In need of foundation repair? Our foundation repair specialists are ready to help.
Another company said that our foundation was too far gone and needed to be replaced. That’s when we found Regional Foundation Repair. They helped save us thousands! Great service, will recommend!
Andrew Y. | May 30, 2023
We’ve had water in our basement countless times since we moved in. This service sent a contractor who spent a few days installing a waterproofing system and bam - no issues since! Thank you so much!
Eddie W. | May 27, 2023
Finally a foundation company that responds, helps gets the job done, and offers a warranty for the work! Will use again, and recommending to friends and family.
Jessica B. | May 24, 2023
Another company said that our foundation was too far gone and needed to be replaced. That’s when we found Regional Foundation Repair. They helped save us thousands! Great service, will recommend!
Andrew Y. | May 30, 2023
We’ve had water in our basement countless times since we moved in. This service sent a contractor who spent a few days installing a waterproofing system and bam - no issues since! Thank you so much!
Eddie W. | May 27, 2023
Finally a foundation company that responds, helps gets the job done, and offers a warranty for the work! Will use again, and recommending to friends and family.
Jessica B. | May 24, 2023
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Cary, North Carolina is regularly ranked one of the most desirable and safest places to live. While residents enjoy some of the lowest levels of property crime in the country, they also experience a high rate of foundation issues due to natural causes. There are several things unique to the Cary area that contribute to an elevated risk of damage
Regional Foundation Repair is one of the nation’s largest provider of foundation repair service. We have 1,000s of expert technicians ready right now in Cary. Our pros have years of experience and are familiar with the nuances of Cary soil conditions so you can be sure your foundation gets fixed the right way the first time. Gone are the days of worrying about shoddy craftsmanship, overpriced service, and unqualified pros.
During the job, our technicians are trained to explain their progress throughout the day and clean up properly before leaving the jobsite.
Depending on the availability of our technicians, we can generally get your job scheduled within 2 days. To start the process just submit your information in our form and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours with a pricing quote! In some cases we may need more detail to properly quote your project, so we will reach out via phone to schedule a free onsite inspection. Depending on your location we also offer virtual quotes!
For your benefit, we’ll discuss the underlying causes of foundation issues in Cary, some signs that may point to a problem with your property, and how you can limit the damage and associated cost of repairs.
We’ll also offer some average pricing for the most common types of foundation damages in North Carolina.
Pier Foundations
Concrete Slab
Basement Foundations
Crawl Space Foundation
Wood Foundation
- Erica J.
- Suja K.
- Dan T.
What Causes Bowing Foundation Walls & How It Can Be Corrected?
Foundation Crack Repair: Costs & Repair Options
Foundation Cracks
Foundation Installation Costs
Foundation Leak Repair
What Are The Common Signs Of Foundation Problems And When Should You Be Concerned?
Foundation Repair Methods
What Is Foundation Spalling & When Should You Be Concerned?
How Does Foundation Waterproofing Protect Your Home?
Date of Request: 06/01/2023
Location: Cary, NC
Description: I have a few areas that are settling and would like to level them out. Thanks
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Cary, NC
Description: Looking for someone to repair wood joist/sheathing under chimney in crawlspace and inspect for any other damage.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Cary, NC
Description: About eight years ago we had major foundation work done on our home. Unfortunately, I don't know who did it but my hardwood floor is now separating and it appears that a floor joist underneath it is not aligned properly. Would like someone to take a look at it. Thanks
Date of Request: 05/28/2023
Location: Cary, NC
Description: Got an older house with foundation that is sagging at points. Like to even it all up permanently.
Date of Request: 05/25/2023
Location: Cary, NC
Description: Flooring in foyer is not level. Problem may be with 1/2 bath near front door. Townhome built in 1986. Purchased it 1-year ago (March 5, 2020). Inspector had found some water in crawlspace but previous owner had that corrected .
Date of Request: 05/23/2023
Location: Cary, NC
Description: Rebuild 8 foundation piers and add girders per engineering report
Does Foundation Movement Affect Cary, North Carolina?
Unfortunately, North Carolina homeowners experience the effects of foundation movement more frequently than many other areas in the United States. Several geological and climatic factors lead to foundation problems in Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill, Garner, Greenville, Holly Springs, and the surrounding areas.
What Causes Foundation Problems In Cary, North Carolina?
