Foundation Repair Problem Signs
Is there a crack in the wall you’ve been meaning to fix but kept putting it off? Don’t let it go too long. The longer you put off addressing the problem, the more involved and expensive the repair is going to be. And your safety and your loved ones’ wellbeing will be in danger. Why expose your family to a hazardous and unsafe home?
Ohio Basement Authority

Wall Crack
Foundation wall cracks have several different causes, and each has its own unique solution.
Ohio Basement Authority

Uneven Floor
Uneven floors are rarely caused by problems with the floor system itself. Instead, it’s often a settling or shifting foundation issue that has impacted the floor system.
Ohio Basement Authority

Sticking Windows & Doors
Any opening made in a wall represents a weak point. This is especially true for load-bearing exterior walls. That’s why foundation settlement will often cause cracks around window and door openings.
Ohio Basement Authority

Bowing Walls
Foundation walls move inward primarily due to expansive soils and hydrostatic pressure on the walls from outside.
Discovering a foundation problem at your Ohio home is upsetting, to say the least. A cracked foundation, tilting chimney, bowing basement wall, or sagging floors can easily make homeowners wonder what went wrong and how much this will cost. Luckily, the experts at Ohio Basement Authority have been using proven solutions to repair homes in Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and Lima for years and understand how the area’s silty loam soils and humid, often wet climate affects their foundations.
Causes of Foundation Damage
Your house could be experiencing the above foundation problem signs and symptoms for a variety of reasons. But the biggest offender is the ground your house was built on. The soil under and around your home, as well as the health of that soil, has a big impact on your house.
A house built on soils with high clay content will be susceptible to heaving forces because clay-rich soil expands significantly when it gets wet.
The excavation for a foundation often gives the soil around and under a house a chance to dry out and shrink, as shown in the photo at right. After the house is built, clay-rich soil that gets soaked during wet spells can cause heaving problems, while also damaging foundation walls.
Water increases in volume by nearly 10% when it freezes, and wet soil can expand even more when frozen. When wet soil freezes the resulting pressure can cause the slab or foundation wall to shift and crack.
The colder the temperature, the deeper the soil will freeze. Frost forces can lift a foundation dramatically – sometimes by several inches – leading to serious heave damage.
After your home’s foundation was completed, previously excavated soil was backfilled to fill in the gap between the walls and the rest of the ground. This soil is loose, fluffy, and not as dense or tightly packed as undisturbed virgin soil farther away from the house. When water saturates this soil immediately surrounding the home, it creates a “clay bowl” of sorts. The saturated soil expands, exerting pressure on foundation walls known as hydrostatic pressure. When the force of this constant pressure becomes more than the walls can handle, they will begin to crack and tilt inward.
As the backfilled soil around your exterior foundation walls sinks into place, it can slope towards the house. This allows water to easily collect and then seep in through the walls.
It is natural for soil to settle over time, but it can do so unevenly and cause a number of other problems in your house. You could see diagonal cracks in drywall and from corners of windows and doors. These windows and doors also may not open or close properly.
Another more dramatic and alarming sign of soil settlement is a chimney that is cracking and separating from the home. Sometimes chimneys are not built on the same foundation or soil as the rest of the house, and they may not have the proper footing. If the chimney is not properly supported, it will fail over time. If the soil supporting your chimney isn’t strong enough to support the weight, the chimney may start sinking, pulling away from the rest of the home and tilt outward.
Award-Winning Service
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Bradley, Colby, Drew and Damareay we’re respectful, professional, and did a great job. Hoping our sump pump gives us piece of mind.
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Allen and Stephen were very professional and provided quality work. They were very efficient and answered any questions I had. Give these guys a raise!
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Quinton, Allen & Stephen were always punctual, courteous and serious about doing the job correctly. They repaired/replaced several floor joists and support beams that were damaged by termites. They evidently knew their job because the floors seem…
