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 saved us thousands! Great service, will recommend!
Andrew Y. | October 18, 2021
We’ve had water in our basement countless times since we moved in. Greg from Regional Foundation Repair spent a few days installing a waterproofing system and bam - no issues since! Thank you so much RFR!
Eddie W. | October 15, 2021
Finally a foundation company that responds, gets the job done, and includes an actual warranty for the work! Will use RFR again, and recommending to friends and family.
Jessica B. | October 12, 2021
Another company said that our foundation was too far gone and needed to be replaced. That’s when we found Regional Foundation Repair. They saved us thousands! Great service, will recommend!
Andrew Y. | Oct 18, 2021
We’ve had water in our basement countless times since we moved in. Greg from Regional Foundation Repair spent a few days installing a waterproofing system and bam - no issues since! Thank you so much RFR!
Eddie W. | Oct 15, 2021
Finally a foundation company that responds, gets the job done, and includes an actual warranty for the work! Will use RFR again, and recommending to friends and family.
Jessica B. | Oct 12, 2021
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Chattanooga, Tennessee is a beautiful city, boasting an average cost of living, a big-city setting, an exciting nightlife, and close proximity to nature that most major cities lack.
However, homeowners in the area are also forced to deal with foundation problems on a regular basis, as the geology and weather patterns in Southern Tennessee leave homes prone to severe 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 Chattanooga. Our pros have years of experience and are familiar with the nuances of Chattanooga 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 discuss the specific causes of foundation issues in Chattanooga, the warning signs you can look for to determine if your home is suffering damage, and a straightforward way you can monitor your foundation for problems.
We’ll also provide some average cost information for the most 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: 10/20/2021
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Description: My stone foundation is failing and I need a new foundation wall installed along the weight bearing side of the house. I am also interested to know if financing is available.
Date of Request: 10/19/2021
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Description: Check footer to see if it has been compromised and/or if it is the correct depth/width. If necessary repour footer and then rebuild approx. 24 foot of 8x16 block 7 courses high.
Date of Request: 10/19/2021
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Description: Looking for a repair estimate on a home I'm considering buying (just went under contract - in 10 day inspection period.) House is on a slab that has signs of settling in one corner (interior wall crack, subtle floor incline, but no visible cracks outside.)
Date of Request: 10/16/2021
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Description: house built in 1925, old brick foundation, starting to see cracks in interior walss and some in the ceilings, previous owner dug out under the home i think trying to make a basement area. but i dont see any reinforcement .and the floors are very unlevel
Date of Request: 10/13/2021
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Description: I have a pier and beam foundation. I am the second owner and there seems to be a lot of cracking and popping in the floor and walls. I am wondering if the floor needs some shims added or tightening.
Date of Request: 10/11/2021
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Description: several doors no longer shut due to sagging joists under home. I would like a quote to repair the issue
Does Foundation Movement Affect Chattanooga, Tennessee?
Unfortunately, foundation movement and the structural damage that typically occurs as a result are both prevalent problems in many areas throughout Tennessee. Home foundations in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Soddy-Daisy, Cleveland, Hixson, Nashville, Cookeville, and other nearby cities suffer foundation damage at an alarming rate.
What Causes Foundation Problems In Chattanooga, Tennessee?
There are a few underlying causes of foundation problems in Chattanooga. We’ll discuss these below and describe the adverse effects each has on the concrete under your house.
The soil in Tennessee is quite varied, as it’s created by the bedrock underlying different parts of the state. The soil in Chattanooga just west of White Oak Mountain is derived from the gradual erosion of the limestone bedrock below. The earth in the surrounding area is poorly drained and high in clay particles, making it an expansive soil. Expansive soil presents several dangers to home foundations.
The first and most dangerous problem with the soil in Tennessee is that it expands when it gets wet. The clay particles are tiny and hold an immense amount of water between them, so it grows significantly in volume when runoff soaks into the ground.
Expanding soil places undue stress on your home’s foundation. If it’s left untreated, the hydrostatic pressure can eventually topple foundation walls inward or force your slab upward, leaving large cracks and structural damage behind.
The soil’s drying process is also an issue, as much of the acquired volume is lost when the moisture in the soil dissipates. Rainwater soaking deeper into the subsoil or evaporating into the air causes the earth around your foundation to shrink. It can sink enough to leave sections of your home without the support it requires, creating differential settling.
