Expert Foundation Repair Services in Chicago
Our team at Perma-Seal offers expert structural foundation repair, bowed wall repair, and wall crack repair for home and business owners in Chicago. As a trusted company with deep expertise, our experienced professionals specialize in foundation and basement repair, ensuring reliable solutions for our customers.
The foundation of a home helps to support its weight. Common issues with this area of the home include foundation settlement, bowing walls, and wall or floor cracks. Prompt action is needed whenever these issues are noticed. It is crucial to address foundation issues quickly to prevent further damage. Failure to take care of the problem quickly can cause it to escalate into additional damage, or it may cause problems for the structural integrity of the home. Each problem can be repaired using trusted and proven effective repair techniques and systems, including wall anchors, foundation piers, foundation staples and ties, and more. Perma-Seal offers advanced basement foundation repair and basement repair solutions tailored to our customers’ needs.
A structural problem can only get worse and will eventually lead to major repairs such as total foundation repair or replacement, broken utility lines, drywall replacement and more. Restoring the structural integrity of your home through professional repair is essential to maintaining its value and safety.
Why Should Perma-Seal Look at My Foundation?
- Our Certified Structural Consultants undergo continuous training
- We have successfully repaired thousands of foundations
- We use time-tested repair methods that work
- Our staff can complete most repairs in just a few days
- We have the most competitive, no-haggle pricing
- We have the best transferable warranties in the industry
- We offer a no-obligation, absolutely FREE inspection
Follow the links below to see the two main types of foundation repair services we provide or scroll down further to find the different foundation issues we can repair that happen to homes in our area.
Common Foundation Problems
When it comes to foundation problems, there are some obvious signs that something is wrong. Expansive soils and water damage are common causes of foundation damage, as they can lead to excessive settlement or structural compromise. Please review the following list of potential problems, including uneven floors, which are a key indicator of foundation issues. Addressing these problems promptly is important for your home’s security. You can view more information about the issue or you can contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experts.
Cracked Brickwork or Caulking
A common symptom of a foundation problem can be that cracks have formed in your brickwork or caulking. Tearing wallpaper can also indicate underlying foundation movement or cracks, as a tear may signal that the wall or foundation behind it is shifting. If you have noticed these cracks forming or have had them fixed previously, it could mean that your foundation walls have begun to sink or shift. If this problem is occurring in your home, look for other symptoms of foundation problems and consult a professional. This is one of the most serious threats to the structure of your home, but we can permanently solve this problem.
Using a system of foundation piers we can raise the foundation to the correct position and close the cracks. Combined with crack repair the walls will be as good as new.
Foundation Wall Cracks
Offset, or uneven cracks in your foundation walls are a common sign that there could be an underlying structural problem with your foundation. Offset cracks are generally proof that your walls have succumbed to movement and you should have your foundation inspected by a trained consultant. There are several reasons that can cause these kinds of cracks, and based upon the type of movement and other foundation symptoms, a trained consultant can recommend a permanent solution that is appropriate for your home. In many cases, epoxy resin is used to fill cracks and bond reinforcing materials, such as carbon fiber, to provide additional structural stability.
If this is happening at your home, we would use a combination of foundation piers as well as wall anchors to both raise the foundation up and pull it back into position. Underpinning is another method used to stabilize foundations, especially in cases of settling or weak soil conditions. Underpinning involves strengthening the existing foundation by extending its depth or adding support to restore structural integrity.
Floors are Uneven or Slanting
If you have realized that your floors are uneven or slanting, that is a very sure sign that there is a structural problem in your home. The cause could be a flaw in the way that your home was built, or a problem with your floor joists, but it could also mean that your foundation walls have begun to sink or shift. If this problem is occurring in your home, look for other symptoms of foundation problems and consult a professional. Although this is one of the most serious threats to the structure of your home, we can permanently solve this problem.
Our foundation piers are able to lift the home back to its correct position and can even restore the floors to their original slope. By increasing the depth of the foundation with piers, we help prevent future settling or uneven floors, providing long-term stabilization.
Gaps Under Baseboards
If you have noticed gaps starting to form under you baseboards, that is a very sure sign that there is a structural problem in your home. It could be related to a problem with your floor joists, but it could also mean that your foundation walls have begun to sink or shift. Although this one of the most serious threats to the structure of your home, we can solve this problem permanently.
As with the uneven or sloping floors, a system of foundation piers can lift the foundation back up and help close the gaps under baseboards.
Drywall & Ceiling Cracks
There are many reasons why cracks can form on your walls or ceilings. We become concerned when large cracks, or entire wall cracks, develop in your main level or upstairs living environment. If you have noticed these types of cracks, it could be a sign that your foundation walls have begun to sink or shift, and you should have a professional foundation inspection conducted immediately. If a structural problem is left untreated, it will be more costly and lead to further damage to your home.
Since cracking in this way is an indicator of the foundation sinking, installing foundation piers can restore the foundation and stop the cracks from growing.
