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
Best Pricing On Labor and Materials
Professional, Efficient, and Friendly Service
Licensed Structural Engineers On Call 24/7
Flexible Payment Plans & Financing Options
Laser Level Measuring Practices
Worry Free Warranties On All Services
Cincinnati homeowners enjoy a relatively low cost of living and a beautiful, bustling city full of entertainment and architecture. However, living there comes with its downsides as well, not the least of which is the risk of foundation damage. There are several factors unique to the greater Cincinnati area that cause structural damage at a dangerous rate.
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 Cincinnati. Our pros have years of experience and are familiar with the nuances of Cincinnati 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’re going to offer some insight into the underlying problems in southern Ohio, as well as the symptoms your house may show if your foundation is compromised. We’ll also review some average pricing for foundation repair services to give you an idea of what a resolution to your problem will cost in the city.
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: Cincinnati, OH
Description: Repair of a stress crack in basement . New Byers are regulating a repair as the inspector was unclear of age and severity.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Description: 2 car garage foundation and slab is sinking. I would like to lift the foundation. Garage doors are binding. Requesting a quote please. Thanks!
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Description: Porch repair and basement walls supported in the fron of the house other walls resurfaced. My home HS. Poured basement .
Date of Request: 05/28/2023
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Description: Concrete block foundation point tucked where downspout water was not diverted. House is in Owenton KY. Area of repair is about 100 linear inches.
Date of Request: 05/25/2023
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Description: I have a trip level house and my family room laundry room are downstairs family room is finished and I have water coming in in one particular corner
Date of Request: 05/23/2023
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Description: We just bought a 100 year old house with a limestone foundation. There is a second foundation supporting a large porch that goes around 2/3's of the house. One of the corner foundation posts supporting the porch is tilting outward. This post is approximately 30 by 30 , is limestone, and is 8-9 feet tall. Some of the other limestone posts are sitting on poured footers. This one does not appear to be on a footer. We are interested in getting the post straightened and put on a foster if that is the correct thing to do.
Does Foundation Movement Affect Cincinnati, Ohio?
Unfortunately, foundation movement is a severe risk for property owners in Cincinnati, Dayton, Fairfield, Loveland, West Chester, Cleves, and many other cities in the surrounding area. Foundation damage occurs commonly in the area, often leading to costly repairs and the loss of structural integrity.
What Causes Foundation Problems In Cincinnati, Ohio?
There are a few geological factors present in Cincinnati that give rise to foundation problems. We’ll discuss these in-depth below.
The number one risk for southwest Ohio foundation problems is the expansive soil in the area. Hamilton County soil has a high concentration of clay in its soil, which classifies it as expansive. This type of earth is detrimental to foundations for a few reasons.
First, expansive soil readily absorbs water and keeps it suspended in the ground for more extended periods than soil with little or no clay. This means the ground around your Cincinnati home will remain moist for long periods, during which it will hold moisture against your concrete.
The water can enter through settling cracks, but concrete is porous and can quickly allow moisture into your basement or crawlspace even if cracks aren’t present. The expansive soil in the area gives the water a longer period to seep inside.
Second, clay expands when it gets wet. The soil will grow in volume during or following rainfall and put immense stress on your concrete slab or block walls. The movement it creates is called hydrostatic pressure, and it can rapidly lead to structural damage.
Lastly, expansive soils lose volume as they dry. Your foundation is held up by the surrounding soil, but the ground in Cincinnati can shrink away from your concrete and leave it without the support it needs. This process, called differential settling, can create very severe foundation failure and sinking.
Cincinnati falls in a soil region referred to as the Clermont-Rossmoyne-Avonburg-Cincinnati region. This area is characterized by flat terrain and topsoil that extends to depths up to around eight feet. For comparison, most places have topsoil that reaches down less than a foot. These two geological factors aren’t present in most other parts of Ohio, and they present an elevated risk of foundation damage in the city.
Deep-reaching topsoil wouldn’t be too much of an issue for foundations, except for the fact that the soil is naturally high in clay and expansive. Therefore, Cincinnati homes sit on several feet of soil that is known to move at alarming rates and cause structural damage. The more expansive soil you have in an area, the more likely it is to cause problems for your home.
Flat terrain typically isn’t risky for foundations, but it does mean slower drainage of runoff. Again, this becomes an issue when you consider that the soil in southwest Ohio is full of clay, readily holds water against your foundation, and expands when it gets wet.
Lastly, a significant portion of Ohio’s bedrock is comprised of limestone and dolomite, two hard minerals that provide support for the layers of soil above. While these minerals can be suitable building materials, they present a problem called “karst,” which is the degradation and dissolution of the minerals when they’re exposed to water.
Karst is a prevalent issue for Cincinnati foundations, as it leads to underground caves, sinkholes, and drainage pathways. The voids underground weaken the earth, and they can lead to differential settling and even total foundation collapse in the worst cases.
What Are The Signs of Basement Foundation Damage In Cincinnati, Ohio?
The above factors can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation over time, and each type of damage they cause can bring about different symptoms in your foundation and throughout your home. We’ll discuss the most common signs of foundation damage in Cincinnati below.
Foundation cracks are prevalent, but they don’t all mean your home is suffering from foundation damage. Some are more or less harmless and need very little intervention.
Cracks running vertically on your foundation wall usually form during the concrete’s natural settling period. They very rarely mean your foundation has suffered damage, so most foundation contractors simply seal them with epoxy to prevent water from coming through them.
Cracks running along the length of your crawlspace or basement wall parallel to the ground are caused by hydrostatic pressure, which forces the upper portion of your wall inward. Unfortunately, these cracks are common in Cincinnati due to the expansive soil in the area. This type of damage is often structural and requires immediate stabilization.
