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Foundation Repair

Do you know how well your home is standing up to the test of time? Is it strong and sturdy or does it feel like it’s on shaky ground? Whether you interpret this figuratively or literally, it’s so important for your home to have a strong foundation.

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Have you noticed foundation issues like cracks and inward wall movement that are worsening over time? Do you have uneven floors and sticking windows and doors that are difficult to open or close? These are just a few signs of foundation damage that can negatively impact your home’s safety and structural integrity. Your foundation has a big responsibility in supporting your entire house. That’s why it is important to protect it with durable, customizable, permanent solutions.


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What Causes Foundation Problems?

Whether your home has a slab foundation or concrete block walls in a crawl space or basement, the soil is going to impact your living environment in some way. Here are just a few ways soil affects your home.

Water can enter through porous block walls and wall cracks, but another way it can seep inside and wreak havoc on your living environment is through open crawl space vents. Any water and moisture in an unsealed dirt crawl space spells trouble in a lot of ways. Something that will take a big hit is your home’s structural support system. Saturated wooden supports can rot and buckle, and metal supports can rust and corrode. This can then cause sagging, soft floors and floor joists, as well as contribute to problems with hardwood flooring. 

It is natural for soil around your home, especially the backfilled soil, to settle into place over time. But it can settle at an angle and slope towards your foundation walls. This can contribute to the clay bowl effect and hydrostatic pressure, as well as the associated water seepage and wall cracks. The soil also could settle unevenly and lead the structure to do the same. When this happens, you’ll see diagonal wall cracks around windows and doors, and these windows and doors could become difficult to operate.

If you have a fireplace, you’ll need to pay close attention to the exterior chimney. A more dramatic sign of foundation problems and settlement is a failing chimney. Chimneys aren’t always built on the same soil as the house, and they could lack proper footing. When the soil underneath the chimney can no longer support the chimney or its weight, the chimney will start to crack and pull away from the rest of the house.

Once your home’s foundation was completed, previously excavated dirt is replaced or backfilled around the walls. This “fluffed up” soil is loose, more aerated, and not as dense or tightly packed as undisturbed soil farther away from the house. This looser soil tends to absorb water easier than compacted soil. So, when water collects in the soil immediately surrounding the home it creates a “clay bowl.” The saturated soil expands and puts pressure, known as hydrostatic pressure, on the foundation walls. When this constant pressure becomes more than the walls can bear, they will begin to show signs of failure in the form of cracks and inward movement.

Foundation soils experience most of their drying and shrinking from two common causes:

  • Drought: Prolonged dry periods cause soil to dry out. As we know, when clay dries out, it shrinks. Soil shrinkage beneath a foundation has the same effect as soil settling: It usually causes a section of the foundation to crack and settle into the void or hollow area where settlement has occurred.
  • Maturing Trees: The root system of a tree can be up to twice the size of the tree’s canopy. If a tree’s branches extend over your home, there’s a good chance that they extend under your house as well, drawing moisture up from the soil and causing it to shrink.

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Brenden B., Tristan S., Codi S. did an exceptional job completing my Floor Tile System, and Wall Reinforcement/Vaper Barrier. On time,…

Brenden B., Tristan S., Codi S. did an exceptional job completing my Floor Tile System, and Wall Reinforcement/Vaper Barrier. On time, courteous, pleasant, knowledgeable, they kept me informed from start to finish! The three of them have a terrific camaraderie, and work well together. They had to break up the floor, so I didn't even notice they cleaned up so efficiently!! I would recommend the Rush City Office employees to anyone needing basement renewal!! I'm extremely pleased with the outcome! Thank You!! 🙂

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Brandon, Adam and Greg did a great job. Very professional and cleaned up well after the job was completed. Thank you guys.Gene Hageman

Brandon, Adam and Greg did a great job. Very professional and cleaned up well after the job was completed. Thank you guys.Gene Hageman

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All of the above. Many thanks for Gregg P. Kyle W. and Tyler M.

All of the above. Many thanks for Gregg P. Kyle W. and Tyler M.

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Jacob was wonderful,thorough. Very good experience .

Jacob was wonderful,thorough. Very good experience .

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Kaz and the team did a great job, got done ahead of schedule and got our basement fixed up!

Kaz and the team did a great job, got done ahead of schedule and got our basement fixed up!

