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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Suffolk, Virginia provides residents rich history and culture, entertainment, proximity to nature, beautiful beaches, and a tight-knit community. However, the city’s geology and weather patterns also create some severe foundation problems that can cause homeowners a lot of frustration and necessitate 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 Suffolk. Our pros have years of experience and are familiar with the nuances of Suffolk 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 be discussing the specific causes of foundation damage in Suffolk and how they affect your home. We’ll also offer some advice for minimizing property damage and repair costs and the average price for typical foundation repair solutions 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: 06/01/2023
Location: Suffolk, VA
Description: I ( I am a GC) have a house that I am rehabbing and foundation has issues. Before I can repair the inside , I would like to repair foundation. This home is for resell so proper foundation is important. Thanks
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Suffolk, VA
Description: Foundation repair. Part of foundation needs to be jacked up. Small crawlspace, water goes under the house when it rains and I pump it into the ditch in front of my house which supposedly drains through my neighbors ditch and through a city drain that goes under our road. I have gotten a couple of other estimates. I am looking for honesty.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Suffolk, VA
Description: I need some foundation work my floors are under even and weak
Date of Request: 05/28/2023
Location: Suffolk, VA
Description: We have a portion of our home that has settled and needs to be lifted back in place.
Date of Request: 05/25/2023
Location: Suffolk, VA
Description: I have water leaking through possible cracks into my crawl space. I would like to get an inspection to see what needs done. Thank you.
Date of Request: 05/23/2023
Location: Suffolk, VA
Description: I have moisture in my crawl space and possibly settling issues.
Does Foundation Movement Affect Suffolk, Virginia?
Unfortunately, the coastal region of Virginia is at severe risk for ground movement and extensive foundation problems. Homeowners in Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Yorktown, and other cities in the surrounding area experience foundation damage at an alarming rate.
What Causes Foundation Problems In Suffolk, Virginia?
Foundation issues are typically a result of the soil and climate in a given area, and Suffolk is no exception. We’ll go over the underlying causes of foundation problems in Suffolk below and how each causes damage to your home.
Suffolk’s location on the coast means that much of the soil in the area is composed of deteriorating seashells and weathered rocks, meaning its predominantly composed of sand and silt.
The particles are large and have significant space between them. As such, the soil tends to drain very quickly. Rapidly-draining soil is problematic for your home’s foundation for two primary reasons.
The first issue stems from the rate at which large soil particles can erode. Following rainfall in Virginia, the runoff drains quickly through the ground and can take sand and silt with it. The resulting underground erosion rarely occurs uniformly under your house because the drainage rate depends on numerous factors.
Differential foundation settlement can occur if the ground movement under and around your foundation leaves areas of your home without the support it needs to hold up your house. These sections can crack off of your foundation and settle deeper into the ground. The result is an uneven base for your home and potentially severe structural damage.
Erosion is also to blame for the second problem but for a different reason. As runoff drains next to your home, it can erode the sandy soil abutting the concrete and leave voids between the foundation and the earth. These voids can fill with water during rainfall or flooding, leaving your foundation exposed to moisture for long periods.
The longer water is in contact with the porous concrete under your home, the more likely it is to seep through the foundation and end up in your crawlspace or basement or between your slab and your first floor. As a result, water intrusion and excess moisture are both widespread problems in Suffolk.
Suffolk is prized for its waterfront location on the coast and the many tidal rivers and lakes flowing through the city. However, the resulting low elevation of just 39 feet and proximity to bodies of water are problematic.
The city’s elevation means that the groundwater is very close to the surface. In any instance of excess runoff or exceptionally high tide, the water has little room to drain before backing up to the level at which foundations sit. The shallow groundwater makes flooding significantly more probably in Suffolk.
Additionally, large sections of the city are at high risk of flooding because of the Nansemond River, Lake Meade, Lake Cohoon, and the Western Branch Reservoir. These water bodies are all tidal and can cause flooding if tides rise during storms or in response to global warming.
Flooding makes the problems with rapidly-draining soil worse, as the more considerable amount of water soaking into the ground contributes to underground erosion. Floodwater can also easily get trapped in voids against your foundation and make water intrusion more severe.
Lastly, Suffolk residents experience over 47 inches of rain annually, about 50% higher than the average throughout the United States. Much of this rainfall comes in tropical storms and hurricanes during hurricane season, normally between June and September in Virginia.
The concentrated precipitation during the summer months delivers excessive runoff that contributes heavily to the risk of underground erosion and the high probability of flooding. Tidal floods and flash floods are both common when storms hit Virginia’s east coast.
What Are The Signs of Basement Foundation Damage In Suffolk, Virginia?
There are a variety of symptoms that may appear on your foundation and throughout your home that can help identify foundation problems. We’ll discuss the more prominent signs below and the type of damage most likely to cause them.
Cracks in your concrete are among the most apparent signs of a foundation issue. However, not all cracks require structural repair. You can generally identify the severity of the crack based on its location and physical characteristics.
Vertical cracks on your foundation walls or the outside of your slab foundation typically result from the concrete’s normal settling in the first few years after construction. The best course of action is to have a foundation repair specialist seal them with epoxy or polyurethane to keep water out of your home.
Cracks on your exposed slab foundation or your crawlspace or basement floor are most often from settling as well. However, differential settling can cause these gaps to widen or leave one side of the gap raised above the other. Uneven fissures or those wider than ⅛” more often represent structural issues and likely need repair.
