Your home's foundation is incredibly important to support your home. However, damage can cause severe issues, including flooding. If you would like to know more about foundation damage and repair, so you can better protect your home investment, keep reading.

What Causes Foundation Damage?

Foundation damage is caused by many issues, and some are easier to prevent than others. One of the leading causes of foundation damage is water. You can help prevent water damage by ensuring your yard slopes away from the house, keeping your gutters cleaned to prevent spilling water, and installing water and moisture barriers.

If you don't have adequate drainage, you may also experience more soil erosion than normal. This may cause the foundation to sink. Dry moisture swells the soil, which lifts part of the foundation. Alternatively, when the soil dries, it may cause the foundation to sink.

Other causes of foundation damage may include natural sinkhole formation, improper construction, and tree roots.

What Are the Consequences of Foundation Damage?

If you don't address foundation damage, it can lead to many issues. Excess water can lead to erosion and cracks, which may expose your floor and/or crawlspace to flooding and/or water damage. Excess moisture may also attract pests and promote mold growth. If the ground sinks or swells, and your foundation drops or rises, it may crack, especially if it doesn't move evenly.

How Can You Repair Your Foundation?

Foundation repair is best done by professionals, but you may be able to patch small cracks yourself. However, fixing the cracks alone won't solve the underlying issue. In many cases, technicians need to lift the sunken foundation with polyurethane foam jacking. In other cases, they'll use concrete pressed piling or various types of piers.

Depending on the underlying cause of the damage, you may also need other services, such as gutter repair and replacement, tree and root removal, and improved drainage.

How Much Is Foundation Repair?

Foundation repair costs can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs. However, on average, repairs for moderate foundation damage start at $8,000 to $12,000. However, smaller repairs like repairing cracks may only cost $400 to $800. Fixing the soil and adding piers comes with an average cost of $3,500 to $5,000.

If you are worried about the condition of your foundation, it may be time for an inspection and some repairs. If ignored, damage can lead to severe issues like flooding. Contact a local foundation repair service to learn more.