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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Salem is touted as one of the best cities to live in Oregon, offering a desirable blend of urban and suburban living. However, homeowners in Salem have to deal with foundation problems that are prevalent due to several factors related to the area’s climate and geology.
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 Salem. Our pros have years of experience and are familiar with the nuances of Salem 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 what the underlying causes of foundation damage in Salem are, as well as the symptoms they can bring about in your foundation and the rest of your house. We’ll also offer some insight into how to spot foundation damage quickly and the cost of repairing the common problems found in Salem homes.
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: Salem, OR
Description: With the last storm and the rain I would like to have out foundation inspected because we live on a corner lot that elevated.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Salem, OR
Description: Hey you guys! My husband and I are looking to purchase this home and would like the foundation checked out before we buy it. It was built in 1890 and sits on a brick foundation.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Salem, OR
Description: need a foundation inspection for the sale of a property in salem how much? And when can you come? Thx.
Date of Request: 05/28/2023
Location: Portland, OR
Description: I'm replacing my driveway about 2 ft lower than it was originally. the house was built in 1925 and there is some over poor along the basement wall that I need cleaned off The old driveway is already gone the wall is exposed and there is a backhoe if any further digging needs to be done But probably not needed Please do not share my email address or phone number
Date of Request: 05/25/2023
Location: Portland, OR
Description: There is a crack in the foundation and we would like to see hoe much it will cost to fix. No more then .25 thick per our inspection report
Date of Request: 05/23/2023
Location: Portland, OR
Description: Need a small repair on my interior basement wall. Aproximately 3' x 2' area is bubbling the paint and there seems to be some moisture intrusion (no basement leaks at this time). Thanks.
Does Foundation Movement Affect Salem, Oregon?
Soil movement is prevalent in Oregon for a few reasons, and it can have a negative effect on home structure and stability. As a result, home foundations in Salem, Keizer, Silverton, Monmouth, and many of the nearby cities are at unusually high risk of foundation damage.
What Causes Foundation Problems In Salem, Oregon?
There are several factors unique to the Salem area that leave foundations at elevated risk of problems. We’ll discuss these in detail below and offer some insight into how each creates a problem for your Salem home.
Oregon is well-known for its excessive rainfall. While Salem only receives 45 inches annually – about 50% more than the national average – the city experiences persistent precipitation, nearly half of the days each year. The above-average and regular rain in Salem put foundations at high risk of water intrusion.
Runoff is exposed to your foundation as it soaks into the ground, and heavy rain means the concrete will be wet for long periods. The longer moisture can interact with your foundation, the more likely it is to find its way inside, either through pores in solid concrete or through foundation cracks. Water and moisture below your home can present numerous problems, including mold growth, pest infestation, and water damage.
Additionally, Salem’s soil is heavier and slightly more voluminous when it gets wet, as it has a moderate level of absorbent clay in it. As the soil expands with the constant rainfall, it puts added pressure on your foundation walls and slab, sometimes causing them to crack from the immense stress. The cracks can leave you with structural damage and make water intrusion more likely.
Oregon is considered to be at moderate risk of earthquakes. Although residents fear what is commonly referred to as “the big one,” an expected earthquake of 8.0-9.0 on the Richter scale originating in the Cascadia Subduction zone, most quakes are minimal in the area.
However, even small ground movement can cause foundation damage.
The ground can shift and settle slightly during earthquakes of minimal intensity. Concrete is rigid and unable to flex with ground movement, so the shifting caused by earthquakes can leave portions of your home unsupported by the soil around it. Foundations without support typically crack under the pressure.
To make matters worse, the earth’s settling in response to quakes can happen at varying rates under and around your home, leading to a process called differential settling. This phenomenon can cause sections of your home to sink more rapidly than others, leading to cracking across your foundation and the loss of structural integrity.
Tree roots are surprisingly resilient and powerful, and they can cause several types of foundation damage in any area. However, Salem has named Ailanthus altissima – colloquially, the “Tree of Heaven” – as an invasive species that is a significant issue for homeowners and business owners in the city.
The tree is characterized by very rapid root growth and abundant absorption of water from the soil. The thick roots can quickly damage foundations, forcing the concrete inward and sometimes creating large rifts in concrete walls.
The roots also soak up excess water from the soil around them, which creates wildly varying moisture levels in the ground. The clay in Salem’s soil swells and shrinks with changes in water content, so the Tree of Heaven contributes to differential settling of the earth, which can cause significant property damage and instability.
Lastly, radon is prevalent in Oregon, and Salem is at moderate risk of the associated hazards. Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep up from the ground into your home. Cracks and weakness in the concrete under your house can contribute to radon issues, but most foundations in the area need to be sealed to prevent radon from entering your living space.
Radon isn’t believed to cause damage to your home, but it is hazardous to your health and should be addressed as seriously as structural damage.
What Are The Signs of Basement Foundation Damage In Salem, Oregon?
Given that there are several underlying causes of foundation damage in Salem, numerous symptoms can present themselves in your home and around your foundation. We’ll discuss the common signs of under-home problems in Salem below, as well as the type of damage they indicate.
Foundation cracks are prevalent in Oregon homes, but not all gaps mean that your house suffers from structural damage. It will be most useful to break down the crack types and what they mean on an inpidual basis.
Hairline cracks form in most slabs and basement floors during the natural settling process after your foundation is poured. Cracks in the floor that remain under ⅛” wide and are level across the gap usually aren’t much of a problem and should simply be sealed to keep water out.
Floor cracks that grow to ⅛” or beyond or those where one side is higher than the other typically indicate differential settling of the soil around your home. They suggest that a portion of your foundation has lost support from underneath and is sinking into the ground. These cracks often necessitate structural repair.
