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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Mechanicsville, Virginia is an increasingly popular suburban area, providing residents easy access to Richmond, a more relaxed pace of living, and moderate temperatures year-round. However, there are some downsides to owning property in the area, including an unusually high occurrence of foundation damage and the associated costly repairs
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 Mechanicsville. Our pros have years of experience and are familiar with the nuances of Mechanicsville 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 problems in Mechanicsville and the Greater Richmond area, the signs of a problem that can often be seen throughout your home, and how you can monitor your property for symptoms of damages to limit your repair costs.
We’ll also include the average pricing for foundation repair services that are common in Mechanicsville and the surrounding 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: Mechanicsville, VA
Description: I have some pretty big cracks in my wall and would like to have my foundation checked.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Mechanicsville, VA
Description: I seem to have a crawlspace pier or two settling over my 2-story home's 21 years life. Drywall cracking, gap at baseboards, gap in oak flooring etc. I would like to have you look at it and provide an estimate? Thank you.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Mechanicsville, VA
Description: We had a price over a year ago from JES but never proceeded. Looking to level the foundation. Have floors that squeak and doors don't close and cracks at corner of door frame. Just starting to look for quotes but really need to get this fixed. Please text or email me. Thank you.
Date of Request: 05/28/2023
Location: Mechanicsville, VA
Description: Floors unleveled, a few cracks in drywall and a sink hole that has appeared at the corner of our front porch.
Date of Request: 05/25/2023
Location: Richmond, VA
Description: I have had a leak in the kitchen area underneath the Sink. I have had the area cleaned up and some of the debris removed. The results show one or two joist that have some rot on them. We need an estimate of what the repair needed would be and the cost.
Date of Request: 05/23/2023
Location: Richmond, VA
Description: Foundation issues on recently purchased property. Home has settled and foundation is lacking in certain parts of home. Looking for quotes and assessments. Thanks
Does Foundation Movement Affect Mechanicsville, Virginia?
Unfortunately, foundation movement is a widespread issue in Eastern Virginia. Home foundations in Mechanicsville, Richmond, Ashland, Glen Allen, Chesterfield, Midlothian, and many other cities in the area are structurally compromised by shifting soils and water problems regularly.
What Causes Foundation Problems In Mechanicsville, Virginia?
There are several factors contributing to the prevalence of foundation problems in Mechanicsville, most relating to the geology and climate in the region. We’ll discuss the specific underlying causes of foundation damage below.
Expansive soil is one of the most significant issues that causes foundation damage in Virginia. The earth underlying Hanover County is varied in composition, but most of the ground is characterized by an abnormally high concentration of clay. The expansive clay soil in Mechanicsville causes a variety of issues for home foundations.
First, clay soil is referred to as expansive because of its tendency to swell when it gets wet. Clay particles are tiny, and the small gaps between them naturally attract and absorb large quantities of water.
When runoff soaks into the ground, the soil swells and pushes against your foundation. The inward hydrostatic pressure on your walls and upward stress on your slab can create fissures that compromise your foundation’s structural integrity.
Second, the volume gained during rainfall is lost during periods of little or no precipitation.
When runoff eventually drains deeper into the earth, the soil that normally provides support for your concrete shrinks and pulls away. If the drying process occurs uniformly under your home, the foundation simply settles into the ground.
However, uneven drying can lead to differential settling, which leaves sections of your concrete foundation with unequal support. The areas that dry more quickly will sink further, sometimes cracking away from your home if the settlement is substantial.
As you might expect, differential settling often results in structural problems that require expensive repairs.
Finally, clay is more absorbent than silt and sand, which means the soil in Mechanicsville soaks up and retains water more readily than typical dirt.
Runoff that remains suspended in the earth and continuously in contact with your foundation can seep through the concrete and contribute to water and moisture problems under your home.
The adverse effects of expansive soil are made worse by regular and concentrated rainfall. Unfortunately, the Richmond area, including Mechanicsville, typically gets over 44 inches of rain annually.
This is around 150% of the national average, and the excessive runoff that results from the heavy precipitation increases the likelihood of foundation damage.
The moisture content in the soil around your foundation is replenished frequently by the rain, increasing the occurrence of ground swelling and the risk of excessive and damaging hydrostatic pressure on your concrete.
Additionally, the continuous exposure to moisture makes water intrusion and water vapor more prevalent in the area.
Lastly, flooding is a common occurrence in Mechanicsville for several reasons. There are many floodplains throughout the city that can get flooded with overflow from rivers and waterways. This type of flooding is most common during heavy rain, which the region frequently experiences.
Even the homes outside of the flood zones are at significant risk of flash floods. Flash flooding is an issue in Mechanicsville because the above-average rain soaks the clay soil quickly and regularly, and the ground in the city naturally drains very slowly.
Even routine thunderstorms can cause the runoff to back up to the surface and create instances of flooding.
The risk of flash flooding is most significant during hurricane season when hurricanes and tropical storms bring concentrated precipitation to the area.
The absorbent soil is often unable to drain the excessive runoff quickly enough, so it persists on or above the surface.
Flooding generally maximizes the hydrostatic pressure against your slab and crawlspace or basement walls, increasing the risk of structural cracks forming to relieve the stress. It also contributes to water intrusion and excess moisture wicking through your concrete and affecting your under-home area and living space.
What Are The Signs of Basement Foundation Damage In Mechanicsville, Virginia?
Foundation damage can appear in various ways in your home and in the concrete underneath. The type of damage can sometimes offer information as to what is causing the issue. We’ll discuss the most common signs of foundation issues in Mechanicsville below.
Nearly all foundations develop cracks over time, but fissures in your slab or concrete block walls don’t always indicate structural problems. There are several crack variations that suggest different causes.
