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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Your home in Raleigh, North Carolina depends on the stability of its foundation, which is only as supportive as the ground around it. Unfortunately for homeowners in the state capital, there are various problems unique to the Research Triangle and the surrounding area that can quickly create issues with home foundations.
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 North Carolina. Our pros have years of experience and are familiar with the nuances of North Carolina 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 knowledge, we also discuss underlying causes of most foundation problems in Raleigh homes, as well as some tips on how you can spot warning signs that your foundation may be damaged. We’ll also offer some average pricing for common foundation repair services in the area.
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: Raleigh, NC
Description: Twenty year old house experiencing cracking drywall, sticking doors and shifting countertops. Evaluate and quote to fix.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Raleigh, NC
Description: I own an end unit one story townhome in Raleigh. This townhome sits on a slab.There are a few areas visible on my foundation that appear to need some explanation and/or maintenance or repair such as cracking and crumbling. I have pictures if that would be helpful. The townhouse association says that The owner is responsible for the foundation. Also, my backyard is almost totally mud and my side yard is well on its way. I feel like there is a moat being dug around my townhouse. However, the foundation issues appear to be not directly impacted by the wet soil. Again, this is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Raleigh, NC
Description: I need to schedule a Foundation Inspection for structural soundness on a 1000sq ft home built in 1905 in Raleigh. I'm running into an issue getting an inspection this week before Due Diligence expires. If you do these types of inspections do you by chance have any available appointments this week and what is the cost?
Date of Request: 05/28/2023
Location: Raleigh, NC
Description: Hi there. We have a couple vertical cracks inside in our upstairs basement, and the foundation on the outside of the house is starting to crack as well. Would like to request someone to come out and take a look, and provide a quote/suggestion on how to go about fixing. Thank you.
Date of Request: 05/25/2023
Location: Raleigh, NC
Description: Hello, I am interested in buying a home with what appears to be some significant damage to the foundation. The home was built in the late 1800s and needs foundational repair in addition to the moisture issues. We would like to get an idea of what the cost of repairs would be to factor into our offer. I was hoping although you wouldn't be able to inspect the home in person, we could connect and share the full inspection report with details photos to understand the estimated cost of total repairs.
Date of Request: 05/23/2023
Location: Raleigh, NC
Description: Good morning, we're experiencing some settling issues with our house. Some small cracks in walls, uneven floors, tilting doors. We would like an assessment and quote for repair. Thank you.
Does Foundation Movement Affect Raleigh, North Carolina?
Foundation movement typically occurs in response to movement or changes in the ground under and around a structure. Raleigh has several climate-related and geological factors that make foundation movement a severe problem. Property owners in the area should be aware of these and be able to identify when they may have an elevated risk on their property.
What Causes Foundation Problems In Raleigh, North Carolina?
No home foundation is without its risk factors for damages. However, several things specific to the Raleigh area can be more problematic for the structural integrity of your house.
North Carolina has a distinct section of exotic soil, commonly referred to as the Carolina terrane and the Triassic basin. These areas are known for their high instance of clay. The basin encompasses Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Garner, Apex, and many other surrounding cities. It also includes a portion of Raleigh, but the rest of the city and much of the nearby area has a high concentration of red clay in the soil as well.
Clay makes soil expansive, which means it more readily absorbs water and expands to take up more volume when it gets wet. This is problematic for foundations because expanding soil puts additional strain on your crawlspace or basement walls. Since concrete cannot flex with earth movement, it tends to crack under the pressure. Depending on where the stress is applied, a foundation crack can lead to structural instability and even potential collapse.
Expansive soil is also dangerous because it presents issues with water intrusion. As it expands from runoff or groundwater, it pushes against your foundation and holds the moisture there. Water from the soil can wick through the porous concrete or seep through natural settling cracks, creating a water or moisture problem and the resulting damage under your home.
Expansive soil is one of the most common causes of foundation damage, and unfortunately, Raleigh has an abundance of expansive red clay.
Raleigh experiences over 45 inches of rain each year, which is about 50% higher than the national average.
