DIY vs. Professional Foundation Repair: Key Factors to Consider

A solid foundation is the core from which all stable structures are built, and without it, a building or home cannot stay standing for long. It is highly likely that, at some point in time, all foundations will encounter some degree of issue that requires addressing and fixing. 

It’s no secret that foundation issues tend to be on the expensive side. Many will either ignore the problem or, at the very least, try to fix it on their own. 

But what can often be forgotten is that the more an issue gets put off or when short-term, temporary fixes are employed, the more expensive it will be in the end. Some DIY measures may have merit, while most tend to be ineffective.
Let’s cover what some common foundation issues are and the methods that tend to be used by homeowners to solve problems on their own.

Common Foundation Issues and DIY Repairs:

• Wall Cracks. Quite possibly the biggest sign that a foundation has issues that need to be addressed is the emergence of cracks in the walls. These can take many forms, whether they be vertical, horizontal, or stair-step patterns, all of which indicate an underlying issue with a foundation.
  
  A common DIY measure many property owners take to repair wall cracks is to fill them with epoxy. While this may enhance the aesthetic appearance, it doesn't address the underlying cause, and the cracks will eventually widen. 
  
  
• Uneven Floors. When foundations settle, the floors of a home may start to become uneven, with some areas exhibiting an apparent slope or dip. A DIY fix that some may turn to is to apply a self-leveling compound over a slab or subfloor of an uneven section of a structure’s floor.
  
  What may seem like an easy, cheap fix once again does not address the real issue and can likely make matters worse. Since the main cause of foundation settlement tends to be weak or eroded soil underneath, adding weight to the slab or subfloor will only add to the problem. 
  
  
• Flood Damage. With the number of rainstorms that Florida must endure every year, flooding around foundations is a common occurrence. Pooling water can not only lead to soil erosion but also place a tremendous amount of pressure on a foundation. A DIY method that homeowners can consider is evaluating the grade of the yard around the home and having any slope towards the home corrected.
  
  Clearing out clogged gutters is also a simple method to make sure rainwater is not seeping down and pooling around the foundation.
  However, most DIY drainage solutions tend to offer little support in preventing serious flood damage.
  
  Most are made of cheaper materials, and the regular maintenance and replacement of parts can be a drain financially and a recurring hassle for a homeowner to manage. 
  
  
• Sticking Doors and Windows. Shifting foundations will often cause the frames of doors and windows to warp, causing them to stick and become difficult to open and close. While several DIY quick fixes, like trimming doors and lubricating hinges, may provide temporary relief—as is the reoccurring theme here—the underlying foundation problem will inevitably bring the issue back over and over again.

Professional Solutions

While there might be some perceived benefits from DIY foundation work, such as learning experiences and seemingly lower costs, more often than not, the cons certainly outweigh the pros. With the lack of proper tools, equipment, and limited expertise, more damage can occur as a result, as well as a strong potential for a threat to personal safety.

LRE Foundation Repair offers professional solutions, including foundation underpinning and effective drainage solutions, that can bring permanent stability to a settling foundation.

With over 34 years of serving Florida residents, these solutions are delivered with industry-leading expertise and are backed by lifetime warranty coverage.

Schedule a free inspection with an expert LRE Design Specialist today and discover how your foundation issues can be permanently resolved.