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
Best Pricing On Labor and Materials
Professional, Efficient, and Friendly Service
Licensed Structural Engineers On Call 24/7
Flexible Payment Plans & Financing Options
Laser Level Measuring Practices
Worry Free Warranties On All Services
Gig Harbor, Washington is a stunning place to live, boasting beautiful water views, a slow and comfortable pace of living, and an abundantly friendly and diverse community.
However, homeowners in the area also have to contend with a high rate of foundation problems, as Gig Harbor and the surrounding area are prone to ground movement and several weather-related issues.
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 Gig Harbor. Our pros have years of experience and are familiar with the nuances of Gig Harbor 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 specific underlying causes of foundation issues in and around Gig Harbor. We’ll include some information on the symptoms commonly caused by the damages, how you can monitor for foundation problems, and the average pricing for 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: 06/01/2023
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Description: crack in basement wall leaking water. Was repaired once but appears to have failed.
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Description: Hello, Do you all do retaining wall inspections?
Date of Request: 05/31/2023
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Description: Looking to get a 8' x 12' concrete foundation for a Tuff Shed building to be built on site.
Date of Request: 05/28/2023
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Description: I have a leak on the ceiling of wall in a daylight basement. I'd like an estimate on waterproofing that area.
Date of Request: 05/25/2023
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Description: Need foundation modification before installing new sliding door.
Date of Request: 05/23/2023
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Description: The boat house at waterfront needs to raised for foundation repair. The noted place is in Gig Harbor, WA.
Does Foundation Movement Affect Gig Harbor, Washington?
Unfortunately, homeowners in Gig Harbor experience foundation movement and the related repair costs frequently. Real estate in Gig Harbor, Bremerton, Everett, Bothell, Federal Way, Olympia, Kent, Lakewood, Puyallup, and other nearby cities are at severe risk for under-home issues.
What Causes Foundation Problems In Gig Harbor, Washington?
Gig Harbor is a hotspot for foundation problems for several reasons, each contributing to the potential for property damage and costly repairs. We’ll discuss the sources of these issues below, along with an explanation of how each affects your foundation.
Probably the most significant threat to your home’s foundation is the soil in Gig Harbor.
Much of the ground in Washington state has a high accumulation of clay particles and a relatively small concentration of silt and sand particles. The result is clayey soil that is referred to as expansive. Expansive soil is detrimental to concrete foundations for three primary reasons.
The first is that it swells when it gets wet. Clay particles are tiny and compacted, so they absorb water readily and in more significant volumes. When rain falls in Gig Harbor, the clay-rich soil soaks in water and expands, placing intense pressure on your foundation. The added stress frequently creates inward movement of concrete block walls or upward heaving of concrete slabs, ultimately resulting in the loss of your foundation’s structural integrity.
The exact opposite is true of expansive soil as well: it shrinks when it dries. During stretches of minimal rainfall, the water held by the clay soil can drain into the earth or evaporate out of the ground, allowing the dirt to lose the volume it gained as it took in moisture. Settling of the earth under and around your foundation can happen at varying rates, leading to differential settling.
Uneven settlement of the earth under your foundation can leave areas of your home unsupported. Unable to withstand the weight of your structure without the help of the ground below, your foundation cracks and sinks until it reaches the supportive earth again.
This process very quickly causes structural damage and can be extremely costly to repair.
Lastly, clay-rich soil retains water more easily and for longer times than typical dirt.
Therefore, the ground in Gig Harbor holds moisture against your foundation for days or weeks following precipitation, allowing it to wick in through cracks or pores in the concrete. As such, the homes built on expansive soil are at higher risk of water damage and hazardous moisture accumulation.
The problems created by expansive soil are made significantly more impactful because of the frequent rainstorms in Gig Harbor. The city experiences more than 48 inches of rain annually, which is about 50% higher than the national average. Most months throughout the year bring measurable precipitation nearly every other day, on average.
The above-average and frequent rainfall mean that the soil remains heavily saturated for long periods, maximizing the pressure on your foundation from the swelling ground and leaving your concrete continuously exposed to moisture.