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Nathan was the salesperson who explained the project and what it would do and gave a Accurate estimate. Josh W. And Ken where the…

Nathan was the salesperson who explained the project and what it would do and gave a Accurate estimate. Josh W. And Ken where the installing team. All work was completed in a timely manner very personal & respectful of our home and to us. We were very satisfied with the work that was done.

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Sinan was awesome! Very prompt and knowledgeable. Provided good input and had plenty of recommendations to help me with my basement. Will…

Sinan was awesome! Very prompt and knowledgeable. Provided good input and had plenty of recommendations to help me with my basement. Will definitely be calling Innovative for future help.

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Adam Johnson field advisor did an excellent job of analyzing our foundation issue and took the measures to make sure we fixed our…

Adam Johnson field advisor did an excellent job of analyzing our foundation issue and took the measures to make sure we fixed our settlement issue while being non evasive to our property. Chad and his crew did the job professionally and in a timely manner and we achieved excellent results with the process. Jim and Kathy McKinnon

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Gregg P, Kyle W, and Tyler M were exceptionally professional, and did outstanding work. They truly went the extra mile, and we are very…

Gregg P, Kyle W, and Tyler M were exceptionally professional, and did outstanding work. They truly went the extra mile, and we are very pleased with the results.

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Gregory P, Kyle W, and Tyler were friendly, professional, got the job done quickly, cleaned the worksite well, and communicated well before …

Gregory P, Kyle W, and Tyler were friendly, professional, got the job done quickly, cleaned the worksite well, and communicated well before and after.

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My house is in Chamberlain, SD. I contracted Innovative Basement to stabilize the foundation as it was tilting. The soil there is not the…

My house is in Chamberlain, SD. I contracted Innovative Basement to stabilize the foundation as it was tilting. The soil there is not the best. The crew from IBA did an excellent job on my foundation repair. Riley and his crew were hard working, professional, and courteous. I liked Riley's calm reassurance that they could repair my home. I highly recommend IBA for any foundation repair!

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Julio , Corey and Michael are very polite and respectful . The job was done in a very professional manner . My wife and are pleased with…

Julio , Corey and Michael are very polite and respectful . The job was done in a very professional manner . My wife and are pleased with how everything was handled

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Our crawl space project was just completed (stablizing/jacking floor system and encapsulating the crawl space for moisture control). When…

Our crawl space project was just completed (stablizing/jacking floor system and encapsulating the crawl space for moisture control). When we requested an estimate, Jan was very responsive in getting this set up immediately. He worked through and explained the project well. The project was completed by Zach, Brandon, and Ethan. They were professional and answered our questions. They worked long days to get the project completed in a timely manner. They were very orderly and kept our place very clean and organized. Zach was very easy to get in touch with and kept us informed during the entire process. We are extremely pleased with the work and the customer service of this company.

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Jan Kottke was helpful in explaining what was necessary to fix our garage’s flooring; this has been an problem for years. He laid out what…

Jan Kottke was helpful in explaining what was necessary to fix our garage’s flooring; this has been an problem for years. He laid out what would be required in a professional manner, and the issue will be solved soon. I’m happy to have worked with this company.

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Prompt service and attention to details. Very professional. Courtesy of the tech was super. We recommend these guys without question.

Prompt service and attention to details. Very professional. Courtesy of the tech was super. We recommend these guys without question.

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Chad , Brian and David did a wonderful job. They showed me they really cared about thir work and it shows. I,m very pleased with the out…

Chad , Brian and David did a wonderful job. They showed me they really cared about thir work and it shows. I,m very pleased with the out come.

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Marcus, Brady, Goody, and Roschaan did a fantastic job with our crawl space project. They were timely, efficient, and detail oriented. In…

Marcus, Brady, Goody, and Roschaan did a fantastic job with our crawl space project. They were timely, efficient, and detail oriented. In addition to doing a fantastic job, they answered all questions and made recommendations that will be useful in the future. Thanks again, fellas!

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Our waterproof system needed service and Julio, Zack, and Greg made an extra stop in their day to get our issue taken care of at the last…

Our waterproof system needed service and Julio, Zack, and Greg made an extra stop in their day to get our issue taken care of at the last minute. They explained everything well and were friendly & professional.

