Symptoms of failing foundation walls in a home look different depending whether they are constructed of concrete block or poured concrete. Concrete block walls typically display horizontal cracking across the center length as it begins to bow inward near mid-height. As the problem worsens, stair-step cracking at the corners can be observed. Continued inward pressure exerted on the concrete block wall can also result in horizontal shearing at a mortar joint, where the bottom row...

When do most homeowners find out that their sump pump has failed? When it is too late! It is raining cats and dogs, rain water is contributing to the ground water and the water table is rising quickly. As the ground water level reaches the float activation set point. Regularly the sump pump will kick on and keep the water level below the basement slab, thereby alleviating the hydrostatic pressure below the basement floor. Sadly,...

Have you ever heard of the old saying “you need to build your home on a rock rather than loose sandy soil?” Well this might not be the case with a building foundation. Smaller cracks aren't going to be as big of a problem as larger ones, but don't forget that smaller foundation cracks can get bigger. If you have small hairline cracks in your building foundation, usually this won't become a problem unless they...

A front stoop set of stairs or even a porch can settle. In fact, of all the issues we see in foundation settlement, front stoops/stairs and porches rank in the top 3 (along with chimneys leaning and garage column settlement). Front stoops, stairs and porches are typically built on the front of homes within the first few feet of the foundation.  When a house has a basement, or has a deep crawlspace, the soils on...

Are you scared that you need foundation repair because you've noticed cracks in your foundation slab? Or maybe in your basement you've seen cracks spreading through the walls? Don't panic. It's not the end of the world. Now don't misunderstand, cracks in your foundation are potentially serious. But there are also quite a few misconceptions about foundation repair. Once you sort through and better understand them, you should be able to breathe a bit easier...

Sometimes its hard to know when you need to waterproof your basement. Yes its true, some people go down into their basement, see that it is fine and go about their merry business but what they don’t realize is that basement mold and water damage accumulates silently and then spreads like wildfire and it becomes a hassle to get rid of. So when you first move into your new home make sure you check the...

This is a common question that your friends at A-1 Foundation Crack Repair field on a recurring basis.  Step cracks are very common occurrence in concrete block walls. A recurring form of home foundation damage is for cracks to originate as horizontal cracks, and over time, begin to step down, or up, along the mortar joints. Typically, there is a tremendous amount of pressure pushing from the outside, whether it be expansive soil, tree roots...

Of all the residential foundation repair services we offer, we feel the common sense advice offered in our A-1 Foundation Crack Repair Blog to be vitally important. Please consider the following common sense winter protective measures for your home’s foundation.  Every year we service customers who could have avoided freeze-related water damage.  We highly recommend, sooner than later, that you: •Locate your water main cut-off valve in the event you need to shut it off...

Foundation Repair definitely is something you will want to address within your home. It is not something you want to overlook and ignore hoping it will fix itself. We have been in the business of foundation crack repair for a long time and did some research on the subject and came across the following facts. Safety must come first when it comes to this topic. Many homeowners experience the need for foundation repair. It's definitely...

If you own your a home, or have rental properties, mold removal should be on the top of your list of concerns. Few things are less inviting than a house with a musty basement smell. Not only is it uninviting, but it is also unhealthy. If a house has a basement leak and needs repairs, you can be sure that the water damage will be pervasive and affect the entire house. There is a high...