Expert Foundation Repair Services In Ocala, FL

One of the tradeoffs of living in this gem of a city is having to deal with hurricanes. Hurricane season is generally regarded as June through November in Florida. The season tends to peak around September and October. Hurricanes and the subsequent flooding can cause foundation movement in Ocala.

Sinkholes are also commonplace in this part of Florida due to the eroding limestone bedrock. When sinkholes collapse, the soil beneath the surface shifts. This soil shift can also cause a home’s foundation to move.

Certain neighborhoods in Ocala are at a greater risk of flooding than others. We recommend that potential home buyers carefully review the city of Ocala’s official flood map to determine their risk. If you are already a homeowner, it is also helpful to review the flood map. Your home’s location can help decide what mitigation measures you need to take to prevent foundation damage in the future.

Full basements are common in other parts of the U.S., especially in the Upper Midwest. Building a full basement is an inexpensive way to add on more square footage to a home. However, like many other southern states, basements are a rarity here in Florida. The water table is too high and most of the soil is unsuitable for a full basement. That’s why most Ocala area homes are built on a concrete slab foundation.

A few homes in the area do have small crawl spaces. However, these crawl spaces have their fair share of problems, too. If not properly constructed, crawl spaces can become damp, which leads to mold and mildew growth. Crawl space dampness can also damage a home’s foundation and the floor joists above.

The primary cause of foundation problems in Ocala is flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated portions of Ocala, FL as “High-Risk” for a flood. Floods can erode the loose sandy soil around your foundation, promoting differential settling, cracking, and general instability. While flooding is a major concern in parts of Ocala, it is not the only cause of foundation damage.

Tree roots are another common cause of foundation damage. All trees start out tiny, but homeowners have to take into account how large a species will grow. The massive species we have growing in Ocala have large roots that push up or under a home’s foundation can cause the foundation to move or crack. The University of Florida has compiled guidelines for tree selection in urban landscapes. For existing trees that are close to a house, underground vertical barriers can be installed to protect a home’s foundation. These barriers act as shields and force the tree roots to grow in a different direction, away from the home’s foundation.

From time to time, we do see homes that were built without the proper soil preparations. Some houses were built on lots that don’t have adequate water drainage. Without a place to drain, even normal rainfall can cause water to pool around a home and damage the foundation, and in some cases, much-needed soil stabilization or soil modification did not occur before building the house. However, we experience well above the national average rainfall here, especially during hurricane season. As such, property soil preparation is more important in Ocala than most other areas in the United States.

In parts of the U.S. that have full basements, many signs of damage will be apparent on basement walls. Cracks in the walls, often in a “stair-step” pattern, are some of the first signs that damage has occurred. Basement walls may also appear to be pulling away from the floor or ceiling, creating a gap.

In areas like Ocala that typically have foundation slabs, the early signs of damage are more subtle. Doors and windows can stick and be difficult to open or close when the humidity is high. However, this is also a sign that a house’s foundation has shifted. Some people also notice that they are unable to lock or unlock their windows and doors because the locking mechanisms no longer line up.

Cracks in the sheetrock walls are also commonplace in homes with damaged foundation slabs. These cracks will run from the top corners of doorways and windows towards the ceiling. Another thing to watch for is molding and trim that is cracked or has shifted. Outside of the house, homeowners should watch for any changes around the chimney and porch. These exterior fixtures can appear crooked, titled, or have growing gaps between them and the walls.

Some of the damage caused by floods can be prevented. Financial assistance is available to help Ocala homeowners and business owners with the cost of flood mitigation projects like raising a building.

Possibly. Anyone who plans to do foundation repairs should carefully review the Code of Ordinances for the City of Ocala, FL. Any questions about construction permits, fees, and required professional services should be directed to the city.

Our structural engineers are often brought in for new construction, but they can also lend their expertise and knowledge for repairs. Furthermore, even if hiring our structural engineer is not required for foundation repairs, it still might be a good idea to do so. Our structural engineers will give you unbiased advice about which repairs you need and which repairs you don’t. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, it may help to have a recent report or evaluation from our structural engineers.

In addition, the Ocala and Tuscawilla Park Historic Districts have local historic designations. The Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board (OHPAB) must approve any exterior work performed on the dwellings in these two districts. Homeowners in these neighborhoods may find it necessary to hire our structural engineers to meet any aesthetic requirements.

The average cost of foundation repairs in Ocala, FL is $3,934. For more complex and difficult repairs, that price could rise to just over $20,000, and simpler repairs could total under $500. These prices include labor and supplies. Taxes, permits, and other fees may be additional. Fixing a damaged foundation is an expensive, but necessary, home repair. The longer repairs are put off, the worse (and more expensive) the damage will become.

The city is committed to providing safe housing for all of its residents. Homeowners who meet certain criteria may be eligible for housing rehabilitation grants. These grants may cover the cost of foundation repairs so that residents can continue to live in their own homes.

Anytime that work like foundation repairs are performed, the city utilities should be contacted. Trust us when we say you do not want to inadvertently hit a power line, gas line, or water pipe. A number of utility companies serve the city of Ocala. Contact information can be found on your most recent bill, or you can let our specialists contact your utility companies for you.

Yes. The soil throughout Florida affects a home’s foundation, and Ocala is no exception.

There are several different types of soil throughout Ocala and Marion County. It is difficult to make generalizations about the city of Ocala’s soil because there is great variation. In some parts of the city, the soil drains well, and in other parts, the soil drains poorly. In most cases, the soil is sandy and loose.

Earlier, we briefly talked about soil stabilization and soil modification. Both of these processes can create a safe building spot on soil that would otherwise be unsuitable. In soil stabilization, additives are mixed in with the soil. These additives make the soil stronger and prevent swelling, shrinkage, and erosion. Soil modification is a similar technique with the same benefits. However, in modification, additives are mixed in to dry out wetter soil. When soil can safely and effectively hold a home, the risk for foundation damage is minimized, so don’t give up on building a home on your dream lot. The soil might just need a little help to be home-worthy.