So your home’s foundation has finally been repaired after dealing with settlement issues. You must be feeling a huge sense of relief now that the structural work is complete. However, the job isn’t fully done yet. While the foundation repair fixes the root cause of the problem, there are still some maintenance tasks that need attention after the crews leave as foundation settling can cause other unseen damage throughout your house. Keep reading to know what you can expect after foundation repair and the key things to check on in the following weeks and months.
What To Expect After Foundation Repair
The first thing to understand is that it may take several weeks for your home to fully settle back into place after a major foundation repair. All that lifting and leveling can cause cracks and shifts throughout your walls, floors, windows and doors. Don’t be alarmed if you find new issues developing over the initial settlement period. Your house needs time to adjust to its new reinforced foundation.
Most foundation companies will recommend waiting at least 4-6 weeks before doing any major repairs inside. Let the structure “breathe” and settle naturally first. Minor cracks may get better on their own. Pay close attention during this time and make notes of any problems that persist or get worse. That way you’ll have a clear plan of action once that initial waiting period is over.
While settling occurs, don’t be surprised if floor tiles or wooden trim seem a little uneven at first. Doorways may stick. Walls may appear slightly bowed in spots. Resist the urge to fix these temporarily wonky issues immediately. Chances are good they’ll level out on their own as your house finds its stable position. Patience is key during the settling stage after foundation work.
How Long Does It Take For A House To Settle After Foundation Repair?
Most contractors estimate around 4-6 weeks for settling to finish. But this can vary depending on the extent of the foundation repair project. More minor leveling may only require 2-3 weeks to stabilize. Whereas a full underpinning or slab jacking job could potentially take longer, like 6-8 weeks, for a house to fully adjust.
Factors like the age and type of your home also play a role. An older house may settle slower due to having settled improperly for many years prior. Foundation repair fixes Whereas a newer construction would balance out faster. The best way to know for sure is to check with your foundation repair company. They can assess your individual situation and provide a more accurate settling timeline.
Is Foundation Repair Permanent?
In most cases, foundation repair is meant to provide a long-term permanent solution when done correctly. Good reinforcement of the root problem and caretaking of your home long-term, foundation repairs should hold strong for many years. But nothing is 100% guaranteed to never need attention again, so staying vigilant is wise. Some important points to consider about foundation repair’s lifespan:
– Foundation repair corrects underlying issues and prevents continued deterioration. But it can’t turn back time on existing damage already done to your structure.
– For repair to last, the original cause of settlement/shifting must be addressed, which could include drainage, soil conditions, tree roots etc.
– Normal aging and external factors like extreme weather or another project on your property could potentially cause future settling.
– Proper home maintenance post-repair like water management is key to ensure the foundation stays stabilized.
– The quality of materials and workmanship factor in as well. Cheaper/faster fixes may not stand the test of time as well as more thorough solutions.
Checking Your Home After Foundation Work:
Now that you understand what may happen in the first little while post-repair, let’s look at specific areas of your home to examine more closely as settling completes. Use this checklist as a guide over the next couple months:
Walls: Keep an eye on any new or expanding cracks, especially around windows and corners. Drywall cracks can be repaired yourself using spackle and smooth texture while larger issues may require the attention from a foundation repair professional.
Floors: Inspect hardwood, tile or laminate for warping, lifting or cracks. Level if needed before replacing damaged sections. In addition, concrete floors may also crack so fill these to avoid tripping.
Windows & Doors: Check that frames are still square and openings closing properly. To temporarily fix sticking issues, make adjustments or use new weather stripping.
Plumbing: Run all faucets and flush toilets, looking for leaks at connections. Settlement can dislodge pipes – repair any issues now versus finding expensive water damage later.
Trim & Molding: Inspect baseboards, crown and other wooden trim for cracks, gaps or bulges. Sand and refinish or replace sections to restore a quality appearance.
Foundation Vents: Ensure these remain clear and unblocked to allow proper moisture drainage out of your crawlspace and clean them as part of regular foundation care.
Outdoor Steps/Sidewalks: Cracks may appear that need addressing for safety and aesthetics. Consider using concrete crack filler products made for repairing flatwork.
Landscaping: Replenish soil or gardens displaced during work. Trim any plant growth interfering with proper drainage sloping away from your home.
Checking Your Garage:
If your garage is attached to the main house, it likely experienced some of the same settling issues that led to the foundation repair project inside. Be sure to closely examine the garage as well during the settling period and after. Some specific things to keep an eye on include:
- Cracks in garage walls, flooring or ceilings
- Potential plumbing or electrical connections that may have shifted
- The garage door tracks and rollers to ensure smooth operation
- Any cracks in the driveway approaching the garage
Most of the same fix-it tasks would apply as for the interior of your home. Catching garage repairs sooner rather than later prevents further issues like water damage down the line. A tidy, functioning garage space is important for home usability and curb appeal too.
Your Yard and Exterior Spaces:
While foundation crews focus on the structural work, leftover unsettling effects may surface in surrounding outdoor areas over the next few months as well. Take some time to walk the perimeter checking while foundation repair fixes :
- Any new cracks or settlement pops in sidewalks, patios or pathways
- Sloping of the yard – Has drainage been affected?
- Condition of trees, landscaping or fencing near the home
- Gutters and roof lines for signs of movement or need of reattachment
Repair teams can advise or assist with cosmetic fixes to flatwork or with re-grading soil slopes. But catching small exterior flaws now prevents larger remodeling jobs later should neglect allow further deterioration.
Monitoring Basement or Lowest Level Areas:
If your home has a basement level, it’s important to pay close attention down there as well through the settling period. Dampness and structural shifting particularly impact these lowest indoor areas. Catching water intrusion problems early prevents serious damage down the road and dehumidifiers may help maintain air quality if damp pockets emerge. Take time to:
- Inspect for any new cracks in walls or floors
- Check Floor drains are running freely with no blockages
- Ensure sump pump if installed is operating properly
- Watch for signs of moisture issues that could lead to mold
.
Preventing Further Settlement With Proper Drainage Solutions:
One way to really lock in the benefits of your new, stabilized foundation is to address any persistent drainage issues that contributed to the initial problems. Minor yard flooding or wet spots after rainfalls are signs more can be done. Some smart drainage investments include:
- Installing trench or French drains around the home perimeter
- Adding rain gutters and extending downspouts well away from the foundation
- Creating swales or berms to divert surface water away from the house
- Check that local soil absorption is adequate and repairs as needed
Take Care Of Issues Sooner Rather Than Later
Well folks, we’ve certainly covered a lot when it comes to what you need to do after getting your foundation repaired! If anything, this just proves how much work really goes on behind the scenes. Your house may look good as new on the outside once the crew packs up, but as any homeowner knows – the job is never truly “done done”.
That’s why monitoring things closely in the coming weeks is so important. Who wants to spend even more time checking cracks and crevices instead of relaxing? But trust us, it’ll save headaches down the line! Nothing worse than finding a musty new surprise every time it rains. Plus think of all the stress you’ll avoid! Waking up to car-sized puddles in your yard or a waterfall through your ceiling isn’t our idea of a good time. Something as simple as squeegeeing your gutters or patching a crack saves a mountain of hassle down the road. With some care, your foundation repair will stand the test of time. Then you can truly sit back and enjoy that solid sense of home sweet home. Let us know if any other questions pop up!