Cracks in your foundation wall that form in the shape of steps form when differential settling leaves a portion of your foundation unsupported from underneath. This is another form of crack repair that is routine in Cincinnati due to the topsoil depth and karst. Stair-step cracks should be repaired as quickly as possible, as they typically indicate a loss of structural integrity.
Hairline cracks in basement floors form during the natural settling period of the concrete. They should simply be sealed to prevent water intrusion.
However, larger floor cracks or those that aren’t level across the gap are common in Cincinnati as well, and they are far more hazardous. They form in response to the upward movement of the expansive soil in the city or from the shrinking of the ground that leads to portions of your foundation sinking into the earth. These typically require stabilization beneath your foundation, which can be an invasive and very costly repair.
Foundation walls sometimes bow inward if the hydrostatic pressure from the soil outside is too intense. Excessive stress on concrete block walls frequently happens in Cincinnati because of the concentration of clay in the soil and poor drainage. Bowing foundation walls are a good indication of foundation damage, and they often predict the formation of horizontal wall cracks. This issue should be addressed immediately before the damage worsens.
Water intrusion is a widespread problem in Cincinnati basements and crawlspaces because the slow drainage in the area and the expansive soils contribute to water being held against the concrete for more extended periods than usual. Water can seep through cracks in your foundation or wick through the pores of undamaged concrete.
The area under a house is naturally prone to moisture build-up, and humidity problems are made worse by the geological factors discussed above. Some signs of water problems include water pooling on the floor of your crawlspace or basement, heavy or moist air, and efflorescence, which is a deposit of minerals on your concrete walls left behind after water seeps in and evaporates.
Additionally, moisture attracts pests and creates a beneficial environment for mold growth. Termites, ants, spiders, rodents, or other pests under your home can signify that you have a water intrusion problem. Mold growth on your concrete walls or other building material often suggests an issue with water vapor and associated humidity.
Lastly, poor indoor air quality can indicate moisture problems under your home and potentially foundation cracks. Air from your crawlspace or basement regularly moves up into your living space. This process is called the stack effect, and it can bring moisture and airborne mold spores to the upper levels of your house.
You may not feel an increase in humidity, but moisture typically makes air temperatures feel more extreme. If you find that your home is unusually cold in the winter or hot in the summer, or if your heating and cooling bills unexpectedly increase, you may have a water intrusion problem in your foundation.
Mold spores seeping up into your living space can cause allergy-like reactions for you or your family members. Symptoms of airborne mold in your home include sneezing, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. If you notice these symptoms and cannot explain them, check your foundation for signs of water damage or elevated moisture.
How to Find Signs of Foundation Damage In Cincinnati, Ohio?
Foundations are under continuous stress from the weight of your home and the outside elements. As such, severe damage to the concrete seldom occurs in a short amount of time, and instead, small problems develop and worsen. Below are some tips for identifying foundation problems quickly so that you can limit the damage done to your house and keep repair costs to a minimum.
Many foundation problems get worse because the under-home area is out of sight and out of mind. The easiest way to locate signs of budding foundation issues is to inspect the area under your home regularly instead of ignoring it. About once every three or four months, walk around your home and look for cracks on the visible concrete. They will usually form on the corners of your structure, but inspect everything you can see and note any damages.
If you have a basement or crawlspace, continue your inspection inside. Look carefully for new or developing cracks, bowing walls, and sinking sections of the floor. You can mark gaps or areas of movement with a pencil to compare during your next inspection. Report any significant problems to a foundation repair contractor.
You should also note if the air under your house feels moist or heavy. Look for mold growth, signs of a pest infestation, and efflorescence, all of which suggest you would benefit from basement waterproofing or other protection from water intrusion.
Once you’ve thoroughly inspected your foundation, head inside your home and look for signs of damages there. Your structure depends on the foundation to provide a level and supportive base, so any issues with your foundation will typically show symptoms in your living space.
Check for cracked drywall, particularly around doors, windows, and the corners of rooms, and look out for doors or windows that are challenging to close. Nails popping out of the sheetrock, walls bulging, or countertops and cabinets separating from the wall can all indicate structural instability. Take note of buckling or uneven flooring as well.
Finish your DIY home inspection outside. Look for wavy or sagging roofing, cracks in brick or stucco siding, and a leaning or separating chimney. Finally, take a look at the soil around your foundation. If there’s a gap between the earth and your concrete, chances are you have a problem with expansive soil shrinking away from your home, which could indicate significant problems beneath the surface.
Cost of Basement Foundation Repair In Cincinnati, Ohio?
Cincinnati homeowners typically pay around $5,000 for basement or crawlspace repair, on average. However, your job’s cost can range from $250 to around $15,000, depending on the extent of the damage, the scope of work, the caliper or repair, and whether the contractor includes a warranty or guarantee. As such, it will be most useful to break down the estimated cost based on your specific issue.
If a crack in your concrete is deemed not to be structural, a foundation repair specialist will typically charge between $250 and $800, depending on the crack’s length and width.
Most foundation repair companies will fix horizontal cracks and bowing walls with earth anchors, which pull the upper portion of your wall back into place and help resist further movement. Earth anchors cost approximately $1,000 each, and extensive damage may require five or more.
Underpinning or piling is generally the best structural repair for stair-step cracks or other signs of differential settling. It involves steel beams or helical piers placed under your home for support. Each pier costs between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the type. Most repairs require around five piers for a total cost between $5,000 and $15,000.
A leaky basement or frequent problems with moisture under your home calls for a basement waterproofing system. It can consist of several measures working together to keep water out of your basement or crawlspace, including crawlspace encapsulation, a sump pump, an exterior drainage system, dehumidifiers, and more. The cost ranges quite a bit but averages around $5,000.
