Foundation facts every Montgomery homeowner should know
Although the Montgomery county area may look “landlocked” on a map, it actually sits in the northern part of a broad and ancient coastal plain. This means that there are many low and moderately sloping areas that can experience significant flooding or groundwater changes. Alabama soil types, mostly of different proportions of sand, clay and loam, can also vary a lot depending on where your property sits.
Some parts of Montgomery county have mostly sandy soil that’s relatively stable from one season to the next and allows groundwater to flow freely around and away from concrete structures. Other areas contain higher concentrations of clay that can expand and contract a lot during normal seasonal changes or extreme weather conditions.
We tend to think of the ground underneath our homes as being solid and immovable, but it’s actually shifting all the time. As soil swells and shrinks, even with normal seasonal cycles, it can put a surprising amount of strain on parts of a structure that sit below ground. Over time, soil movement or the added effects of hydrostatic pressure (the combined force of gravity and pooled water) can push the structure far beyond the loads it was designed to withstand.
These factors often lead to structural issues, requiring the help of an experienced foundation repair company that can service homes in Montgomery, AL using piers.
Dealing with foundation damage? Know the symptoms to look for
The more information you have, the more prepared you’ll be to protect your home, which is one of the biggest lifetime investments anyone can make. It’s important to remember that all structures settle over time and will show normal aging and wear. What you want to watch out for are the most common signs of real foundation problems in the Montgomery area.
- Large cracks in interior or exterior walls, especially near masonry joints
- Changes in flooring such as large separations or the feeling of walking downhill
- Windows and doors that start to stick or jam where they once worked normally
- Exterior structural features like chimneys or balconies that begin to tilt or sag
- Bowed or bulging basement walls or water leaking through masonry
- Accumulation of moisture, mold, or mildew in basements or crawl spaces
There’s no need to panic if you observe one or more of these warning signs, but it is very important to act quickly. Once a foundation starts to deteriorate, it only gets worse over time. The longer you wait, the worse the damage can get, and the more repair costs may go up.
Not sure where to start? Have a Certified member from our team come take a look and diagnose the problem. Once we’ve found the source, we’ll clearly explain all your possible solutions.
A word about crawl spaces
It’s been scientifically proven that your house interacts continuously with the surrounding soil, air, ground water, and weather conditions. Although it’s not actually “alive” – it is constantly expanding, contracting and “breathing” with temperature, moisture and seasonal changes. Your crawl space plays a key role in this circulation process, and when unwanted moisture invades and collects, it can have a negative impact on the air quality in the entire home.
Crawl space encapsulation
is the most effective and affordable way to protect your home from the unhealthy effects of mold and mildew. It also keeps moisture from attacking and weakening critical structural elements of your foundation. A clean, dry crawl space can cut down your energy costs and eliminate the conditions that attract pests like insects and rodents. Finally, a professionally encapsulated crawl space can extend the life and increase the value of your home. Always include your crawl space as part of a complete foundation inspection routine.
Getting the right advice at the right time can make all the difference
To protect your investment, regular foundation inspections are a vital part of home upkeep. Why not have a certified technician from your local Olshan office do a free onsite assessment and diagnose any potential problems? Minor issues can often be corrected or prevented with simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself remedies. The most reputable foundation repair companies will recommend an annual preventive maintenance routine you can easily manage on your own.
Innovation, Quality and Superior Customer Service
It’s only a matter of time before weaknesses in your foundation lead to major repairs. To save money and protect your home, regular foundation maintenance and inspection is necessary. For over 90 Years, Olshan has provided expert foundation repair for home and business owners.
Choose Olshan for Foundation Repair in Montgomery
- Experience – over eight decades of experience repairing home, slab and block foundations
- Technology – innovative Cable Lock™ technology that extends the life of your home
- Warranty – available Lifetime Warranty for all foundation repairs
Montgomery Foundation Repair – Free Estimate Today
Any questions? Call today and speak with a friendly customer service rep. We can answer general questions over the phone and setup a Free Estimate to discuss the specifics of your foundation repair in Montgomery, AL. We also gladly serve surrounding regions such as Auburn, Troy, Prattville, and Columbus, GA.
