New York City has seen more and more severe weather over the course of the past ten years. Many residents still aren’t entirely prepared to deal with the changes that kind of severe weather brings.
The good news is that there are several foundation repair professionals working throughout NYC who can help you reclaim your business. Where, though, do you start?
What Causes a Foundation Leak?
There are a lot of potential causes behind your foundation leak. More often than not, these causes will work together, as your foundation is far more likely to crack after long-term exposure to stress than it is after one major event.
With that in mind, what are some of the most common causes behind a foundation leak? Professional contractors cite the following:
- Heavy rain
- Shifting soil
- The material’s response to the weather
- Large trees with invasive root systems near your business
Signs to Look Out For
At first glance, a foundation leak will look a lot like a basement leak. The untrained eye will have a difficult time telling these two apart – which is why you need to call a professional as soon as you suspect something may be wrong with your foundation.
For example, what’s a business owner supposed to do if the foundation of her shop starts to leak?
There is one clear difference between these two types of leaks, however. Foundation leaks often have the most significant effect on your building’s supports. If you think you have a leak on your hands, keep an eye out for the following:
- Bowing walls
- Shifting floors
- Gaps at the joints of your foundation
- Sticking doors
- Foggy windows
- Water-damaged belongings or furniture
- Mold
Some business owners, unfortunately, are slow to act when it comes to a foundation leak. Many myths surrounding the foundation repair business suggest that waiting will make a leak go away on its own or that foundation repair is just too expensive to invest in.
Neither of these myths are true. If you let a foundation crack go for too long, you’ll start to see symptoms outside of your building, as well. The most common include:
- Vertical cracks in your walls
- A cracked chimney
- Cracks running horizontally across your foundation
- Sinking
Fixing a Foundation Leak
Once you’ve identified a foundation leak, it’s time to get on with the repairs. Most contractors will provide you with a free inspection and initial quote that’ll let you know what kind of repairs will serve your business or home best. That said, you’ll be able to select your repair solution from a broad catalog.
Some of the most common foundation repair solutions include:
- Piering
- Underpinning
- Leveling and slabjacking
- Sealing
- Subfloor drainage
Taking Back What’s Yours
It’s tempting to try and fix your foundation on your own, especially if you’re well-versed in the world of DIY. While, in theory, this mindset is sound, it can actually cause you a lot of grief. If someone without the proper experience tries to fi your foundation, they may end up worsening an already-bad leak. What’s worse is that your eventual bill for repairs is going to be more expensive than it would have been otherwise, as the professional you contract is going to have to remove your DIY solution before getting on with repairs.
When in doubt, then, let a professional foundation repair contractor take a look at your foundation. When you work with a professional, you’ll be able to reclaim your home or business in little to no time at all.
To read more on topics like this, check out the House Category.
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