Thin cracks that are vertically oriented on your crawlspace or basement walls are often a result of settling as well. Most Salem homeowners have them sealed, given the high risk of water intrusion in the area.
Cracks that run parallel to the ground along your foundation wall are usually an indication that the hydrostatic pressure in the soil around your home has become too much for your concrete to resist. Frequent rainfall and the clay in the ground make these cracks common in Salem. This type of damage is usually structural and requires immediate attention from a basement or crawlspace repair specialist.
Stair-step cracks in your concrete block wall form in the shape of steps, typically in response to differential settling. Ground movement from earthquakes and excessive rainfall in Salem make these gaps common in the area. They need to be inspected by a structural engineer and repaired by a foundation specialist as quickly as possible to prevent further sinking of the separated foundation section.
Lastly, a common symptom of foundation damage is moisture build-up or water in your basement or crawlspace. Water and foundations don’t mix well, and the above-average runoff in Salem makes intrusion a high risk.
Liquid water can seep through foundation cracks if the soil holds it against the concrete for long enough. Some signs of water intrusion include puddling on the floor, wet spots on your concrete, water stains on the walls and near cracks, and high humidity under your home if the water evaporates into the air.
Water vapor can also find its way into your under-home area through the pores of your concrete, even if the foundation isn’t damaged. The vapor can make the air dense or moist in your crawlspace or basement, contribute to mold growth, and leave efflorescence on the walls. Efflorescence is a powdery deposit of minerals on your foundation walls from evaporating water.
Additionally, moisture naturally attracts insects and rodents, so a pest infestation under your house can indicate that you’re experiencing water intrusion or unhealthy moisture accumulation.
How to Find Signs of Foundation Damage In Salem, Oregon?
Identifying signs of foundation damage early is crucial for limiting repair costs and the damage your home suffers in response. Below are some tips for finding indications of foundation problems in and around your home.
Home foundations are often neglected in favor of other home improvements that are more obviously needed, so inspecting your foundation once every three months or so is an excellent way to locate damage quickly.
Start under your home if you have access to a crawlspace or basement. Inspect your floor and walls for cracks, and mark the length and width of each with a pencil for later comparison. Report any significant damage to a foundation repair contractor immediately.
Look for crumbling concrete, efflorescence, visible mold growth, water pooling on the floor, and wet spots on your concrete. You should also be on the lookout for damp air or moldy or musty odors while you’re down there.
Once you’re done under your house, head outside and look for cracks, crumbling, and unlevel concrete around the base of your home.
Foundation damage typically presents symptoms inside your house, as the structure relies on the foundation for stability and support. Look for drywall damage, including cracks around windows and doors, cracks near the corners of rooms, nails bulging out of the sheetrock, and walls that are bowing inward or outward.
Pay special attention to the flooring in your home for bowing or buckling. The floor joists rest immediately on your foundation, so problems with the concrete or ground movement typically warp or shift the flooring supports.
Continue your DIY inspection outside, where you can look for a leaning chimney, cracks in your siding, and sagging roofing. You can also look for uneven spots of lawn and leaning retaining walls, both of which signify that the soil is swelling and shrinking rapidly with constant rainfall and changes in water content.
Finally, consider a dedicated inspection of your yard after particularly heavy rainfall. Puddling on the lawn can indicate poor drainage on your property, which contributes to foundation cracks, sinking, and differential settling.
Lastly, we recommend you get a radon test regularly to check for dangerous levels in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests getting your house tested every two years.
Radon is odorless and transparent, so only a professional test can determine if you have a problem that requires crawlspace encapsulation or basement sealing.
Cost of Basement Foundation Repair In Salem, Oregon?
Foundation repair services in Salem cost an average of $5,000. However, the total price ranges widely depending on the repair needed and how extreme the damage is. We’ll break down average repair costs based on the project below.
Most general contractors charge between $300 and $800 for crack sealing, with smaller cracks costing closer to $300 and longer or wider cracks nearing the $800 price point.
Inward movement of a foundation wall, including bowing and horizontal cracking, is fixed with earth anchors or carbon fiber strips for support. Earth anchors cost around $1,000 each, and most projects total between $3,000 and $5,000. Carbon fiber support strips cost approximately $500 and average about $2,000 in total.
Differential settling that has caused step-shaped cracking or unlevel floor cracks is addressed by most foundation repair companies with underpinning. Contractors use push piers to add stabilization underneath your home. They charge between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on the type of pier you need and how many your home requires. Steel piers run around $1,000 each, while helical pilings cost about $3,000 each.
If your sinking foundation is a result of earthquakes – or if you’re looking to protect against them – a seismic retrofit is often completed. This remodel of your foundation system costs around $5,000 on average. Although it’s costly for a preventative measure, retrofitting will keep your home safe from the dangers of earthquake-related ground movement.
Some foundation contractors use a concrete leveling technique called mud jacking, where they pump a cementitious material under your foundation to raise the concrete slab it back to its original level. This option is significantly cheaper at around $2,000, but it isn’t a permanent solution and very rarely includes a warranty.
Another less common solution to help limit the effects of downward ground movement on a pier and beam foundation is the installation of Smart Jacks. These jacks cost around $300 each, making the total cost around $3,000, on average.
Water intrusion is a widespread problem in Salem, given the soil content and excessive rain. Most reputable concrete repair experts will provide a comprehensive basement waterproofing system to fix the problem, especially if you regularly experience standing water under your home.
These systems regularly include a sump pump, exterior drainage system, dehumidifier, and vapor barrier, but the combination of preventative methods should be customized to fit your property by a design specialist. The cost for a full basement system in Salem averages around $5,000.
A radon test usually costs about $300 but can be as high as $750. Radon mitigation and sealing will run you around $1,500 on average in addition to the testing that is typically recommended first.