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Innovative Basements Authority did a superb job of helping us with our foundation. From Adam's first visit to assess and estimate, to…

Innovative Basements Authority did a superb job of helping us with our foundation. From Adam's first visit to assess and estimate, to Josh's hard working crew that worked their tails off over 4 days. These workers are all veterans, and they were hardworking, polite, and informative. They were a pleasure to work with. Rollie Johnson

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Brian,Sonny, and Paul were always on time and kept us informed about the process as they worked. They pointed out several plumbing leaks…

Brian,Sonny, and Paul were always on time and kept us informed about the process as they worked. They pointed out several plumbing leaks that we were unaware of. They were friendly and courteous, a great team. They cleaned up every day before leaving and left phone numbers if we had additional questions later. They also texted numerous pictures of their progress.

Is Foundation Repair the Right Solution for Me?

The presence of foundation problems and how they are handled can make or break your home. If issues like wall cracks and bowing are left to fester for too long, they can develop into dangerous living conditions for your family as well as potentially lengthy and costly repairs down the road. It is important to address any problems you notice and nip them in the bud as soon as possible in order to stabilize, strengthen, and protect your home for good.

Your foundation can become damaged from many factors, but the main culprit is the soil surrounding and underneath your home. The areas we serve throughout Minnesota, the Dakotas, Eastern Montana, Western Wisconsin, Burnsville and Rogers, have a diverse range of soil types. These include clay loam in Bismarck, silty clay loam in Sioux Falls, fine sandy loam in Duluth, and sand in Eau Claire. Clay loam, sandy loam, and other similar soils can be problematic for home foundations because they shrink, shift, erode and lead to settlement. They also can contribute to hydrostatic pressure that leads to wall cracking and bowing.

Depending on the type of damage and its severity, your home’s type of foundation, and your home’s specific needs, our team at Innovative Basement Authority offers a variety of permanent foundation repair solutions. Foundation settlement typically calls for helical piers, push piers, or slab piers, and uneven floors can be reinforced by our crawl space stabilizer. Walls that have succumbed to hydrostatic pressure can be stabilized with carbon fiber straps or potentially restored with specialized wall braces, wall anchors, or channel anchors.

FAQs

It’s so important for your home to have a strong foundation. If it doesn’t, it’s going to crumble. Why subject your family to that kind of danger? Nip it in the bud at the first sign that something could be wrong. Lingering cracks and movement will only lead to a compromised structure and costly, lengthy repairs. 

Whether you have a basement and/or crawl space, or your home was built on a slab, it’s important for you to know what kind of condition your foundation is in. It’s what holds up your entire house, so it needs to be durable.  

Foundation problems can threaten your home’s appearance, value, and safety. Hiring a knowledgeable and experienced contractor is the best way to find the root of the problem and mitigate any damage. Innovative Basement Authority is your best choice when it comes to identifying and solving foundation repair issues. We offer foundation support that works! 

Innovative Basement Authority has extensive experience in the foundation repair industry, meaning we know what solutions are right for your specific repair issues and needs. Our line of foundation repair products is proven to get your property back into great shape. We are specially trained to use foundation materials and techniques throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and Eastern Montana, and our foundation repair specialists are fully trained to carry out any work that’s needed. 

Here, we’ll explore common questions and concerns homeowners like you have regarding foundation problems and their repair. 

Do you notice any of the following signs and symptoms throughout your home? If so, you’ve got a problematic foundation on your hands. 

Click on the images to learn more about the cause of your foundation issue and our solutions. 

Even after reading about typical foundation issues and how they start, you’re probably still questioning what’s in it for you with a repair project. There are a lot of ways you, your family, and your home will benefit from finally fixing those foundation problems. Here are just a few major advantages: 

  • Enhanced Safety and Structural Integrity 
    Everyone deserves a safe and healthy home in which to live and grow, but that can’t happen if the structure itself is in danger of collapsing. If you notice a crack in the wall but brush it off because you think you don’t have the time or money to deal with it, how will you feel after some time has passed and that crack has only continued to grow and the wall has started shifting? Instead of putting off repairs, have them checked out immediately and then fixed the right way the first time. You’ll not only be protecting your home, but the wellbeing of your family as well. 
     
  • Improved Real Estate Value 
    Whether you’re ready to sell your house soon or you plan to live in it for the foreseeable future, your home is going to be on the real estate market at some point and you need to make sure it is ready. While various factors can impact a home’s real estate/resale value, structural issues carry a lot of weight. Foundation problems can reduce your home’s resale value by 10 to 30 percent, and buyers could have problems getting a mortgage. When selling your home, you also must fill out a residential disclosure form and note any known past or current issues with the home’s structural integrity. Show home buyers you care about your house by having any problems fixed ahead of time. 