It also increases the chance of flooding in Gig Harbor and other cities on or near the bay or rivers, including Marysville, Port Orchard, Redmond, Snohomish, Renton, and Steilacoom.
June through September in Gig Harbor generally brings significantly less rain, averaging about half of the monthly rainfall the rest of the year. The ground during this time tends to dry much more, causing the soil to shrink. The regular cycle of swelling and shrinking means frequent ground movement that can create structural problems in your home.
The heavy rain and poor soil drainage in Washington make landslides a prevalent issue throughout the state. Although they’re less frequent in Gig Harbor due to the gentle slopes, they can still affect your foundation’s integrity. The movement of heavy soil and runoff can cause isolated damage to your home and put added pressure on your concrete block walls.
The Tacoma fault zone and the Cascadia subduction zone are both located very near to Gig Harbor. The regular and sometimes intense ground movement during shifting leaves the area at moderate-to-high risk of earthquake damage. Even small earthquakes can shift the ground enough to create weaknesses in your foundation.
Frequent shaking can contribute to differential settling and inward pressure on your foundation walls, making the risk of structural damage more severe.
Lastly, the humidity in Gig Harbor is an issue for many homes in the area. The average relative humidity throughout the year tends to fluctuate between 65% and 85%. Humid air outside your home eventually makes its way into your crawlspace or basement, where the moisture naturally gets trapped.
Elevated moisture levels under your home contribute to various issues, including water damage, pest infestation, mold growth, and the gradual destruction of building materials.
What Are The Signs of Basement Foundation Damage In Gig Harbor, Washington?
A variety of symptoms throughout your foundation and living space can signify foundation damage. We’ll discuss the most typical signs below and the likely underlying cause of each.
Foundation cracks can signify anything from typical concrete settling to severe structural damage. The location and width of the gap will generally be the best way to tell the difference between settling and structural cracks.
Hairline cracks traveling vertically on your concrete block wall or on the crawlspace or basement floor are most often from normal settlement. They can allow water and moisture into your under-home area, so they should be sealed with epoxy or polyurethane. However, they don’t suggest structural problems, so minimal repairs are usually required.
If fissures in your slab widen beyond ⅛” or have one side that is sinking below the other, your problem is likely more severe. These types of gaps indicate differential settling, a prevalent issue in Gig Harbor due to the expansive soil, cyclical wet and dry periods, and earthquakes.
This type of gap usually necessitates stabilization, as it indicates structural issues that could worsen and lead to foundation failure.
Cracks that run horizontally on your crawlspace or basement wall develop if the hydrostatic pressure from the saturated soil outside bears too much pressure on the concrete. You’ll often see the top portion of the wall above the crack pushing inward from the stress.
Horizontal wall cracks indicate structural problems, and they should be repaired by a foundation contractor immediately.
The last type of crack you may find on your crawlspace or basement wall forms in the shape of stair steps. Step-shaped gaps occur when a portion of your foundation loses support due to differential settling and sinks into the earth more rapidly than the rest of your home. These cracks are structural and require immediate repair.
Some homeowners notice inward bulging of their concrete block walls. Bowing walls appear in response to hydrostatic pressure, a prevalent issue in Gig Harbor. In most cases, inward bowing of the wall will lead to horizontal cracking over time, so immediate repair is required.
Lastly, moisture or water in your crawlspace or basement is a good sign that you have an issue under your home. Water intrusion and moisture accumulation are both widespread problems in Gig Harbor because of the above-average rainfall and expansive soil that frequently expose your concrete to moisture.
If you have an issue with liquid water, you’ll likely find puddles or standing water under your house, wet concrete, or water damage to sheetrock, insulation, or wooden framing.
Moisture can wick through the pores in your concrete and evaporate into the air, increasing the humidity in your crawlspace or basement.
This issue is more challenging to identify, but common noticeable signs include noticeably damp air under your house, moldy smells, visible mold growth, pest infestation, and efflorescence on your concrete walls.
