation is compromised. 

Humidity, soil conditions, and basement flooding are just a few issues you may come across, and our team at SouthernDry is here to provide affordable foundation repairs whenever you may need them.

In order to find the exact problem with a foundation, the first thing to look at is the soil. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Mobile sits on a coastal plain with 4 main types of soil and they are mainly of the clay and loam variety. 

Loam is made up of sand and clay, which makes it one of the more ideal foundation soils. It provides support, and the clay expands and shrinks with the moisture content in wet and dry periods. When the soil under the foundation contracts and expands evenly, it provides the perfect environment. When it contracts and expands unevenly, that’s when the problems start.  

The alternating wet and dry periods in Mobile can be a big stressor on foundations, and the alternating pressure and shifting can weaken your foundation. Mobile foundations can be impacted  by local issues such as:

• Excessive rain and wind
• Hurricanes
• No Erosion Management

There are other ways that Mother Nature can compromise the integrity of your foundation like:

• Excessive snow melt or storm runoff
• Tree roots that push on the foundation or suck moisture away from soil
• Frost heave that causes major freezing and thawing
• Seepage from in-ground pools

Sometimes, it’s a design, installation, or maintenance error. Some things that can affect the integrity of a home’s foundation are:

• Improperly installed rain gutters
• Improper preparation of the soil under the foundation slab
• Plumbing and sewer leaks that go undetected
• Drainage that causes water to pool around the foundation 

How Do I Know My Foundation Needs Repair?

If the foundation of a home is compromised it will affect the integrity of the entire house. A homeowner may notice:

• Wall or Window Separation
• Uneven floors
• Cracked floors
• Cracked bricks
• Crumbling concrete
• Slanted mortar joints
• Water damage that may cause mold or mildew

How Will My Foundation Be Repaired?

How your foundation is compromised will determine the method used for repair. Some repairs only require a minimal amount of work, and others require more extensive repairs. The more you know about foundation repairs will help guide you in deciding which method to use.

• Spot Piers
  • These smaller, more shallow piers are used for light load replacements. Usually they are dug out by hand in strategic spots, and then filled with concrete and backfilled. This repair choice is for minor solutions for light structures and porches or car ports.
• Slab Repair
  • This repair type is fast and relatively low cost. High density polyurethane is injected below an unsupported concrete slab to make it stable. This method is also used to lift cracked concrete driveways. The only downside to this option is the polyurethane does break down over time. 
• Concrete Piers
  • Poured in place concrete piers were preferred before steel piers, and are still used in repairs to this day. It is an adequate solution, but requires machinery to drill, which may be costly and tear up the landscaping in your yard.
• Steel Piers
  • An engineering improvement to the concrete pier, steel piers are effictive in repairing a lot of foundation issues, and can be installed much more quickly than poured concrete. This process is also a lot less disruptive to your property and landscaping,
• Helical Piers
  • These piers are the most user friendly out of the bunch. They are designed to do exactly what steel and concrete piers do, but in an easier and more customizable way. They are more versatile and are used to connect the foundation to deeper, more stable soil, and offer the best possible support for your structure. 

How Much Will It Cost To Repair My Foundation?

As soon as someone considers that they might have a problem with their foundation, dollar signs start to flash behind their eyes. Have no fear, these things are repairable, if they are handled right away. Waiting to repair your foundation in Mobile will not only cause more damage to your home, it will also put a dent in your pocketbook, so it’s important to act fast to project your home and save money.

To determine how much it will cost to repair your foundation there are a few factors to take into consideration like:

• The property elevation and soil types
• Age and location of the home
• Methods and materials used to lay the foundation
• The identification and extent of damage to structure
• Local price and availability of materials needed to complete job

Fixr claims the national average cost of a foundation repair to be between $500 for some minor cracks to $10,000 for a total lift and upheaval of the foundation. Now it’s important to keep in mind that the extreme end is not typical of what homeowners in Mobile experience. 

HomeAdvisor did a survey of 2,600 homeowners across the United States who had foundation repairs. They found the median cost to be around $4,173, with the median range between $2,136 and $7,425 to repair their foundation to “like new” condition. 

At SouthernDry, we have found that the average cost of foundation repair in Mobile using helical piers to be in the range of $8,600 – $11,467, depending on the size of the home and the problems affecting it. 

When you suspect the integrity of your foundation has been compromised, it is imperative to take action sooner rather than later. There is no need to panic, with the right professional company, the repairs to your foundation can be affordable and last your home a lifetime. The most important thing you can do is make sure you hire a reputable, local company like SouthernDry to check things out and help inform you on the status of your foundation. Give us a call today 205-719-2544 to schedule a free evaluation!

FAQ

Will I Be Able To Sell My Home After a Foundation Repair?

Yes! As long as the repair methods are FHA, HUD, and VA approved.

How Long Will The Repair Take?

Depending on the severity of the damage to your foundation, it could take between a couple of days to a week and a half. Most projects are completed within a few days.