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Jay and Barkley are professional, knowledgeable, and represent the company well. I would do business with them any time, and recommend them to friends and family.
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Atilio, Brayan and Jose did an outstanding job. They provided waterproofing, insulation and installed a sump pump. They were total professionals and had a wonderful customer facing focus. Highly recommend them.
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Eric and his team came out to install new sump pump and well. They were very professional and courteous. First crew that has ever arrived early for a project. Great to work with, definitely would recommend to others. Thanks Eric and Team
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Eric, Dametrion, and Greg arrived on time and got the job done quickly and cleanly! This is my second time using them for 2 different properties and just like the first time the work is higher quality.
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The guys at this place were great. From the thorough consultation with Preston to the hard work of the laborers, I would recommend Ohio Basement Authority to anyone who has waterproofing needs. Iran H, Chris M, and Brady S were courteous, effective,…
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Staff was great to work with. Responsive, honest and reasonable.
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Caleb Watkins came out and quoted some work at my house. He provided very honest and open feedback, I wish every salesperson in all industries treated their customers with as much dignity and respect as Caleb did reviewing my job.
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John r was on time and very good at informing me on what will be done
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Jon Reno was very professional and did a great job explaining my options to add stability to my homes foundation to prevent further settling (my home is over 100 years old). Jake and his crew were prompt, professional, did a great job and cleaned up…
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John R came through and did his thing…great inspector very quick detailed and precise and gave me good ideas what I can do to Finnish my basement glad to know only thing I need to do is cosmetic
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Damarian, Eric and Greg were great! They called each time to provide an ETA and always showed up on time with a positive attitude. They worked very efficiently and got the project done ahead of schedule and walked us through the completed project.
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Called and they were able to get us in for an inspection the next day. Jonathan R. came on time, was courteous, and answered all my questions patiently and explained how things work and what are issues that need to fixed vs. others that are normal.…
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Anthony, Greg, and Allen came out to repair my cracked wall. Outstanding Job! Informed me of what was going on and asked if I had any questions as the job was ongoing
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Eric and Nate did an excellent job putting in a sump pump system. They were quick, clean and finished product was exactly what we wanted
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Jake, Eric and Nate performed an installation of reinforcements on the walls and waterproofing. Ran into few snags but quickly and professionally found a solution and worked through them. Did a good job.
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Ohio Basement Authority and Jay B. Was extremely patient with me and my home’s needs. He took the time to explain what our house needed and demonstrate why it was needed. As a new home owner, it made me feel knowledgeable and ready to make the…
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Ohio Basement Authoritu crew of Iran H, Chris M, Brady S did a great job installing two support poles in my basement to stabilize an I-beam and also patched some crumbling foundation pieces on the foundation. The crew was professional, arrived on…
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Foundation Repair Solutions
When foundation stabilization is the goal, the products and solutions used matter. Ohio Basement Authority uses custom-designed, high-quality products to repair your sinking foundation or bowing basement wall. Learn what makes Ohio Basement Authority the best by browsing several foundation repair solutions your inspector may suggest.
Ohio Basement Authority