Fissures commonly form on the surface of concrete slabs, whether they act as your primary foundation or the floor of your crawlspace or basement.
These cracks are generally thin and level across the gap. If this is the case in your home, you can be reasonably confident that your slab has simply settled and isn’t structurally compromised. Having a foundation contractor seal them will help keep your living space, crawlspace, or basement dry.
However, broad slab cracks or those with one side higher than the other aren’t usually from normal settlement and instead indicate differential settling. Concrete lifting and stabilization are necessary prior to crack repair.
Gaps that run parallel to the floor on your concrete block wall are also typically harmless from a structural standpoint.
They develop during the normal settling period following new construction, and they generally just require a polyurethane or epoxy sealant to keep water out of your under-home area.
Fissures that form along the length of your foundation walls parallel to the floor are significantly more problematic than those in a vertical position.
These gaps result from excessive hydrostatic pressure bearing additional weight on the outside of the concrete. Unfortunately, these damages are very costly to repair and frequently occur in Mechanicsville, where the soil swells regularly.
Cracks in the shape of stair steps on your foundation walls are also expensive to repair, as they suggest differential settling and the loss of structural integrity of your foundation.
These fissures require immediate stabilization, as they can lead to massive damage and foundation failure if they are repaired quickly.
All of the underlying causes of foundation cracks and movement also contribute to water and water vapor problems under your home. Many of the symptoms of these issues are similar, but some subtle differences can help determine which is affecting your crawlspace or basement.
Liquid water generally enters through foundation cracks, and you may see active leaking during rainfall. Other symptoms include puddling on the floor, standing water, water damage, and wet areas of concrete, all of which aren’t typical of humidity problems.
Water vapor evaporates into the air beneath your home, and while water generally isn’t visible as a result, there are some other reasonable indications of a moisture issue.
The common symptoms include efflorescence on the concrete walls, mold growth, musty odors, noticeably damp air, and pest infestation.
The air in your living space is often affected by the conditions under your home, so you may be able to identify severe moisture or water problems without entering your crawlspace or basement.
Moist air seeping upstairs can lead to uncomfortable temperatures and resulting increases in heating or cooling costs. Mold spores moving into your living area can cause allergy symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, and difficulty breathing.
How to Find Signs of Foundation Damage In Mechanicsville, Virginia?
Foundation problems almost always begin as minor issues and develop into significant issues or structural damage over time. As such, locating and repairing damages as soon as symptoms start to appear can minimize the adverse effects on your home and the price you’ll end up paying to correct them.
Below, we’ll walk through a comprehensive inspection you can complete once every three months or so to find foundation issues quickly.
Begin your inspection by examining your foundation. You can inspect the strip of concrete outside your home for cracks and signs of unevenness or sinking, but most symptoms will appear in your under-home area.
Check the interior walls and floor of your crawlspace or basement for cracks as well. It’s a good idea to measure each fissure and record the length and width for later comparison. Report and structural gaps or growing cracks to a foundation repair contractor.
You can also inspect the space for symptoms of water and moisture accumulation. Look for mold growth, musty smells, heavy or moist air, efflorescence, pest infestation, standing or puddling water, wet concrete, and water damage.
Next, move inside your home and check for signs that your foundation has moved in response to swelling or settling soil. If the framing in your house shifts due to foundation damage, you’re likely to notice bulging walls, nails popping through the drywall, cracks around wall openings, doors and windows becoming difficult to open or close, cabinets separating from the wall behind them, and uneven or sloping flooring.
Utility bill increases and indoor allergy symptoms often go undiagnosed, so take a few minutes during your inspection to look for increases in heating or cooling costs and to speak with your family about unseasonal allergic reactions.
Finally, check the outside of your house for cracks in the siding, cracked or crumbling chimneys, and uneven roofing. These can all be signs of foundation movement below.
You may be able to identify if the expansive soil or inadequate drainage on your property could contribute to foundation issues by inspecting your landscaping.
Look for waviness in your yard, puddles or particularly soggy areas of the lawn during precipitation, and leaning or retaining walls or raised garden bed walls.
Cost of Basement Foundation Repair In Mechanicsville, Virginia?
Property owners in Mechanicsville can expect to pay an average of around $5,500 for foundation solutions. The total price ranges quite a bit, usually falling between $250 and $20,000. We’ll include more specific costs for different services common in the area below.
Crack sealing is often the only type of remedy needed for non-structural foundation cracks, including vertical wall gaps and hairline fissures on your slab or basement floor. A general contractor in Mechanicsville’s service area will likely charge between $250 and $750 for this simple home improvement.
Horizontal wall cracks resulting from excessive swelling of the soil need stabilization, which is often done with earth anchors.
On average, Earth anchors cost around $1,000 each, and the total for this basement or crawlspace repair normally falls between $3,000 and $5,000. Larger walls or more substantial inward movement may be more expensive.
Most foundation repair companies in Mechanicsville will fix stair-step wall cracks and uneven or broad slab cracks with underpinning.
This structural repair includes the placement of push piers as additional supports under your house to remove the load from the expansive soil. Underpinning can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
Your total for this construction service will depend on the affected area’s size, whether steel piers or more expensive helical piers are required for a more stable foundation, and the warranty included with the work.
This repair requires extensive knowledge of structural stability and construction. As such, it’s best to choose a company with years of experience, positive testimonials, and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
A basement waterproofing system is the most common and most effective solution for ongoing or recurring water and moisture problems.
Various waterproofing methods can be included in your basement system, including French drains, vapor barriers, sump pumps, drain tiles, crawlspace encapsulation, gutter systems, soil gradation, and more.
Most homeowners in Mechanicsville pay around $5,500 for waterproofing. Simpler systems for minimal leaking can cost as little as $2,000, while more comprehensive setups can reach over $10,000.