Now that you’re armed with more foundation facts, do you feel motivated and ready to take back your home with needed repairs?  

A lot of people weigh their options of foundation repair vs. foundation replacement. Foundation replacement is quite invasive and time-consuming and won’t actually get to the root of the problems. But various repair methods will permanently solve the issues, so you won’t have to worry about them again. 

Something you need to first consider is who will be completing these projects. Foundation repair is quite a commitment, and you’re probably thinking about how you could save money by just doing it yourself. But, as handy as you may be, it is best that you leave the heavy lifting to professionals. This type of repair is a big deal, and a lot can happen if you try to DIY your way through it. Oftentimes, these DIY repairs don’t stand up to code or the test of time, and you’d have to spend more time and money to bring in a contractor to fix them. Have them fixed the right way the first time with a trusted company. 

It can be intimidating to think about hiring a contractor. And undoubtedly, you’ve probably heard about others’ awful experiences of dealing with contractor mistakes and those who fail to follow through with promises and projects. But don’t let these troublesome tales completely influence your decision. 

The best thing you can do is arm yourself with research and knowledge. Do your homework and find out as much about a company as you can before deciding who to hire. It’s important for you to feel comfortable with who you bring into your home, and to have confidence in the company’s ability. Check out reviews, ask for references, and turn to third-party resources like the Better Business Bureau for further information and customer input. Be sure to ask for contractor must-haves like licenses, insurance, certifications, and other pertinent documents. 

The cost of repair is, without a doubt, one of the top concerns homeowners have when it comes to foundation problems. And that’s normal. Money is a big deal, and so is your home and its foundation. You want to make sure you are protecting it with the best solutions that also are cost-effective. 

There is a lot to consider with foundation repair such as the extent of any damage, square footage, material needed, and labor. How these are addressed differs from company to company, so be sure to have a thorough conversation with your contractor about pricing and payment.  

Plus, no two foundation problems are alike. Every home is different and requires its own unique repairs. That means that what may have worked for a friend or even your next-door neighbor might not be quite what your home needs. 

To give you an idea, average home improvement spending is around $7,500, and most homeowners pay between $4,000 and $10,000 for foundation repairs. Some average foundation repair product prices are $1,000-$3,000+ per foundation pier, $500-$1,300+ for leveling/slab jacking, and $2,000-$6,000 for sealing/subfloor drainage. Read our “Budgeting For Foundation Repair” blog to learn more. 

Check with your insurance carrier if you have questions about repair needs and insurance coverage, as all policies are different. Some policies may cover losses from fires, but many exclude coverage for issues such as foundation cracks or settling. But coverage may kick in if the foundation has been damaged from other problems like broken plumbing, for example. (Source: SF Gate

Your home and your safety are important to us. That is why we only use the most reliable solutions to repair your foundation. Manufactured here in the United States, each product is carefully designed and tested by a team of structural and geotechnical engineers. All our systems also come with a long-term written warranty, giving you complete peace of mind.  

Our strong wall reinforcement and piering solutions are made with galvanized steel to prevent rust, corrosion, and damage, and stand up to the toughest forces.   

Here are the solutions we’ll use to address foundation problems in your home: 

  • Wall Repair and Reinforcement Systems – Wall cracks and movement can vary in severity and condition, so we offer a few different options to address these problems. 
  • Wall Anchors – Wall Anchors are the most effective method for permanently stabilizing walls in moderate to severe disrepair. They extend out to more stable soil well beyond your home’s foundation, providing an anchor point to brace the foundation wall. This stops inward movement and prevents wall failure. The anchors can be tightened over time to help move your foundation walls back toward their original positions. 
  • IntelliBrace ™Beams – IntelliBrace™ beams act the same way as wall anchors in stabilizing and helping straighten shifting walls. They are best to use when there is limited access available outside of the home for exterior wall repair. 
  • Carbon Fiber Supports – Durable Carbon Fiber supports firmly bond to the walls to stabilize them and hold them in their current positions. This prevents any further cracks or inward movement. Their low profile and smooth finish allow them to easily be concealed with paint or basement finishing materials. These supports are best used on walls with minimal to moderate cracking and movement. 
  • Foundation Piering Systems – We use heavy-duty piering solutions to properly tackle foundation settlement. These pier systems are installed deep into the ground and to more stable soil to permanently stabilize the home and help lift it back to its original position. 
  • Push Piers – Push Piers are the commonly used piering solution for most foundation settlement applications. These piers are hydraulically driven through a bracket attached to the foundation footing and down to bedrock or stable soil. 
  • Helical Piers – Helical Piers act the same and are installed almost the same way, except they are manually advanced or screwed into the ground. These round shaft helicals do not bend like their square shaft counterparts. These piers typically are used in specialty foundation settlement applications and for very light structures like porches. 
  • Slab Piers – Slab Piers can be installed the same way as Push Piers and Helical Piers. They are used to stabilize your concrete slab foundation and help lift your home back toward its original position.
  • Crawl Space Supports –  IntelliJacks™ are used to stabilize and help lift sagging floors and floor joists above your basement or crawl space. At five times the strength of builder’s grade support jacks, IntelliJacks™ are engineered to transfer your home’s weight onto stable soils and stop settling. 