Wall Anchor System
The Wall Anchor System permanently stabilizes your foundation walls, offering the best opportunity to straighten the walls without the cost and disruption of foundation replacement.
Ohio Basement Authority

Wall Reinforcing Systems
Stronger than steel, hi-tech carbon fiber reinforcement can provide a permanent repair for cracked & bowed basement walls
Ohio Basement Authority

Helical Piers
Strong and stable. Our pier system will permanently solve your foundation settlement problem.
Ohio Basement Authority

Wall Repair System
The IntelliBrace, a steal beam, is a patented foundation wall repair system that’s designed to stabilize failing basement walls and provide the potential to straighten walls over time.
Is Foundation Repair the Right Solution for Me?
Although foundation repairs sound intimidating at first, understanding the proper repair is actually pretty simple, provided you have a knowledgeable and experienced inspector to help.
Our team will explain how lateral force from over-saturated soil puts pressure on foundation walls causing them to crack and bow inward. Or how, without proper drainage, the soil around your home can wash out, leaving a void for your home’s heavy foundation to settle into.
Your foundation inspector will do a complete walk-through to discover the cause of your home’s foundation damage and suggest the appropriate repair. If your home’s walls are cracking and bowing, often heavy-duty wall anchors are suggested. However, when you notice sloping floors, cracked exterior brickwork, or a tilting chimney, foundation piers may be the best solution.
The good news is you’re never alone. Our friendly team will walk you through the process. From the first phone call to annual maintenance reminders after products are installed, Ohio Basement Authority is here to help. Schedule your free inspection today.
FAQs
If your foundation is failing, there are various problem signs you’ll notice throughout your home. Do any of these issues sound familiar?
- Bowing Walls
- Wall Cracks (Vertical, Horizontal, Diagonal, Stair-Step)
- Collapsing Retaining Walls
- Floor Crack
- Uneven Floor
- Sagging Crawl Space
- Foundation Settlement
- Tilting Chimney
- Sticking Windows & Doors
Your house could be experiencing the above foundation problem signs and symptoms for a variety of reasons. But the biggest offender is the ground your house was built on. The soil under and around your home, as well as the health of that soil, has a big impact on your house.
There are so many kinds of soil types throughout the country, including hundreds in Ohio. But there are three basic ingredients – sand, silt, and clay, or a combination of any or all of these – that contribute to soil types and their textures. Maps from NASA Earth Observatory show how much of these ingredients can be found across the United States. Sandy soils that tend to drain water faster can be found in southern states, clay soils that hold onto water and silt soils that tend to have intermediate drainage properties can be found across the country.
Ohio has a good mix of all three ingredients. The state soil is Miamian soil, which has more silt. But Ohio also is rich in clay soil. So, various areas of the state will have more well-drained soil as opposed to others with expansive clay soils. To get a better idea what kind of soil you are dealing with, you can search your county and address in the Web Soil Survey from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Maybe the better question is “how can you not benefit from foundation repair?” There are so many reasons why fixing foundation problems is good for you, your family, and your house, but here are two major benefits:
- Protecting Your Safety and Your Home’s Structural Integrity — A house that is falling victim to hydrostatic pressure and cracks is not safe or structurally secure. Are you comfortable with putting your safety and that of your family at risk? Take back your home by having it repaired and protected with trusted solutions before it’s too late and you lose your home completely. You may have other renovations or projects you’d like to check off your list, but remember common phrases about having a strong foundation, and focus your efforts from the bottom up.
- Improving Your Home’s Real Estate Value — Even if you have your heart set on living in your house for the rest of your life or whether you plan to sell in the near future, you need to make sure your home will be ready before it goes on the market. Most home buyers have certain expectations such as worry-free homes that do not have issues like foundation cracks that they would have to deal with. Foundation problems can reduce your home’s resale value by 10 to 30 percent, and home buyers could have problems getting a mortgage. A safe and stable home is more attractive to buyers as opposed to a house with cracks and uneven floors. Something Ohio homeowners must do when selling their home is complete the Residential Property Disclosure Form to the best of their ability by disclosing known past or current issues. Some items on the checklist that need to be documented are movement, settlement, cracks, and fireplace/chimney problems.
Now that you’ve learned about typical foundation problems, how they start, and why they should be fixed, don’t you feel motivated to address these issues once and for all? Before you make a trip to your local home improvement store, hear us out.
You may be very handy, but foundation repair is serious work that is not meant to be a quick do-it-yourself project. A lot can go wrong that will end up costing you time and money in the long run. Learn more about this in our blog, “The Worst Advice About Foundation Repair.” Instead of relying on quick fixes that won’t work, invest your money in long-lasting solutions from a reliable foundation contractor.
You’ve probably heard horror stories from friends and family members who had awful experiences with contractors who didn’t finish the job, used sub-standard materials, left a mess, or caused even more problems. Some people may see this as the norm for working with contractors. But it most certainly is not. Don’t let a few bad apples completely influence your decision. There are some of us out there who are challenging and changing the contractor experience and disrupting the industry.
