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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Richmond, Virginia is known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and lively community, but owning property in the city isn’t always so pleasant. Homeowners in Richmond and the surrounding area are at relatively high risk for foundation damage, which can be hazardous and costly to repair.
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 Richmond. Our pros have years of experience and are familiar with the nuances of Richmond 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 geological and climatic factors that put Richmond homes at risk and review some of the common signs of foundation damage in the area. We’ll also offer some average pricing for the issues to help you estimate what a necessary repair to your home may cost.
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: Richmond, VA
Description: Sign of water in basement through the bottom of the wall. We need urgent help. We just had the sewer pipe replaced in our front yard, there were a lot of digging. The basement was flooded, we are in the process of replacing the floor. Please contact me urgently.Thank you so much.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Richmond, VA
Description: Experiencing sloping floors upstairs and downstairs in my home. Think there might be some foundation settling.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Richmond, VA
Description: Looking at horizontal ceiling/wall separation, cabinets pulled back from walls, sticking doors, vertical drywall separation far ends of house.
Date of Request: 05/28/2023
Location: Richmond, VA
Description: Hello! I've noticed some growing cracks in different rooms around our house and am concerned that we need some sort of foundation repair/mediation.
Date of Request: 05/25/2023
Location: Richmond, VA
Description: Small crack in foundation in basement. I live in a townhouse and when it rains hard there is a dripple of water coming in on the corner. PLEASE contact me by email first.
Date of Request: 05/23/2023
Location: Richmond, VA
Description: I would like an inspection and quote to address what appears to be cracking of bricks on one corner of my house.
Does Foundation Movement Affect Richmond, Virginia?
Unfortunately, foundation movement is a severe risk for property owners in Richmond, Ashland, Chesterfield, Midlothian, and other nearby cities. The shifting of the ground around your home is a leading cause of property damage in the area.
What Causes Foundation Problems In Richmond, Virginia?
There are a few things related to the geology and climate of the area that contribute to the high risk of foundation problems in the Richmond area. We’ll discuss these in detail below.
Richmond and the surrounding cities have a widely varying soil quality, but much of the area’s dirt contains a high concentration of clay. Clay readily absorbs water, holds more than typical soil, and becomes more voluminous when it gets wet. The dirt in Richmond is referred to as an expansive soil, and it expands and contracts significantly with moisture changes.
Expansive soil is one of the most common causes of foundation damage in the United States, and its danger to properties is threefold.
Firstly, expansive soil takes up more space when it absorbs water. This means that every time it rains in Richmond, the ground expands and puts undue pressure on your crawlspace or basement walls and concrete slab. Over time, the stress can cause your foundation to bow inward or crack, typically causing structural damage.
Secondly, expansive soil shrinks as water evaporates from the ground. It holds up your foundation adequately when it’s properly moist but can retract from the concrete and leave it without the support it needs. If the resulting movement is uneven, unsupported foundations typically crack under the pressure of your home and sink into the earth until they meet again with the soil. This is called differential settling, and it can cause catastrophic damage.
Lastly, expansive soil holds moisture for a longer time than other dirt. Following rainfall or a flood, it will hold water suspended in the ground against your concrete, giving it ample time to work its way inside your basement or crawlspace. As such, expansive soil commonly leads to water intrusion and moisture issues under your house.
Richmond is reasonably close to the coast, meaning it lies at a low elevation above sea level. This isn’t a problem by itself, but it does mean that the areas further west are more elevated. As such, heavy rainfall in the area regularly makes its way down to the state’s lower portions.
Although the Shockoe area typically sees the worst flooding in Richmond, the entire city is at risk due to its low elevation.
Low elevation also means a relatively high water table, which is the level up to which groundwater reaches. The groundwater in Richmond can present a problem for foundations if it freezes.
Given its proximity to your foundation, freezing water in the ground can create a phenomenon called frost heave, which is the upward expansion of the soil as the water in it freezes. Frost heave can lift portions of your home, putting immense pressure on your foundation.
As if the risk of flooding from rainwater and groundwater wasn’t enough, Richmond is also prone to flooding from the James River, which flows through the middle of the city
All rivers can flood during intense rainfall or natural disasters, but the James River is at especially high risk because it originates in the Appalachian mountains to the west. The river can easily overflow and create water-related foundation problems if the snow in the mountains melts too rapidly in the spring.
Lastly, Virginia is subject to frequent tropical storms and hurricanes. Much of the typical property damage from these storms is mitigated because North Carolina extends beyond Virginia’s coast and protects the state to some extent. However, Virginia experiences above-average rainfall and concentrated precipitation due to these storms.
Tropical storms and hurricanes may seem detrimental enough, given that water and foundations don’t mix well. When you add in the fact that Richmond has expansive soil and is already at risk of flooding from the James River, you’ve got a potential recipe for disaster.
What Are The Signs of Basement Foundation Damage In Richmond, Virginia?
There are many different signs of foundation problems that are prevalent in Richmond because of the various underlying causes of damage. We’ll describe each of the symptoms below and discuss what specifically causes them.
Cracks in your foundation are some of the more apparent signs of damage and weakness. They can occur in various positions under your home, each pointing to a specific underlying problem.
Hairline cracks commonly form in basement and crawlspace floors during the concrete’s natural settling as it dries and cures. These appear in most homes, and, as long as they remain thin, they usually don’t suggest a severe problem. In Richmond, where water intrusion is prevalent, sealing hairline cracks can help avoid moisture issues, but no further action is typically needed.
If the cracks in your basement floor widen, or if one side of the gap becomes unlevel with the other, chances are you have a problem with differential settling. This is a more severe problem and should be addressed by a foundation repair specialist.
