Why You Don’t Need to Replace Your Foundation: An Atlanta Guide
Discovering foundation cracks or a bowing basement wall requires immediate action.
You may think the problem only occurs in old homes, but damage to new homes is more common than you may want to believe.
The logical next step may be to replace the foundation and start fresh. But it’s important to think through the process.
In this article, we’ll compare foundation repair with full replacement and help you determine the best solution for your home and family.
Replacing Vs. Repairing a Foundation
Before discussing repair options, it helps to have an overall idea why you’re experiencing foundation problems.
In essence, your foundation is failing because of the soil beneath and surrounding it. The red clay soil (prevalent in Atlanta, Athens, Marietta, and the surrounding areas) experiences a lot of movement.
Soil shrinkage, swelling, and compacting result in the inability to support the weight of the structure, causing it to settle into the resulting voids.
It’s important to remember that replacing your foundation on the same troublesome soil will result in the same behavior.
Foundation repair, however, bypasses troublesome soil and utilizes specially designed products and procedures to stabilize homes and create a permanent repair.
Foundation Replacement Drawbacks
Choosing to replace your damaged foundation should not be a lighthearted decision.
Below are a few reasons why foundation replacement may not be the best choice.
Let’s dive into each and see how they affect your decision.
1: Disruptive to Life
Foundation replacement takes several days at minimum, but typically a week or more. During this time, it’s unsafe for the home to be occupied, so families must relocate. This often results in additional, unaccounted for costs.
2: Disruptive to Lawn & Landscaping
Foundation replacement requires heavy equipment to be brought in to excavate the soil and expose your foundation.
Anything around the foundation – porches, gardens, walkways, or landscaping—would need to be removed.
The movement of heavy equipment ruins the lawn even where work isn’t being completed.
3: Expensive
While foundation replacement cost depends on many factors, it can range from $25,000 to $100,000 or more. This far exceeds the cost of most foundation repairs.
4: Temporary
The soil around your home is the reason your foundation failed initially. Replacing the foundation doesn’t address the troublesome soil, so this solution is temporary.
5: Difficult to Find a Company
Since foundation replacement is so uncommon, finding a company to do the work can be difficult.
Home builders aren’t interested in taking on the job, so you’re often left with a jack-of-all-trades repair company. Choosing a company that doesn’t specialize in foundation repairs can be a problem if issues arise during the work.
Reasons to Repair a Foundation
While there are a few situations where foundations can’t be repaired, AquaGuard strongly recommends foundation repair whenever possible.
Foundation repair does more than repair the damage, it ensures the original problem cannot recur.
Reasons why foundation repair is the better choice:
- Quick Installation
- Permanent Solution
- Minimally Invasive
- Cost Efficient
Read on for a closer look at why foundation repair is a better choice.
1: Quick Installation
Foundation repair installation can typically be completed in a day or two, depending on the scope of the job—unlike replacement which can take weeks. Homeowners can remain inside the home during repairs.
2: Permanent Solution
Foundation repair bypasses the troublesome soil that caused your foundation to fail. Instead, it utilizes specialty tools that anchor deep into the bedrock below. Our foundation repairs come with a lifetime warranty.
3: Minimally Invasive
Unlike foundation replacement, the repair is done with much less excavation. Still, foundation repair is construction and heavy machinery should be expected.
4: Cost Efficient
Foundation repair is a fraction of the cost of replacement. Additionally, since the solution is permanent, you won’t need to repair the same problem again in the years to come.
Common Reasons to Get Foundation Repairs
There are several reasons why Atlanta area homeowners would consider foundation work.
Our experts have repaired thousands of foundations in the greater Atlanta area and throughout Georgia, and have determined the top four common reasons homeowners look for foundation repair.
- Stair Step Cracks in Brickwork
- Unlevel Floors
- Sticking Doors & Windows
- Cracked Uneven Basement Slabs
Look familiar? Scroll through the gallery of photos for examples of each problem sign type.
Finding the Best Foundation Repair Experts in Georgia
While choosing a reputable company to repair your hot water heater and unclog your sink is important, choosing a trusted foundation repair company is essential.
Look for a company with:
- Positive Online Reviews
- Good Standing with Angi & BBB
- Local Understanding of Soil and Climate
- Proven Track Record
- Warrantied Work
- Willing to Share References
Why AquaGuard is the Right Choice
Since 1995, AquaGuard has been protecting Atlanta area foundations. Our commitment to getting the job done right means we have thousands of positive online reviews.
We let our track record speak for itself. Our team understands no one wants to spend money on foundation repairs, and we aim to make the process as stress-free as possible.
Our repairs come with long-term warranties, backed by a national company. So, you can breathe easy knowing your home is in good hands.
Call or fill out the form below to schedule your free, no-obligation inspection.
Foundation FAQs
Yes. Since our solutions utilize the existing wall or foundation, if the wall or footing is too damaged, then repairs won’t be possible.
This type of situation is very rare, and homeowners almost never allow problems to progress this far. This scenario is more common in homes that have been unoccupied for many years.
It depends. The degree of damage and the company that’s replacing the foundation will have a better idea.
It’s safe to say replacement will always take longer than repair.
Yes. While foundation repairs like wall anchors or foundation piers are installed, homeowners are able to occupy the home.
Repairs are usually completed in one or two days depending on the scope of the project.
