Foundation Repair Specialist
As the dirt around a home settles, signs that the foundation will need to be repaired becomes evident. Some of the most common ways that foundation settlement can become visible to the homeowner are when steps start to crack, chimneys appear to be tipping, doors or windows get damaged, or floors and walls crack. At ARK Basement Services, we are here for all your basement structural repair and much more!
Stair-Step Cracking
Stair-step cracking is one of the most apparent signs of a foundation settling and is very common in brick in concrete block walls. As the settlement continues, vertical cracks may widen or become uneven as wall sections tilt away from each other, indicating a more severe displacement.
Keep an eye out for cracks that are wider at the top than at the bottom, which is a sign of advancing settlement.
Tilting Chimneys
A chimney that is separating from a house is one of the most intimidating and obvious signs of a settling foundation. Sometimes a chimney is even built as a separate structure from the house, making it even more at risk of settlement.
Damaged Doors & Windows
An opening in any wall is a weak point, so signs of foundation settlement often show up around door and window openings. For example, a few warning signs that there is damage to a door or window because of foundation settlement are:
- The door/window frame is no longer square
- Cracks are extending from the corners above doors and windows
- Doors are separating from the framing or exterior finish
- Doors sticking
- Jamming doors and windows
- Locks stop working
Slab Floor Cracking
Although cracks in your concrete floor slab can be a sign of foundation settlement, it may also be a sign that the slab floor has settled. There are instances when your slab floor may sink or lift independently of the foundation walls, damaging the floors but not the walls.
Drywall Cracks
Cracks in drywall throughout the house are reliable indicators of foundation settlement. Foundation cracks will often be larger and more evident in the home’s upper levels.
Typical drywall cracks are most likely located at the corners of doors and windows and along drywall seams. Drywall tape can be a good indicator of this, especially if the tape is ripping or coming loose. Drywall cracks can also be a sign of sinking crawl space supports sinking.
Client Reviews
Check out what our Erie and Pittsburgh clients are saying. Let us know how we did. Your feedback is greatly appreciated so we can provide the best services possible for all of our clients.
My husband and I had about 6 waterproofing companies come out for estimates. All were $6-12,000. The very next day after contacting ARK, Mike Perry ( co-owner) came out himself and gave us THE most reasonable price. He came out with his crew of two young men and what we experienced was by far the most professional, competent and friendly services that included installing drain and pump. And to boot they even jackhammered our front stoop and hauled it away for a nominal cost. Can’t say enough good about this company. I researched Angie’s list and BBB and their ratings are stellar consistently. I experienced exactly what their excellent ratings showed.
Renee D.
Showed up on time and completed work early. Was almost $1000 less than their competitors with almost the process and warranty.
Mark E.
Excellent and honest service provided by Mike and his staff. Mike was knowledgeable, explained the work to be done, and quoted a reasonable price (very much in line with 3 other estimates received). The work was started and finished on time and in a most professional manner. My basement is now dry for the first time in 26 years and I could not be happier with my decision to go with ARK Basement Services.
Lois N.
On-Site Work
Check out some of our before, during and after pictures of homeowners we have helped. If you have any questions about our house foundation repair services, please contact us or call (412) 206-1624 or (814) 871-1797.