We know how intimidating it can be to hire a foundation contractor and invite some unknown person into your house. Empower yourself to research and learn everything you can so you will be comfortable with who you bring into your home. Learn more about the company and ask for reviews; references; proof of insurance, licenses, and other certifications; a written contract; and examples of completed work. Another important step is checking third-party sites like the Better Business Bureau for ratings.
The cost of repair is by far the top concern we hear from homeowners, which is completely understandable. Money spent on repairs is a big deal. Your home is your most significant investment and asset, and you want to make sure you’re fixing and protecting it with quality, cost-effective solutions.
We also understand how frustrating it can be to not get a straight answer right away. But that’s because there’s a lot to consider with foundation repair such as the extent of any damage, square footage and material usage. This differs from company to company, so make sure you have a thorough discussion with your foundation contractor about pricing and payment.
To give you an idea, average home improvement spending is around $7,500, and most homeowners spend anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000 on foundation repairs. Some average foundation repair product prices are $1,000-$3,000+ per foundation pier, $500-$1,300+ for leveling/slabjacking, and $2,000-$6,000 for sealing/subfloor drainage.
Foundation issues typically are not covered by homeowners insurance. Some policies may cover losses from fires, but many exclude coverage for foundation cracks or settling. Coverage may kick in if the foundation was damaged because of other problems like broken plumbing. (Source: SF Gate) If you are concerned with repair needs and insurance coverage, be sure to check with your insurance carrier, as all policies are different.
It would be our pleasure to assist you along your foundation repair journey.
When you contact us, we will work to schedule an appointment for you to meet with one of our certified field inspectors for a free inspection and estimate.
It’s crucial for the inspector to physically be in your home to look at exactly what problems are going on. That way, he can complete a thorough assessment of the foundation and be able to recommend the best solutions for repair. No two foundation problems are alike, which is why our professionals will carefully examine your foundation and develop a custom repair plan.
Also during the appointment, the inspector will go over his findings with you as well as your goals with a repair project. He will then provide an estimate with recommended solutions tailored to your specific repair needs. He also will take your budget into consideration and discuss payment and financing options.
Take your time to review the estimate and don’t be afraid to reach out to your inspector any follow-up questions. Then, once you have decided to move forward with the work and have signed a contract, we will schedule your project with one of our experienced crews. The crew will treat your home as their own, with the utmost care and respect, as they install the best products proven to repair and protect your home.
Rest assured that the work is not done until you are 100% satisfied with the job, so please speak up if you notice any issues. Additionally, we provide service and annual maintenance opportunities to ensure the solutions we installed are continuing to maintain your home’s safety and structural integrity.
As part of our commitment to our customers, we only install trusted solutions that will properly support your home and stand the test of time. The foundation repair products we install are manufactured here in the United States, and each is carefully designed and tested by a team of structural repair and geotechnical engineers. All our systems come with a written warranty, giving you complete peace of mind.
Here are the solutions we use to address your foundation repair needs:
- Wall Repair and Reinforcement – We offer a few different options to repair cracking and/or bowing walls, depending on the severity of the issues.
- Carbon Fiber Supports – Strong Carbon Fiber supports firmly bond to the wall to stop it from further cracking or inward movement. This low-profile system is easy to conceal with paint or other basement finishing materials.
- Wall Anchors – Wall Anchors permanently stabilize leaning, bowing and cracking foundation walls. Heavy-duty earth anchors are securely embedded in stable soil away from the foundation wall. They are connected to sturdy steel wall plates with long steel rods, which braces the foundation wall. This stops inward movement and prevents wall failure. Tightening these anchors over time can help return your foundation walls back to their original positions.
- IntelliBrace Beams – IntelliBrace™ beams act the same as Wall Anchors in stabilizing and helping to straighten shifting walls. They are ideal when there is limited access available outside of the home for exterior wall repair.
- Foundation Pier System – The best way to address foundation settlement is to install durable pier systems to permanently reinforce the structure. Each pier system is made with galvanized steel to prevent rust, corrosion and damage.
- Push Piers – Push Piers are installed in deep stable soil strata to stabilize your foundation and lift your home back toward its original position. This is the most used type of pier for most foundation settlement applications.
- Helical Piers – Helical Piers that are manually advanced or screwed into the ground are a permanent piering solution used in specialty foundation settlement applications and for very light structures.
- Crawl Space Supports – Sagging floors above a crawl space or basement can be stabilize and even lifted back to level with IntelliJacks™. At five times the strength of builder’s grade support jacks, IntelliJacks™ can support loads of more than 60,000 lbs.
Why Foundation Repair Is Needed
Repairing your foundation is never as much fun as remodeling your bathroom or installing a new kitchen countertop. It is, however, necessary. We’ll explain below why you need to repair your foundation.