Fissures in your wall that run vertically form during normal settling and typically don’t present much of a problem aside from water intrusion. They should be sealed by a foundation repair company and only need further attention if they widen to ⅛” or more.
If the hydrostatic pressure from the expansive soil in Richmond puts too much stress on your foundation walls, a horizontal crack will form, and the top portion will slide inward. These cracks indicate severe damage and should be inspected by a structural engineer and repaired immediately.
Cracks forming in a stair-step pattern on your concrete block wall usually indicate differential settling, an unfortunately common problem in Richmond due to the clay soil, flooding, and heavy rainfall. This type of damage requires professional repair as quickly as possible.
A typical precursor to horizontal wall cracks in Richmond foundations is the inward bowing of the concrete walls. As the hydrostatic pressure mounts with an increase in moisture, the concrete flexes slightly before cracking. There’s no way to tell when the crack will appear, but it’s likely if your foundation walls are bulging into your basement or crawlspace.
Similar to how hydrostatic pressure can create inward bowing of your foundation walls, the frost heave common in Richmond can cause your basement floor to rise in certain areas.
You may notice an unlevel floor if the problem isn’t severe, but the slab will likely crack eventually under the upward pressure. At that point, you’d probably find cracks in your floor where the two sides aren’t level, or one side appears to be sinking into the ground.
Water intrusion is one of the most common foundation problems, and especially so in Richmond. Expansive soil, tropical storms, hurricanes, low elevation, and flooding can all contribute to water problems below your house.
Most homeowners in the area who have these problems find liquid water in their crawlspaces of basements. You may find it pooling along the edges of your basement or trickling down the walls from cracks.
Even if you don’t have cracks in your foundation, moisture in the soil can wick through your solid concrete walls and evaporate into the space under your home. This can lead to humid or moist air, musty odors, mold growth, and efflorescence, which is a build-up of minerals on your wall from evaporating water.
Lastly, low-quality air in your living space can be a sign of foundation damage, particularly water issues. Air from your crawlspace or basement regularly seeps into your upper floors in a process called the stack effect. This air movement can bring moisture and mold spores with it.
Humidity makes temperatures feel more extreme, so you may have a water intrusion problem if your home is uncomfortably warm in the summer or cold in the winter.
You or your family members may experience unusual allergic reactions to mold in the air if you have moisture problems below your house. The symptoms can include sneezing, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing.
How to Find Signs of Foundation Damage In Richmond, Virginia?
Foundations rarely experience traumatic damage in a single incident. Instead, small damages occur and gradually get worse under the stress of your home’s weight and defending against the outside elements.
One of the best ways to limit the damage done to your home and the expense of basement or crawlspace repair is to treat problems as quickly as possible. Below are some tips for identifying foundation issues early and maintaining some peace of mind.
We recommend inspecting your foundation at least once every three to four months. Begin by examining the outside of your foundation for cracks and signs of sinking. Pay special attention to the corners, as this is where most of the damage visible from the exterior will appear.
Next, go inside if you have a basement or crawlspace. Look for cracks on the walls and floor, measure their length and width, and mark them for comparison during your next inspection. Contact a foundation repair contractor if you find horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks, or any gaps spanning more than ⅛”.
While you’re down there, look for signs of water intrusion, including puddling on the floor, efflorescence, mold growth, and moist air.
Your foundation is responsible for your house’s structural integrity, so many foundation issues present with symptoms indoors. You can inspect your living space when you’re checking your foundation to identify anything you may have missed below your home.
Look specifically for drywall cracks around door and window frames or near the corners of your rooms. Nails popping out of your sheetrock and cabinets or countertops separating from the walls often indicate a bowing foundation wall, as the wall above the damage will flex as well.
Keep an eye out for buckling or uneven flooring, as this is typically a sign of differential settling.
Lastly, you can look for signs of foundation damage on the exterior of your home. Walk your property and look for sagging roofing, a leaning chimney, and gaps between the earth and your foundation.
After storms or flooding, inspect your yard for wet spots or soggy areas of the lawn. These can help pinpoint potential problem areas that can lead to foundation damage over time.
Cost of Basement Foundation Repair In Richmond, Virginia?
Most Richmond property owners pay an average of $5,000 for foundation repair services, but the total price ranges from $250 to around $15,000. It will be most helpful to break down estimated repair costs based on the damage.
If a crack just needs sealing, you can expect to pay between $250 and $800, depending on the length and width. This type of home improvement can often be done more cheaply by a general contractor. Gaps that need minor reinforcement could be upward of $1,000.
Basement floor cracks caused by foundation upheaval may require significant stabilization. This issue is often fixed with underpinning, which uses piers to add support. Each pier ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 for a total project cost of around $10,000.
Horizontal wall cracks require structural repair and can be stabilized with earth anchors, each of which will be around $1,000 to install. Multiple anchors are commonly needed, so the total average cost is about$4,500.
Stair-step cracks are typically fixed with the same method as wide basement floor cracks. This construction service is usually between $5,000 and $15,000.
Bowing foundation walls caused by Virginia’s expansive soil generally require stabilization with earth anchors. Each anchor is around $1,000, so you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for the full repair.
Water intrusion is a widespread problem in Richmond, so basement waterproofing systems usually involve many different mitigation strategies. Your solution may include crawlspace encapsulation, exterior drainage system, sump pumps, gutters, downspouts, a vapor barrier, dehumidifiers, and several other methods of limiting water intrusion.
Most homeowners in Richmond pay around $5,000 for a basement or crawlspace waterproofing system.