Rain poses a threat to foundations for two primary reasons. First, runoff that soaks into the ground around your home can easily seep through cracks in your concrete. It can drip into your basement or crawlspace, causing direct water damage and serving to increase humidity. Second, it can soak directly into concrete and evaporate into the area under your home, increasing humidity and leaving the space prone to mold or mildew growth.
Excessive runoff can be detrimental for foundations in any area, but the danger is compounded in Raleigh because of the city’s expansive soil.
Despite having an above-average annual rainfall, Raleigh also experiences drought more regularly than many other places in the U.S. Drought can mean damage specifically for foundations supported by expansive soils.
The clay soil in Raleigh not only expands when it gets wet but it shrinks when it dries. During a period of drought, the ground around your home can shrink away from your concrete, potentially leaving portions of your foundation unsupported. This places undue stress on the concrete and can create cracks or sinking portions of the foundation.
Multi-level foundations, including partial basements, are more common in Raleigh and the surrounding cities than they are in many other parts of America. They increase your living space along with your home’s value.
The potential issue with them is that they rely on two different levels of soil to support your home. Since the ground can settle at different rates depending on depth, these types of split foundations leave your structure open to differential settling.
Differential settling can be a severe issue for foundations if the concrete loses the support it needs to hold up your home. Sections may move at different rates, leading to cracks and structural integrity loss in some cases.
Raleigh, along with much of North Carolina, experiences relatively high humidity levels year-round. Since basements and crawlspaces naturally have humidity problems, Raleigh homeowners typically experience more of a risk of elevated humidity under their houses, given the climate in the area.
Whether moisture comes in through vents, foundation cracks, windows, or directly through the concrete, high humidity levels lend themselves to mold growth. Mold thrives in dark, moist conditions, so humid basements quickly become breeding grounds for spores if the air is conditioned and dehumidifier.
Mold can damage the construction material on which it grows, leaving crumbling concrete or rotted floor joists in its wake. It can also make its way up to your living space in a process called the stack effect. It can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems for those living in your home.
In addition to damaging your property, high humidity under your home can also affect the comfort level of your living space. It can seep into your other floors and make it feel colder in the winter and hotter in the summer.
Signs of Basement Foundation Damage In Raleigh, North Carolina?
Understanding how common foundation problems in Raleigh, North Carolina look can help you catch the problem before it becomes a severe one. Keep a careful eye out for the below on your property, as these signs often indicate an issue in your under-home area.
Concrete naturally cracks due to settling during the first few years after it’s poured. These cracks almost always appear as vertically oriented fissures on your concrete block wall or hairline cracks in your basement floor.
These types of cracks generally aren’t a significant cause for concern, but they should be inspected and sealed by a concrete repair specialist to prevent them from allowing water into your home. Even a small leak can cause damage over time due to Raleigh’s above-average rainfall.
Cracks on the foundation wall that run horizontally almost always mean you have a stability issue and require structural repair. They occur most often due to hydrostatic pressure.
When water-soaked soil presses against the cement wall, it eventually gives way and cracks to relieve the stress.
Horizontal cracks are prevalent in Raleigh primarily because of the soil’s natural heaviness and high absorption rate. The red clay expands and stresses the foundation more than a non-expansive soil would.
Foundation sinking occurs when a portion of your foundation settles into the ground at a faster rate than the rest. It leaves your home with an unlevel base, which can lead to a variety of other issues, including structural instability. Signs of sinking include stair-step cracks on your foundation wall, an unlevel or uneven floor in your basement, or cracks spanning the corners of your foundation.
Foundation sinking is more common in Raleigh’s multi-level foundation homes due to the differential settling of the ground under the portions of your home.
The periods of drought that are common in Raleigh, North Carolina can also contribute to foundation sinking. As the ground dries, some areas of the soil under your slab may contract and fail to support your home, eventually leading to cracking and settling of the unsupported section into the earth.
Since the expansive soil and heavy rainfall in Raleigh readily lead to problems with hydrostatic pressure and water intrusion, water or moisture in your basement or crawlspace are reasonable indications that you need foundation repair services.
You may notice puddling on your cement floor, trickling or dripping on the walls, or simply heavy, moist air when you enter the area under your home. These all point to some type of water intrusion, be it liquid water or water vapor.