Why is Foundation Repair Needed?

Foundation repair can be a huge benefit in so many ways. Here are just a few of them:

Installed wall anchor diagram

Improved Structural Integrity

Your home relies on the strength and stability of your foundation. If something is wrong with the foundation, the rest of your home will suffer. With a reliable foundation repair solution in place to protect your home, the overall structural integrity will be enhanced.

safe home and happy family

Ensured Personal Safety

If your home has severe cracks, bowing, heaving, or unevenness, the stability is negatively affected and in turn impacts the safety of your living environment. A significantly bowing wall, for example, could collapse and bring some of your home down with it. But a structurally stable, protected home is a safe home.

home for sale

Enhanced Curb Appeal and Value

A house with cracks, uneven floors, and other foundation problems also looks unappealing. When selling your home, this can be an instant turnoff to prospective buyers who typically want homes with little to no problems or projects to take on. But a properly repaired and stabilized home inspires confidence in buyers and can also increase the value of your home.

Common Foundation Repair Tips & Mistakes

We have come across a lot of interesting theories and “fixes” for foundation repair during our years in the industry. That’s why we want to urge you to follow these tips and avoid these mistakes when it comes to the care and upkeep of your foundation.

Helpful Tips About Foundation Repair to Consider:

Foundation Repair Mistakes to Avoid:

Find your service area

Bismarck, ND

Cold conditions in Bismarck create a challenging environment for your foundation, but working with Innovative Basement Authority allows you to protect your home with world-class solutions.

Fargo, ND

Unstable home foundations and wet basements are common in Fargo, but Innovative Basement Authority has the best solutions to combat these problems and keep your home permanently stabilized, dry, and safe for your family.

Grand Forks, ND

Snowy winters and hot, humid summers are all too common for Grand Forks homeowners. These conditions, plus the area's soil, put your home at risk.

Minot, ND

Minot receives a lot of snow every year and a moderate amount of rainfall. While local soils are well-draining, surface runoff can be a problem for your home’s foundation. IBA has solutions designed to keep your home protected from moisture.

Saint Cloud, MN

Water damage and foundation issues can happen in Saint Cloud homes, especially after heavy rains and snowmelt. Innovative Basement Authority will help your home weather the storm and stay permanently dry with our trusted repair solutions.

Sioux Falls, SD

Foundation damage and water intrusion plague many Sioux Falls homes because of the area’s precipitation and unstable soils. Keep your home protected with reliable repair solutions only available from Innovative Basement Authority.

Duluth, MN

As you know, living in Duluth brings freezing, snowy, and windy winters. This causes problems for your foundation that extend through the seasons but working with Innovative Basement Authority provides you with world-class foundation solutions.

Minneapolis, MN

Heavy winter snow and summer rain in Minneapolis can lead to basement water intrusion and foundation damage. Innovative Basement Authority will ensure your home can weather the storm with our trusted repair solutions.

Rochester, MN

Located in Southeast Minnesota, Rochester receives heavy rainfall and bouts of flooding. Without proper protection, these weather conditions put your home’s foundation at risk. But IBA has industry-leading solutions designed to withstand Rochester’s wet environment.

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    Our Locations

    Fargo, ND

    1330 41st St. N
    Fargo, ND 58102

    Minneapolis, MN

    6265 Carmen Ave.
    Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

    Rush City, MN

    1325 S Frandsen Ave
    Rush City, MN 55069

    Sioux Falls, SD

    101 S. Reid Street, Suite 307
    Sioux Falls, SD 57103