Foundation damage generally occurs because of soil consistency, weather, and construction practices. All three of these contribute to problems for property owners in Cary. We’ll discuss each of these factors and how they affect concrete foundations below.
Cary is located predominantly in Wake County and partially in Chatham County. Both counties are located in an arc of exotic soils unique to North Carolina and the immediately surrounding states. This arc has two distinct sections, referred to as the Triassic basin and the Carolina terrane. Cary is located in the former, which is characterized by an abundance of clay in the soil, believed to have been deposited by glacier movement hundreds of millions of years ago.
Clay-rich soil is more absorbent than dirt with a lower concentration, so the soil in this arc is referred to as “expansive.” It grows in volume when it gets wet and loses volume as it dries. Expansive soil creates several problems for Cary foundations.
The most significant issue is the growth of the soil during rainfall. As the ground swells in response to runoff, it puts added stress – called hydrostatic pressure – on your foundation walls and concrete slab. The pressure is often enough to bow the concrete inward and eventually crack it. This type of movement can quickly compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Another major issue arises when the expansive soil in Cary dries. When it loses volume, it can shrink away from your foundation and leave voids under or around your concrete. Your foundation relies on the surrounding soil for stability, and these voids leave sections of your foundation unsupported. This process, called differential settling, can cause the concrete to crack and sink into the earth if it loses too much support from the shrinking soil.
Lastly, the clay in the soil holds water against your concrete for long periods after rainfall, with added pressure as it expands. When the water suspended in the ground interacts with your foundation, it can get forced through cracks or wick through the porous concrete. This process is referred to as water intrusion, and it can lead to water damage and moisture problems below your home.
Cary experiences above 45 inches of rainfall each year, which is about 50% more than the national average. Water and foundations don’t mix well, so Cary’s heavy precipitation contributes to issues under the home.
Properties in any part of the United States can experience water seepage and related damages during rainfall, but Cary is at particularly high risk because of the amount of rain it sees and the expansive soil in the area. Not only does consistent runoff contribute to problems with hydrostatic pressure, but it also increases the chance of water intrusion.
Too much rain is a problem, but not enough moisture in the soil can be equally as damaging. When expansive soils dry out, they retract from your foundation, failing to provide adequate support for the concrete. As we mentioned above, parts of your foundation can crack and sink into the ground until they meet the soil again.
Cary and much of the northern parts of North Carolina are at moderate risk of drought. Even if the area doesn’t experience record-setting droughts as it did in 2007 and 2008, shorter periods of dry weather can contribute to the differential settling problems discussed above.
Many homes in Cary take advantage of multi-level foundations, such as partial basements or cellars. These split foundations are somewhat uncommon in many parts of the country, but the convenience and lower cost of installation, when compared to a full basement, have led to their prevalence in North Carolina.
The levels of these foundations are supported by soil at different depths, and the problem with them arises because ground settles mainly based on moisture content. The earth at an eight-foot depth swells and shrinks much less readily than soil supporting a slab-built on-grade.
As such, multi-level foundations are prone to differential settling, regularly leading to cracked and sinking sections of your home and the associated structural damage.
Lastly, North Carolina has relatively high humidity and a high dew point, both contributing to an above-average level of moisture in the air. Humidity can be detrimental to any part of the home, but basements and crawlspaces experience moisture problems more readily.
Cary’s elevated humidity contributes to a wealth of related problems under homes in the area, including mold growth, damage to foundations and other building material, warping of floor joists and framing, and an increased risk of pest infestations.
What Are The Signs of Basement Foundation Damage In Cary, North Carolina?
There are many different signs you can look for in your Cary home that point to foundation damage. We’ll discuss these as well as the likely underlying problems with each below.
Foundation cracks can mean different problems and require different solutions depending on the size and location.
Thin cracks on your crawlspace or basement floor often occur due to natural concrete settling and don’t indicate significant issues, provided they don’t continue to lengthen or widen. They should be sealed to prevent water intrusion, but they don’t indicate major damage.
Similarly, vertically-oriented cracks on your concrete block wall that are less than ⅛” wide are likely from settling and should simply be sealed with epoxy. Wider gaps may need repair to prevent them from worsening, but they still don’t indicate structural problems.
Cracks running parallel to the ground occur in response to hydrostatic pressure, so they’re common in Cary, where the expansive soil contributes to inward stress. This type of damage is often structural in nature and requires stabilization.
Foundation walls bulging inward indicate the same problem, and they usually precede horizontal cracking.