Foundation wall cracks that run along the length of your concrete develop when the hydrostatic pressure outside builds to dangerous levels. The stress forces your wall inward to the point where a fissure forms to relieve the pressure.
You may also notice bowing walls before the gap develops, which is another sign of excessive hydrostatic pressure.
Horizontal cracks indicate structural damage and the potential for foundation failure, so they require immediate repair. Unfortunately, this type of damage is prevalent in Suffolk because of the weight of the runoff that can get trapped in the voids surrounding your foundation.
Another common type of foundation crack in Suffolk forms in a step pattern on your concrete block walls. It appears when an area of your concrete loses support from underground erosion and sinks deeper into the earth than the rest of your foundation. These cracks can be very severe and are typically the most expensive to stabilize.
Water intrusion and moisture accumulation are both pervasive in Suffolk because of the rapidly-draining soil and the high potential for flooding. Water can enter your home in its liquid form, and it can also seep through the pores in your concrete and contribute to humidity under your house.
Signs of liquid water problems include puddling or standing water in your crawlspace or basement, water stains or wet spots on your concrete, and water damage to insulation, sheetrock, or other building materials.
Water vapor can affect all types of foundations, including concrete slabs. If you have an under-home area, you may find efflorescence on the walls, mold growth, musty smells, damp air that is difficult to breathe, and signs of insects or rodents living under your structure. Symptoms in slab foundations include moldy smells in your house, buckling or sloping floors, and water damage to construction materials.
Additionally, water and moisture under your home can contribute to poor indoor air quality, as humidity and mold spores can seep into your upper floors.
Humid air feels hotter in the summer and colder in the winter, so harsh temperatures in your house or high utility bills can signify moisture issues.
Mold spores moving from under your home to your living space can lead to allergy symptoms, another sign that humid air or water is a problem for your foundation.
How to Find Signs of Foundation Damage In Suffolk, Virginia?
Foundation damage typically starts small and gradually worsens as time passes, so identifying the signs of new problems with your concrete can help limit damages and repair costs. One of the best ways to keep foundation issues in check is to complete an inspection once every three months. Below, we’ll detail an assessment that will cover all areas of your property where signs of damage may appear.
You should begin your inspection by examining the concrete beneath your house, as most damages will first be visible there. Look for cracks or signs of sinking outside your house. You’ll have limited visibility because of the ground around your foundation, so continue under your home if you have access.
In your crawlspace or basement, carefully check for cracks on the walls and the floor. It’s a good idea to keep a written report of any gap’s location, length, and width, as a comparison between inspections can help identify worsening conditions. You can use a long straight edge or level to ensure that your foundation walls aren’t bulging inward.
You should also look for symptoms of water or moisture problems, including efflorescence, visible water or water stains, mold growth, musty smells, pest infestation, and heavy air.
Your entire house relies on the concrete below for a sturdy, level surface, so many foundation problems, including movement and structural cracks, will present symptoms in your living space.
Inside your house, look for cracks in the sheetrock around windows and doors, nails pushing through the drywall, walls that are no longer plumb, cabinets and countertops pulling away from the wall, and doors or windows that stick and are difficult to open or close.
The floor joists in your house depend on your foundation as well, so buckling, sloping, or sagging flooring are also clear indications of foundation damage. As such, you should inspect your floors for signs of shifting as you move through your house.
Finally, head outside and look for damages to your home’s exterior. Keep an eye out for fissures in the siding from a shifting foundation, a chimney leaning away from your structure or crumbling, and irregularities in the roofline.
Your landscaping can help identify if your foundation is prone to problems with differential settling that are common in Suffolk. Sinking areas throughout your yard can indicate underground erosion, and puddles on your lawn following rainfall or flooding can help identify that you have very shallow groundwater under your home that can contribute to water intrusion.
Cost of Basement Foundation Repair In Suffolk, Virginia?
Most Suffolk homeowners pay around $5,500 on average for foundation repair services, but you could find yourself with a bill anywhere between a few hundred dollars and tens of thousands, depending on the issue you need fixed. Below are some average costs for typical repairs in Eastern Virginia.
Settling cracks that don’t suggest structural problems are among the cheapest foundation solutions. Most general contractors in Suffolk charge around $250 for small fissures and up to about $750 for broader or lengthier gaps.
The damage caused by hydrostatic is best remedied with earth anchors, which sit in your lawn and pull your wall outward to its original position using a tensioning rod. Earth anchors are costly at around $1,000 each, but they are very reliable and typically include a lengthy warranty. The total cost for most foundation walls is between $3,000 and $5,000.
Most foundation repair companies used underpinning to stabilize stair-step wall cracks and wide or uneven floor cracks caused by differential settling. The foundation contractor will place push piers into the earth under your foundation to provide additional support, removing the reliance on the erosion-prone soil.
Steel piers that reach down to the bedrock cost around $1,000 each, while shallower helical piers run around $3,000 each. The price for this slab, basement or crawlspace repair can fall anywhere between $5,000 and $20,000, and sometimes higher depending on the extent of the problem.
Lastly, the best solution for a leaking foundation – whether it’s letting in liquid water or water vapor – is usually a basement waterproofing system. A skilled foundation repair contractor with years of experience will be able to customize your basement system for your home, minimizing costs while maximizing efficiency.
Your system can include sump pumps, a French drain, a dehumidifier, crawlspace encapsulation or sealing, a vapor barrier, crack sealing, and more.
The average cost for waterproofing services in Suffolk is around $5,500, but your setup can be as cheap as $2,500 or as high as $12,000 in some cases.