Differential settling can very rapidly create structural problems in your home, as the portions with retracting soil underneath can crack off of your house. Total foundation failure can occur over time if differential settling isn’t rectified.
The final issue with expansive soil is that it absorbs more water than non-clay soil and keeps it suspended for more extended periods. When water hits the earth, it drains very slowly, giving it ample time to seep through foundation cracks or pores in your foundation’s concrete.
This creates a high risk of water intrusion and moisture accumulation in Chattanooga homes.
Chattanooga residents are well-accustomed to dealing with frequent and heavy rainfall. The city experiences nearly 52 inches of rain every year, which is more than one and a half times the national average.
The above-average rain in Chattanooga and the surrounding area leaves home foundations at higher risk of experiencing damage from the expansive soil. The excessive runoff keeps the ground saturated and swelled nearly continuously, leaving your foundation exposed to constant pressure from the earth’s increased volume.
Precipitation occurs at nearly an even rate throughout the year as well, so your foundation will regularly be in contact with runoff suspended in the soil. The chance of the moisture-wicking through cracks or pores in the concrete is very high.
Chattanooga residents enjoy four distinct seasons throughout the year, which many cities throughout the United States don’t experience.
The moderately temperate climate in Tennessee means that the frost depth – the depth to which the ground freezes in the winter – is very shallow, usually around 12 inches below the surface. This creates problems for Chattanooga foundations during the colder months.
Water expands when it freezes, which means the top foot of wet soil surrounding your home expands even more than it usually does when temperatures drop low enough. The frozen ground places even more pressure than it normally does on the concrete.
This additional movement can result in frost heave, which is upward stress that can crack your slab, or inward stress that can compromise the structural integrity of your foundation walls.
Lastly, the Limestone bedrock under Chattanooga is problematic because it dissolves when it comes in contact with water. Over time, runoff and groundwater can slowly erode the bedrock, leaving underground caverns and waterways behind. These voids can collapse and create instability in the soil above.
On the surface, this instability presents itself in the form of sinkholes. Sinkholes and downward settling of soil can contribute to differential settling and potential collapse of your entire structure.
What Are The Signs of Basement Foundation Damage In Chattanooga, Tennessee?
There are many signs you can locate throughout your home that can signify severe foundation damage.
The symptoms you find can typically help identify the source of the problem. Below, we’ll discuss the most common signs of foundation damage and the likely cause.
Foundation cracks are present in most homes, from new construction to the older buildings in downtown Chattanooga. Not all gaps mean structural issues, so we’ll break down the types of foundation cracks further.
Normal concrete settling occurs in all foundations. It typically results in thin, hairline cracks spanning across your concrete slab or basement floor or in narrow fissures running vertically on your crawlspace or basement wall. These cracks seldom indicate structural damage.
Most homeowners in Chattanooga understand the risk of water intrusion because of the clay-rich soil and heavy rainfall, so they choose to seal these cracks with a polyurethane or epoxy sealant.
Fissures spanning a foundation wall in a horizontal orientation occur when the hydrostatic pressure from the swelling soil outside becomes too intense. Eventually, lateral stress cracks form, and the upper portion of the wall typically pushes inward. These gaps are structural, and stabilization is necessary to prevent structure collapse.
Foundation wall cracks can appear in the shape of stair steps, which generally suggests that your foundation is suffering from differential settling.
A portion of your concrete has lost support from shrinking soil underneath, and the lower portion of the crack is sinking more quickly into the earth. These gaps are very hazardous and require immediate attention from a structural engineer or foundation repair company.
The frequent ground movement in Chattanooga – either as a result of differential settling or frost heave – can cause your concrete to sink or push upward in certain areas. If your home’s foundation is suffering from this type of movement, you’ll likely find wide or unlevel cracks in your slab or basement floor, and the floor may also slope noticeably.
The symptoms of these opposite movements can be very similar, so a professional should be consulted in either case. However, you may be able to identify frost heave as the underlying problem if the floor cracks occur in a circular pattern.
Lastly, the high risk of water intrusion and moisture-wicking through your concrete foundation often present clear symptoms if you have a crawlspace or basement.
