A house is only as strong as its foundation, and when foundation repair services are needed, it's important to act quickly. Home foundation repair in Missouri may sound intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. The pros at Smouse Brothers have the experience and expertise to repair your foundation so your home and your family remain safe and secure. Let's look at some common foundation issues and how to spot them so you can schedule a free estimate on your foundation repair.

Common Foundation Issues in Southwest Missouri

Foundation issues can happen anywhere, and southwest Missouri is no exception. Cracks are one of the most common issues we see, usually when a building settles into the soil. Cracks can also be caused when the soil around the foundation begins to push against it, which allows water to seep into your crawl space or basement. This can cause significant water damage, and your home's structural integrity will begin to suffer without foundation crack repair.

The Ozark's ever-changing seasons and soil erosion can also lead to sinking foundations. The solution and plan for repair will depend on what's causing the problem and how extensive it has become. In most cases, quick action leads to cost-effective and less invasive solutions.

It's very common to find water leaking from cracks in your basement walls and floors. If it's not dealt with, it could lead to significant water damage and flooding in your property.

Foundation issues can be caused by the following:

  • Dry and wet weather cycles produce a constantly changing soil bed under your home’s foundation. The expansion and contraction of the soil over time can weaken the support for your foundation and cause it to settle and crack.
  • Foundation drainage problems can be caused by too much moisture as well as too little. Standing water around your home, large amounts of water dumped by gutter downspouts or a negative slope of the area around your home can cause saturated soil.
  • Different soils have differing potential to shrink and swell. The more expansive the soil around your home, the more your foundation may by subject to movement.
  • Beware of trees and tree roots. A large tree may drink up to 150 gallons of water per day through its roots. When these roots are under or near your foundation, the drying process may cause a portion of the soil to shrink. The differential in moisture content below the home may cause one part of the foundation to move more than others.
  • A water leak under slab will create excessive moisture in one area under your foundation and may cause that area to heave upward or disturb the stability of your slab.

These problems worsen if left unaddressed.

A thorough and proper concrete foundation repair solution addressing all of these issues is the surest way to reduce symptoms such as cracks.

Signs of Foundation Issues

Early detection can save you thousands of dollars in house foundation repair. But how do you know if your foundation needs expert care? Some early signs include small cracks along the foundation of your property. Often, these can be repaired easily by patching the cracks and fixing drainage issues around the exterior of your home.

Other red flags that your foundation needs repair include:

  • Space between the soil and your home's foundation
  • Cracks on interior walls
  • Flooring that's sloped, bulging, or has new cracks that appear
  • Windows and doors that don't open properly
  • Bowing walls
  • Warped ceilings
  • Water pooling or water damage in the basement or crawl space

Signs of foundation issues can be scary, but they're not always extensive or expensive. Early detection is key, and hiring the right company will ensure that your property's foundation is solid. Smouse Bros. will show up, diagnose the problem, and create a plan that will keep your home secure.

Importance of Professional Foundation Repair

Foundation repair services aren't the type of projects you can DIY with your own tools and plenty of gumption. When it comes to the structural integrity of a building, it's best to leave the work to the pros. Foundation repair calls for very specific heavy equipment, precise planning, and problem-solving skills that only an expert in the field should be trusted to tackle.

Often, homeowners notice foundation issues, and they put them off because they seem minor, and they're afraid foundation repair will be too costly. Unfortunately, minor issues lead to bigger problems, which are always more expensive and more involved. Foundation issues don't fix themselves, and they will only get worse without intervention.

Get Expert Foundation Repair in Springfield, MO

Smouse Brothers is a locally owned business with over 15 years of experience in foundation repair and waterproofing across SW Missouri and NW Arkansas. Our team has a customer-focused approach, and we're committed to providing foundation repair services that exceed expectations every time. We've built our business on a solid foundation of values, including integrity, reliability, and high-quality workmanship. If you'd like to learn more about our business or you have questions about your foundation, contact us today. We'll be happy to provide answers and a free quote on your foundation repair.