78% of Homes in Marietta, GA are 45+ Years Old: What to Expect with your Foundation

If you own a home in Marietta, GA, there’s a good chance it was built decades ago. With 78% of homes in the area being over 45 years old, foundation issues are a common concern. Aging homes, combined with Marietta’s humid climate and clay-rich soil, create the perfect conditions for foundation problems.

Understanding what to expect can help you address issues early and prevent costly repairs. In this article, we’ll explore the unique challenges faced by Marietta’s historic homes, and how you can protect them with proactive foundation repair.

Aging homes often lack modern waterproofing systems, making them more prone to water intrusion. This leads to a wet foundation, which weakens structural integrity and creates an environment where mold and mildew thrive. Signs of water intrusion include damp basement walls, musty odors, and pooling water near the foundation.

Foundation damage from water or soil issues, including cracks in walls and floors, bowing basement walls, and shifting foundations, are commonplace among older homes. These foundations may not have been designed to handle long-term exposure to the elements, and construction materials from decades past may naturally wear down over time.

Due to natural aging and the impact of clay-rich soil, settling and cracking are common in older homes. Small, hairline cracks may not be a major concern, but large or widening cracks can indicate serious structural problems. Similarly, some settling in older homes is natural, but extensive or uneven sinking can lead to bigger stability issues.

Over time, soil movement and erosion can cause foundations to sink unevenly. Steel push piers or helical piers are driven deep into stable soil or bedrock beneath the foundation, effectively transferring the weight of the home. This process halts further settlement while also lifting the foundation back to its original position, restoring structural integrity and preventing future damage.

Wall anchors are an effective solution for stabilizing bowing or leaning basement walls, a common issue in older homes with weakened foundation walls due to hydrostatic pressure or shifting soil. The system consists of heavy-duty steel anchors placed in the ground outside the foundation, connected to interior anchor plates via steel rods. These anchors apply lateral pressure to straighten and reinforce the walls.

Wall reinforcement solutions, such as carbon fiber strips or wall repair systems, help stabilize and strengthen deteriorating foundation walls. Carbon fiber straps provide a discreet, high-strength solution by bonding directly to the wall, preventing further cracking or bowing. Steel braces, on the other hand, are installed vertically along the interior of basement walls to counteract soil pressure and keep the structure from shifting.

Foundation damage from water and soil-related shifts are inevitable risks in older homes. However, understanding the effects of Marietta’s humid climate, clay-rich soil, and water intrusion can help homeowners take proactive steps to maintain a strong, stable foundation.

Regular inspections and professional foundation solutions are key to protecting your home for years to come. If you suspect foundation problems around your home, contact AquaGuard Foundation Solutions today for a free inspection and no-obligation estimate.