Hard to Open Windows or Doors
If you have noticed that your doors and windows are not functioning properly, your home may have an underlying structural problem. Check for other symptoms of structural damage, and, if present, you should have your foundation inspected by a professionally trained consultant. Although a shifting or sinking foundation is one of the most serious threats to the structure of your home, and severely compromises its value, it can be permanently fixed.
When this is happening, this is an indicator that the foundation is not level. Our foundation piers can level the home and allow the windows to open and close again properly.
Chimney is Pulling Away From House
If your chimney is pulling away from your house, you need to have it fixed immediately. It could be a problem with the chimney itself, but it could also mean that your foundation walls and home have begun to shift or sink. Regardless of the problem, if your chimney continues to pull away from your home, it will not only lead to a collapse of your chimney, but it can lead to water or structural damage to your home, walls, siding, etc.
Bowed or Leaning Walls
If your basement or foundation walls are leaning or bowed, you may be dealing with bowed walls—a serious structural issue caused by lateral pressure from the soil. Bowed or leaning walls are sure signs of a structural problem in your home and, if left untreated, could lead to your basement walls collapsing in and causing further damage to your home.
When you’ve got bowing walls, the best repair is to use a system of wall anchors to pull the walls back into place and prevent them from bowing or buckling inward. Carbon fiber reinforcement is another modern, minimally invasive solution for stabilizing bowed walls and preventing further movement, offering strong structural support without extensive excavation.
Basement Floor is Cracked or Uneven
If you have noticed that your basement floor is cracked or uneven, there is a chance that you could have an underlying structural foundation problem.
Often, floors can crack and shift due to changes in the soil beneath the floor or because the floor was poured incorrectly. However, If you have noticed that your floor is continuing to lean or crack more in a certain direction, it could mean that your foundation walls have begun to shift or sink. Although a shifting or sinking foundation is one of the most serious threats to the structure of your home, and severely compromises its value, it can be permanently fixed.
The Importance of Addressing Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is one of the most critical factors affecting the health of your basement foundation and the entire structure of your home. When water accumulates in the soil surrounding your foundation, it creates intense pressure against your basement walls. Over time, this hydrostatic pressure can lead to cracks, bowing walls, and even catastrophic failure of the basement foundation if not properly managed.
Homeowners often notice warning signs such as new cracks in basement walls, water infiltration, or even sections of wall starting to bow inward. These issues are not just cosmetic—they signal that the structural integrity of your foundation is at risk. If hydrostatic pressure is left unaddressed, it can lead to further damage, compromising the safety and value of your entire structure.
Addressing hydrostatic pressure is essential for maintaining a structurally sound home. Solutions such as installing proper drainage systems and basement waterproofing can relieve the pressure on your foundation, preventing cracks and bowing walls from developing or worsening. Prompt repairs and proactive measures will help protect your investment and ensure your basement remains dry, safe, and secure for years to come. If you suspect hydrostatic pressure is affecting your basement, don’t wait—contact a foundation repair expert to review your situation and recommend the best course of action.
Our Foundation Repair Solutions
Why Choose Perma-Seal?
At Perma-Seal, we understand that a safe and stable home is essential for homeowners in the Chicagoland area. Over the last 45 years, we have helped over 500,000 homeowners with waterproofing and foundation issues. In addition to our foundation repair services, we also specialize in crawl space repair and crawl space encapsulation to improve indoor air quality, prevent moisture-related issues, and ensure the structural integrity of your home.
Contact Us for Expert Foundation Repair Solutions in Chicago
Worried about cracks or shifting in your foundation? Structural issues can compromise your home’s safety and lead to more expensive repairs if left untreated. At Perma-Seal, we offer proven foundation repair solutions that restore stability and protect your home for the long term.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call us today at 800-421-7325 or click the button below to schedule your free foundation inspection with our experts!
Foundation Repair
Jim showed up within the timeframe window. Was very neat and pleasant to deal with. Signed up for one foundation repair for next week!
Foundation Repair
Foundation Repair
Just want to say thank you to Perma-Seal for doing such a fine job on my basement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my home needs structural foundation repair?
Common signs include cracks in walls or floors, sticking doors and windows, sloping floors, or visible gaps between walls and ceilings. If you notice any of these, it’s important to have a professional inspection.
What causes structural foundation damage?
Foundation damage can result from shifting or settling soil, hydrostatic pressure, poor drainage, tree roots, plumbing leaks, or extreme weather changes. Over time, these stresses can cause the foundation to crack, shift, or sink.
Is foundation repair covered by homeowners insurance?
It depends on your policy. Most insurance plans do not cover foundation issues caused by settling or poor construction but may cover damage from plumbing leaks or natural disasters. It’s best to review your policy or talk to your insurance provider.
How long does structural foundation repair take?
How serious is a bowed basement wall?
A bowed wall indicates significant pressure against your foundation and should be addressed quickly. If ignored, it can lead to structural failure or collapse. The sooner it’s repaired, the less invasive and costly the solution will be.
What is the best way to fix a bowed foundation wall?
There are several proven solutions depending on severity, including wall anchors, carbon fiber straps, or steel I-beams. Perma-Seal’s experts will recommend the best method based on the extent of the bowing and the condition of your foundation.