You may notice wet spots or water pooling on the floor, standing water, efflorescence on the walls, mold growth, musty smells, water damage, damp or heavy air, insects or rodents living under your home, and water visibly dripping in through foundation cracks.
If you have a slab foundation or don’t frequent your under-home area, you can also find warning signs in your living space. If humidity from moisture accumulation under your home seeps into your upper floors, it can make the air temperature feel more extreme. Uncomfortably hot or cold air or above-average utility bills can both indicate water or moisture problems below.
Additionally, mold spores seeping into your living area can not only create moldy smells indoors but can also cause allergy symptoms in you or your family members. You may notice itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing as a result.
How to Find Signs of Foundation Damage In Chattanooga, Tennessee?
Identifying the warning signs of under-home problems early can help limit the damage they cause throughout your home, as well as the cost to repair and stabilize the foundation.
Unfortunately, many homeowners miss even the most apparent symptoms because they develop slowly. Below, we’ll walk through a home inspection you can carry out every three or four months to keep tabs on the health of your foundation.
You should begin at the source of foundation issues by inspecting the concrete visible under your home outside. Identify cracks and signs of uneven sinking of the foundation, and report them immediately to a foundation contractor.
If you have a basement or crawlspace, head down there to look for interior signs of damage. These include cracks on the floor or walls, efflorescence, mold, moldy odors, pooling or puddling water, moist air, water damage, and pest infestations. Report any new or worsening problems to a foundation repair expert.
Head into your living space next and look for symptoms of shifting wall framing or floor joists. These include cracks in the sheetrock around wall opening, leaning or tilting walls, nails pushing through the drywall, and buckling or sloping flooring.
You may also notice doors and windows becoming challenging to open or close or cabinets and countertops pushing away from the wall behind them.
This is an excellent opportunity to compare past utility bills for unexpected increases and assess recent allergy symptoms that went unexplained.
Finally, head outside and look for signs of foundation movement on your home’s exterior and throughout your landscaping. Check for cracks in the siding, cracking or tilting chimneys, and uneven roofing.
If you have problems with drainage or expansive soil on your property, you may notice dips or pots in the lawn, damaged or tilting retaining walls, and puddles forming on the grass after precipitation.
Cost of Basement Foundation Repair In Chattanooga, Tennessee?
Foundation repair solutions in Chattanooga cost an average of approximately $5,500, but your cost can be anywhere from $300 to $20,000 or more. We’ll provide some pricing for specific projects and repairs below to give you a better idea of what your home improvement will cost.
Settling cracks in your foundation that are confirmed not to be from dangerous movement of the concrete require the most straightforward repair. Most general contractors in the area charge between $300 and $800 for this crack repair.
A horizontal crack in your foundation will require more extensive methods of stabilization and sealing. Most foundation repair companies use foundation wall anchors to maintain wall stability and prevent further inward movement.
Wall anchors usually run around $1,000 each, so you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 for this basement or crawlspace repair.
Some contractors will opt for more affordable carbon fiber support strips if the inward movement isn’t so severe. These strips cost around $2,500 total, but they rarely come with a warranty, as they aren’t a permanent solution to the problem.
Differential foundation settlement usually necessitates the most complicated and intrusive repair: underpinning. Underpinning involves the installation of supports under your foundation called push piers.
The more common pilings used are steel piers and helical piers, which cost around $1,000 and $3,000 each. This service costs between $10,000 and $20,000, on average, but it can be higher for larger properties or more extensive damage.
Some minor settling problems can be fixed with mud jacking, a less intrusive concrete leveling technique. This service typically costs around $2,500, but it’s not a permanent solution and may even cause additional issues if done improperly.
Sinkhole repair is complicated and time-consuming, so it can fetch the highest prices, depending on the size of the void and the ease of accessibility. This service costs an average of $12,000, but the price can fall anywhere between $3,000 and $100,000.
The best solution for ongoing water intrusion or moisture accumulation is a basement waterproofing system.
These systems are custom-designed for your property to remove water from your under-home area and the surrounding soil and relocate it to a safe disposal area.
Yours may include a French drain, dehumidifiers, sump pumps, vapor barriers, crawlspace encapsulation, and an interior drainage system.
Most Chattanooga homeowners pay between $2,500 and $10,000 for this setup, with the average falling around $5,500. If your water or moisture problem also requires mold remediation, you can expect to add an additional $3,000 to the price.