You might also find efflorescence on your concrete block walls. This is a white, powdery substance that is sometimes mistaken for white mold spores. It flakes when you touch it, and it usually appears on areas that look like they have been wet. This is because efflorescence is a build-up of salt and minerals that remain on your wall after the water has seeped in and evaporated, usually in response to hydrostatic pressure.
Lastly, mold growth is a clear sign that you have some type of foundation damage. Mold is present in the air in most areas of your home, but it will grow and thrive in humid areas. If you have mold growing on your concrete walls or other building material under your home, chances are you have a water intrusion problem.
How to Find Signs of Foundation Damage In Raleigh, North Carolina?
Foundation damage is rarely an isolated event, and instead, small issues like settling cracks or building hydrostatic pressure tend to worsen over time. As such, one of the best ways to prevent costly repairs is to keep an eye out for minor problems below your home. Below are some of the most straightforward steps to take to locate warning signs of severe foundation problems.
One of the easiest things you can do to monitor foundation damages is to inspect them regularly. Once every three or four months, go down into your basement or crawlspace and inspect the walls and floor for new, existing, and worsening cracks. You can mark each with a pencil to keep tabs on width and length. You should also check for efflorescence, heavy or moist air, and water stains or puddles.
Outside your home, check for cracks on the visible portions of your foundation. Watch for signs of a leaning chimney or a wavy or unlevel roof, and inspect your yard for signs of drainage and soil problems. These can include puddling or soggy soil during rainfall or cracked dirt from shrinkage during droughts that are somewhat common in Raleigh.
Leaning retaining walls can be a good sign that your soil is highly expansive and may have a similar effect on your foundation walls.
Report any suspected issues to a foundation repair contractor the first time you notice them, as early intervention can prevent the issues from worsening.
Your foundation supports all of the framing, joists, and rafters above, so many types of foundation damage will present symptoms in your living space.
Foundation sinking and bowing walls that are common because of Raleigh’s soil will typically warp the framing above. This can result in cracks extending from the corners of your doors and windows or in the corners of your rooms, as the drywall cannot withstand the movement of the frame behind it.
When hydrostatic pressure causes your foundation walls to bow, the framing above can also flex. You may see bulging sheetrock, nails popping out of your drywall, or cabinets separating from the wall. You can opt to use a long level during your interior inspection to test to see if walls are plumb.
Cost of Basement Foundation Repair In Raleigh, North Carolina?
The average cost of repairing foundation damage in North Carolina is around $4,500, but the total varies quite a bit based on a few factors. Larger homes, more severe damage and problems that cause structural instability will all cost more to repair. We’ll break down some average costs of different foundation problems common in Raleigh to give you an idea of what you may need to spend during the repair process.
Hairline cracks on your concrete slab or running up and down your foundation wall usually just need to be sealed to prevent water intrusion. A concrete repair specialist typically charges between $250 and $1,000 per crack.
Regular or excessive leaking can be a more severe issue than single cracks allowing water seepage. More extensive water or moisture problems are regularly solved with a full crawl space or basement waterproofing
This process can involve installing an exterior drainage system, sealing inpidual cracks, installing a sump pump, adding a vapor barrier to your concrete, and implementing an interior floor drain if the problem is severe. Basement waterproofing in Raleigh usually costs around $7,500-10,000, while crawl space encapsulation averages a bit less around $7,000.
Bowing foundation walls can be repaired with a supportive brace inside or earth anchors placed in your yard, depending on the severity. The price can range from $1,000 and can cost beyond $10,000 if the structural stability has been compromised.
Horizontal cracks in your concrete block wall almost always require stabilization in the form of underpinning or piling. Most concrete repair companies in Raleigh charge about $1,500-2,500 per pier, and very severe cracking sometimes requires ten or more piers.
A sinking portion of your foundation in response to differential settling may be fixable with mudjacking or slabjacking. This process is minimally invasive and costs around $1,000 on average in North Carolina. If you have more severe sinking leading to a stair-step crack, you will likely need underpinning, which costs approximately $2,000 per pier.