Gaps can form in a step formation if the soil below the concrete fails to provide adequate support. Sections of your foundation sink and the cracks form as the stress becomes too much for the concrete to handle. These cracks are prevalent in Cary due to the differential settling of the expansive soil. They indicate structural problems and require stabilization by a foundation repair specialist.
Similarly, portions of your crawlspace or basement floor may lose support from underneath and sink into the ground to find support. You may notice wide floor cracks or gaps that aren’t level from one side to the other.
Water intrusion and moisture levels are widespread problems in Cary because of the compounding effects of the expansive soil, heavy rainfall, and naturally high humidity. As such, moisture or water in your under-home area can signify foundation issues.
You may notice damp air in the space, water pooling on the floor, or musty odors when you enter your basement or crawlspace.
Mold growth on your concrete walls and the presence of insects or rodents can help identify moisture issues. Mold thrives in dark, damp conditions, and pests are naturally attracted to moist areas.
Additionally, efflorescence is a good indicator of water intrusion and the related problems. Efflorescence is a deposit of salt and minerals on your crawlspace or basement walls after intruding water evaporates into the air. It’s white and can appear fuzzy, and it usually crumbles when you touch it.
How to Find Signs of Foundation Damage In Cary, North Carolina?
Except in the event of a natural disaster, foundation damage doesn’t typically form instantly. Instead, a small problem gradually gets worse as the concrete remains under constant stress from the soil pressure and your home’s weight.
As such, the best way to limit property damage and the inevitable repair cost is to monitor your home for signs of wear. Below are some tips for identifying issues as early as possible.
Many homeowners – especially those whose under-home areas are unfinished – seldom think about their foundation simply because it’s out of sight. Carrying out a routine inspection about three or four times a year is a great way to keep track of damages.
Check the visible portion of your concrete on your home’s exterior for cracks, especially around the corners. If you have access to the area beneath your home, head down there and inspect the foundation for cracking. Keep a log of any cracks you find and their dimensions for comparison during future inspections, and report any of the above signs of damage to a foundation repair company.
While you’re under your home, take note of dampness in the air, musty smells, puddles or wet areas of the floor or walls, efflorescence, mold growth, and pest infestations. Again, report any of these issues to a professional.
Next, look for signs of foundation damage inside and outside your home. Begin in your living space, where you should look for drywall cracks around doors, windows, or corners of your rooms. Check to make sure doors and windows open and close smoothly and don’t get stuck. Look for nails bulging out of your drywall, uneven flooring, and walls that aren’t plumb.
Once you’re done inside, inspect the exterior for damages. Look for sagging or wavy roofing, a leaning chimney, and cracks in brick or stucco siding.
You can check your yard for indications that you have an issue with expansive soil, which could be slowly damaging your foundation. These signs include leaning retaining walls or raised garden bed walls, soggy portions of your lawn after rainfall, and gaps between the earth and your foundation.
Cost of Basement Foundation Repair In Cary, North Carolina?
The average price most homeowners in Cary pay for foundation repair is $5,000. However, your cost can fall anywhere between $250 and approximately $15,000, depending on the foundation repair services you need. We’ll break down the average price based on specific issues below.
Hairline floor cracks and vertical wall cracks should be inspected by a concrete repair specialist, as they could mean your home is suffering from structural damage. If the contractor determines the problem isn’t severe, sealing can cost between $250 and $800, depending on the gap’s size.
Water intrusion is prevalent in Cary, so many homeowners turn to basement waterproofing to mitigate the associated damage. Waterproofing systems typically employ several strategies and techniques, including exterior drainage systems, dehumidifiers, crawlspace encapsulation, vapor barrier, sump pumps, and more. The average cost of these systems is around $5,000.
Horizontal wall cracks and bowing foundation walls result from hydrostatic pressure, so foundation repair specialists utilize earth anchors to help resist inward wall movement. Earth anchors cost approximately $1,000 each. Significant displacement sometimes requires up to five anchors, so your total price can range from $1,000 to about $5,000.
Differential settling can lead to sections of your foundation cracking and sinking, unlevel floor cracks, and stair-step cracks. Foundation repair companies often turn to underpinning to provide additional support from underneath your home. Steel piers cost an average of $1,000 each, while helical piers run about $3,000 each. Many homes require up to five pilings, so the total cost of repair averages between $7,500 and $15,000.
