Ann Arbor, MI's Leading Foundation Repair Company

It is easy to spot some foundation problems. However, other symptoms of structural damage may not be as clear. Obvious indicators look like foundation wall cracks or a chimney that has started to separate from the home. Less noticeable signs include doors or windows that constantly stick, or other easy-to-miss issues — especially in older homes or areas with high humidity. To protect the property from costly structural damage, learn the different types of foundation problems and their warning signs.

Signs of Common Foundation Problems

• Ceiling, floor, and wall cracks
• Heaving or sinking floors
• Leaning chimneys
• Sticking windows and doors
• Street creep
• Buckling, bowing walls
• A wet or flooded basement

Do any of these signs of a failing foundation sound familiar? Don't wait — contact the foundation repair pros at Ayers Basement Systems. Our decades of experience in identifying and repairing all kinds of foundation problems will help you restore the structural integrity of your home.

Foundation Problems & Solutions

Once you know the signs of foundation failure, choosing the right repairs is the next step. To do this, you need to understand the common types of foundation problems and how to fix them.

Foundation Wall Problems

• Foundation Wall Cracks: Foundation wall cracks allow moisture and water to seep into the basement, causing mold growth, wood rot, musty odors, and more. Normal foundation settlement or curing concrete can lead to hairline or narrow cracks and are less serious than others. But if you have stair-step cracks, horizontal cracks, leaky cracks, or cracks combined with bowing or bulging, these could mean you have a serious foundation problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.
• Bowing Foundation Walls: If your foundation has horizontal and diagonal cracks, these are caused by pressure exerted by a poured concrete foundation wall that is tilting or leaning. You may also notice the wall bulging inward at the top.
• Leaking Basement Walls: Basements and crawl spaces are common areas with moisture and water intrusion since they're at ground level. Porus concrete and small cracks let water seep inside, creating a wet environment, promoting mold growth, and causing serious problems.

Foundation Wall Solutions

Don't worry over foundation wall problems — Ayers Basement Systems is a trusted professional with proven solutions. We use GeoLock® Wall Anchors to secure the wall to stable soils beyond the home, fixing bowing foundation walls. This restores the wall to its original position and prevents future bowing. Helical foundation piers fix and stop wall cracks from settling soils by driving them deep into the ground and finding stable load-bearing soils that support the weight of the home. Plus, the state-of-the-art PowerBrace™ Wall Repair System stabilizes failing foundation walls that are bowing, buckling, or tilting inwards.

Foundation Floor Problems

A failing foundation can cause sagging and cracking floors. As the soil below your home will naturally start settling, it becomes difficult to support the property's weight. This leads to the soil compressing and buckling, straining the foundation and causing it to sink. Foundation settlement leads to uneven, cracked floors throughout the structure.

Solutions for Sinking, Cracked Foundation Floors

Since many floor problems are from weak soils beneath the home, our experts lift and stabilize your foundation using helical piers. This solution transfers the weight of your home downwards into deep, hard-packed soils, raising it and creating a solid, supportive base. They can also be adjusted to return your foundation to its original position, sealing cracks from settlement and ensuring the long-term integrity of your foundation.

As your local Supportworks dealer in the Ann Arbor area, Ayers Basement Systems is your best resource for all things foundation repair. Supportworks is an international network of highly skilled, dependable foundation and concrete repair contractors. With this partnership, we gain access to industry-leading home repair products, services, and training to keep our professionals sharp.

There is no one better equipped to fix your foundation! Reach out to us today at 1-517-273-7030 or fill out the form below to schedule a free estimate in and around Ann Arbor, MI.

Concrete leveling, cracked concrete repair, and concrete sealing address problems before they worsen, prolonging the lifespan of slabs:

• Concrete leveling prevents further settling or sinking, restoring a smooth and even surface by injecting an expanding polyurethane foam beneath the slab.
• Concrete crack repair stops water, dirt, and debris from penetrating the surface, which can make cracks expand and weaken the slab, by using a powerful concrete sealant.
• Concrete sealing shields the slab from moisture, stains, UV rays, and other damaging factors, maintaining its integrity and extending its lifespan 3 to 5 times in just one quick application.

Fixing and preserving sinking, cracked concrete protects slabs from additional damage, meaning they last longer, look better, and perform better over time.

Concrete leveling and repairs work on driveways, patios, walkways, garage floors, interior floors, and more. If you have uneven, cracked concrete, it will benefit from these repairs, restoring stability and preventing further damage.

Concrete repairs prevent damage by addressing cracks, uneven surfaces, and moisture infiltration.

• Cracked concrete repair prevents cracks from spreading and worsening and stops moisture, dirt, and debris from penetrating the slab.
• Concrete leveling stabilizes the surface and prevents soil washout or settling.
• Concrete sealing protects against water, dirt, chemicals, UV rays, and other damaging factors that weaken concrete over time.

Addressing concrete problems helps you preserve the stability of the concrete and avoid more damage later on.

The cost of an egress window installation depends on your home and the scope of the work, including the foundation type, excavation requirements, window size and style, whether you also need a well and drainage system equipment, and local code compliance. Ayers Basement Systems provides free service estimates to ensure you get a full picture of what is required and an accurate idea of the cost.

In most cases, you need a building permit to install an egress window, especially if it involves cutting into the foundation. The local building codes ensure the window will function as a safe emergency exit with size, clearance, and accessibility requirements.

You never have to worry if your project is up to code with the professionals at Ayers Basement Systems. That means you will avoid any issues during future home inspections or sales. Contact the professionals at Ayers Basement Systems to handle the permit process and provide a safe, code-compliant installation.

Yes, the professionals at Ayers Basement Systems can install an egress window in existing basement walls, even concrete or block foundations. We carefully cut the foundation, install proper structural support, and may add additional drainage and waterproofing systems to prevent future moisture intrusion. Our expertise ensures an effective solution to bring natural light, ventilation, and code-compliant safety to your basement!

We handle the entire process from start to finish. Schedule a free estimate and let us help you transform your below-grade space!