The air from your under-home area can seep into your upper floors in a process called the stack effect, so you may notice signs of moisture in your living space. Humid air generally feels colder in the winter and warmer in the summer, so uncomfortable temperatures in your home or unusually high heating or cooling bills can signify moisture issues.
Additionally, mold spores moving into your living space can cause allergic reactions, another sign you have a problem.
How to Find Signs of Foundation Damage In Gig Harbor, Washington?
Identifying foundation problems may seem simple, but many homeowners don’t notice the symptoms of an issue because they don’t frequent the space under their homes or notice small, gradual changes that result from foundation damage.
As such, one of the best ways to identify problems early and avoid costly repairs is to inspect your foundation and home every three months or so. Below, we’ll detail how to carry out your quarterly inspection.
You’ll want to begin by inspecting your foundation, as most problems will be most evident on your concrete. If you have a slab foundation, your inspection will simply involve checking the outside of your home for cracks in the concrete. Look for vertical gaps and any fissure spanning the corner of your foundation, and report these to a foundation repair contractor.
If you have a crawlspace or basement foundation, continue checking the concrete under your home. Be on the lookout for mold spores, damp air, water spots on the concrete, standing water or puddles on the floor, efflorescence on the walls, musty odors, and damaged insulation, drywall, or other building material.
Once you’ve examined your concrete foundation thoroughly, head upstairs to your living space to look for signs of foundation movement or water problems.
The framing behind your walls is affected by shifting concrete below, so look for leaning or bulging walls, nails popping through the sheetrock, cracks in the drywall that develop or worsen over time, and cabinets coming away from the wall in your kitchen or bathroom.
The floor joists in your house rely on your foundation for level support, so foundation problems can cause bowing, buckling, or sloping floors on your upper levels.
While you’re carrying out your interior inspection, it’s a good idea to check your energy bills for changes, as you may miss gradual increases over time.
Lastly, head outside and look for signs of foundation damage on your home’s exterior. Common symptoms visible outside include cracks in your stucco, brick, or stone siding, a leaning or crumbling chimney, and sagging roofing.
You may be able to identify inadequate drainage or problems with expansive soil on your property with symptoms throughout your yard. Divots in the lawn, leaning retaining walls, and puddles forming in your yard during or following rainfall can all indicate that your foundation may be at risk.
Cost of Basement Foundation Repair In Gig Harbor, Washington?
Homeowners in Gig Harbor typically pay around $5,500 for foundation repair services. However, your price can vary widely depending on the underlying issue and the extent of the damage. We’ll offer some pricing below for the more typical repairs in the Gig Harbor area.
Thin cracks that aren’t structural generally cost between $250 and $750 to seal. The total price depends on the size and accessibility of the gap.
Earth anchors are typically the best solution for any damage caused by excessive hydrostatic pressure on your foundation walls. They cost around $1,000 each, and most walls need between three and five anchors. As such, you can expect your total cost to fall between $3,000 and $5,000.
Most foundation repair specialists use a repair technique called underpinning to resolve issues with differential settling. They install push piers under the sinking portion of your home to provide additional support. Steel piers cost around $1,000 each and reach down to the bedrock, while helical piers run about $3,000 each and distribute your home’s weight on helices underground.
Your total cost will vary based on the type of piling and the number of piers you need, but most Gig Harbor homeowners pay between $5,000 and $20,000. More expensive options may seem less appealing, but opting for a foundation repair specialist who offers a warranty and has years of experience and positive testimonials will be well worth the cost for this in-depth repair.
Water intrusion and moisture accumulation are prevalent and often recurring issues in Gig Harbor. However, basement waterproofing systems are generally the most effective way to limit these problems, and they can be permanent solutions If installed properly.
A foundation repair expert will customize a basement system depending on your property and how often you experience water intrusion. They may include a French drain, sump pumps, crawlspace encapsulation, vapor barriers, floor drains, gutters, leaders, and other methods of limiting water near your concrete. The cost for most homeowners averages around $5,500.