Cost Increases as Damage Increases
Identifying and repairing foundation issues as soon as possible keeps repair costs down. Not only are less invasive solutions needed, but you avoid running the risk of costly secondary damage like cracked flooring or cracks in drywall and windows.

Can Lead to Water Damage
As we discussed, rainwater and improper drainage can lead to foundation problems. But rain can still be disruptive even after the foundation damage has occurred. Foundation issues cause cracks in crawl space or basement walls, and water will find its way in and cause damage to your home. This can lead to damaged drywall or paneling or having to toss belongings that were stored in the basement or crawl space.

Poor Air Quality
In addition to causing damage, water problems caused by foundation damage also affect the air quality in your home. Mold needs three things to survive—food, water, and oxygen. Your wet basement has all three. Mold and mildew release spores into the air that quickly pass throughout your home, leading to poor air quality and triggering asthma and respiratory problems.
Common Foundation Tips & Mistakes
When it comes to foundation repair, Ohio Basement Authority is the leader. That means our inspectors and technicians have seen thousands of homes throughout Cincinnati, Columbus, and the Dayton-Springfield area and have designed a list of foundation repair tips and mistakes.
Foundation Repair Mistakes
- Putting A Bandage on The Problem
When repairing a foundation problem, it’s important to understand why you’re having issues so you can ensure you are repairing the root of the problem and not just putting a bandage on the problem signs. Most commonly, your foundation issues will be the result of either the soil around your home, the weather conditions, or both. Your Ohio Basement Authority inspector will determine the correct cause of the problem and offer a solution to repair the issue permanently.
- Hiring the Wrong Company
Foundation repair is important and so choosing the right repair company is essential. The lowest cost isn’t always the correct choice. Look for a company with a breadth of experience in the Ohio area that focuses on foundation repair only– not a handyman approach. A warranty is only good if the company is still in business. Do your research. Is the company in good standing with the BBB? How big is the operation, and how long have they been in business? Doing your homework will provide you with peace of mind.
- Believing Your Foundation Is Beyond Repair
If foundation damage is put off for too long, the problem signs can look unrepairable. Of course, there are instances where repair isn’t an option, but most homeowners are surprised to hear most damage can be repaired. If rebuilding is the only option, be sure measures are taken to secure the foundation this time around since the soil and weather in the area haven’t changed. If you simply rebuild, you will most likely have the same issues in the years to come.
Foundation Repair Tips
- Preventative Actions Go a Long Way
Although foundation damage is ultimately a result of poor soil and the area’s weather conditions, you can help by ensuring proper drainage is installed. Installing or maintaining gutters and ensuring downspouts are far away from your home is effective in keeping water away from your foundation. Looking at your home’s grade and regrading to direct water away from your home also keeps the soil around your house from becoming too saturated.
- Act Quickly
Putting foundation problems on the back burner will only lead to increased cost and a bigger headache. Acting quickly to repair problems when you notice them keeps repairs less invasive and more friendly on the pocketbook.
- Look for Signs While House Hunting
If you’re a new homeowner, discovering you have a foundation problem after moving is the worst. Instead, become a savvy home buyer. Look for cracks in exterior brickwork, failing or damaged gutters, water damage in the basement or crawl space, or an overall musty smell. All are signs that the foundation of the home wasn’t well maintained, and foundation problems could be lurking just beneath the surface.
Find your service area

Lima, OH
Lots of precipitation coupled with poorly drained soil in Lima spells danger for your house. But local experts can help permanently waterproof and stabilize your home.

Columbus, OH
Wet basements and cracking foundations are common in homes across Columbus. But permanently repairing and protecting them is what Ohio Basement Authority does best!

Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati’s precipitation and humidity create a recipe for disaster. Common problems include mold, moisture, and basement leaks, but there are many home protection options!

Dayton-Springfield
The Dayton-Springfield area’s rainy, humid climate and loam soil can take its toll on your home’s structural integrity. Learn how local experts can help you best protect it.

Northern Kentucky
Flooded or damp basements or crawl spaces is a common issue for homeowners in Northern Kentucky. If you find yourself dealing with these problems, contact our Ohio Basement Authority specialists to help you get tailored solutions for your home.
