Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s the foundation of your family’s security, comfort, and future. At Cornerstone Foundation Repair & Waterproofing, we are committed to protecting what matters most with expert foundation repair solutions you can trust. Foundation issues can compromise the safety, aesthetics, and value of your property. As a locally owned and operated company with over a decade of experience, and as a fully licensed North Carolina general contractor, we offer comprehensive foundation repair solutions tailored to the unique needs of homeowners in the Raleigh and Durham areas. Our team is trained and committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring your peace of mind without trying to sell you a service you do not need.

Understanding Foundation Problems

Foundation problems can manifest in various ways, often starting subtly and progressing if not addressed promptly. Homeowners should be vigilant in identifying these early warning signs to prevent further damage and costly foundation repairs.

Common Signs of Foundation Issues

• Cracks in Walls and Floors: Hairline fractures can appear in drywall, ceilings, or concrete floors, indicating shifting or settling foundations. Over time, these cracks may expand if the underlying problem is not resolved.
• Doors and Window Misalignment: Difficulty in opening or closing doors and windows can result from foundation movement causing frames to become misaligned. This is often accompanied by visible gaps around the frames.
• Uneven or Sloping Floors: Noticeable dips or slopes in flooring may suggest foundation settling or structural issues. These can also lead to squeaky or creaking floorboards.
• Bowing or Leaning Walls: Walls that bulge or lean inward are often a sign of external pressure on the foundation, potentially from soil expansion or hydrostatic pressure.
• Water Intrusion: Moisture in basements or crawl spaces can indicate foundation cracks or inadequate waterproofing, leading to mold growth and structural damage.
• Gaps Between Walls and Ceilings: Visible separation between walls and ceilings is another indicator of foundation instability.

Causes of Foundation Issues

Several factors contribute to foundation problems, particularly in the Raleigh and Durham regions:

• Soil Composition: The prevalent triassic clay soils in this area expand when wet and contract when dry, exerting pressure on foundations and causing movement. This “clay bowl effect” is a common issue in North Carolina.
• Hydrostatic Pressure: Excessive moisture accumulation around the foundation increases soil pressure, leading to cracks and leaks. Prolonged exposure to water weakens the foundation over time.
• Poor Drainage: Inadequate drainage systems can result in water pooling near the foundation, exacerbating soil movement and foundation stress.
• Tree Roots: Nearby trees with extensive root systems can draw moisture from the soil, causing it to contract and affect foundation stability. Roots can also physically invade foundation walls.
• Seasonal Weather Changes: North Carolina’s freeze-thaw cycles can worsen existing cracks and increase soil movement, further destabilizing the foundation.

Our Comprehensive Foundation Repair Services

At Cornerstone Foundation Repair & Waterproofing, we provide a range of services to address all foundation-related concerns. Our team uses state-of-the-art technology and proven techniques to ensure the longevity and stability of your home.

1. Foundation Repair and Underpinning

• Helical Piers: Ideal for stabilizing structures located in North Carolina, helical piers are screwed into the soil past the active layers of clay to permanently stabilize or lift your footings. The benefit to a helical is that it is placed into the soil independently of the home and can be mechanically driven past any premature hard layers of soil unlike a push pier.

2. Wall Stabilization

• Helical Tiebacks: Used to counteract external soil pressure, wall anchors stabilize bowing or leaning walls.. They are an excellent solution for walls showing signs of lateral movement.
• Carbon Fiber Strapping: A non-invasive method to strengthen and stabilize cracked or bowing walls using high-strength carbon fiber straps. This solution is quick to install and highly durable.
• Steel Soldier Beams: High carbon steel I-Beams are engineered to stabilize your bowing wall by being placed tight to the bowing wall and secured to the framing above and into a footing below.

3. Crawl Space Repair, Drainage and Encapsulation

• Structural Repairs: Addressing issues like sagging floors by reinforcing or replacing damaged joists and beams. Our team ensures that the crawl space structure is secure and resilient.
• Interior Crawlspace Drains: The ultimate solution to water infiltration into your crawlspace. An 8-12” trench is excavated around the inside face of your foundation wall to expose the top of the footing. A laser level is then utilized to determine the low point of the footing in order to find the perfect placement for the sump basin (if needed). A sock wrapped drain tile is then placed on top of the footing and routed to a new sump basin or to a daylight drain exit in the foundation wall. Washed #57 stone is backfilled into the trench even with the surrounding soils. A new 10 mil vapor barrier is then placed on the soils extending to the foundation walls and tight to the interior support piers.
• Crawl Space Encapsulation: Sealing crawl spaces with vapor barriers to prevent moisture intrusion, improve air quality, and enhance energy efficiency. This process also helps reduce utility costs and prevents pest infestations. An Aprilaire dehumidifier is used to keep humidity to a minimum and is used to create the optimal airflow needed inside the crawlspace.

4. Basement Waterproofing

• Interior Drainage Systems: Cutting the concrete slab and placing drainage channels and sump pumps to manage water intrusion effectively. This system collects and redirects water before it can cause damage.
• Exterior Waterproofing: Excavating the exterior basement walls and applying protective coatings and membranes to the exterior foundation walls to prevent water penetration. This is the ultimate protection for your masonry walls and provides an additional layer of defense against moisture.

5. Concrete Lifting and Leveling

• Polyurethane Foam Injection: A minimally invasive technique to lift and level sunken concrete slabs, driveways, and sidewalks. This process restores the appearance and safety of your property while preventing further damage.

Why Choose Cornerstone Foundation Repair & Waterproofing?

When it comes to protecting your home, you want a company you can trust. Here’s why Cornerstone Foundation Repair & Waterproofing stands out:

• Local Expertise: Being locally owned and operated, we have an in-depth understanding of the soil conditions and common foundation issues in the Raleigh and Durham areas. Our familiarity with the region ensures accurate diagnoses and effective foundation repair solutions.
• Licensed Professionals: As a fully licensed North Carolina general contractor, we adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring quality workmanship and compliance with all regulations.
• Over a Decade of Experience: With more than 10 years in the industry, our team has successfully handled a wide array of foundation problems, providing reliable and lasting solutions.
• Customer-Centric Approach: We prioritize clear communication, transparency, and personalized service, ensuring that you are informed and comfortable throughout the repair process.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Our holistic approach addresses not just the symptoms but the root causes of foundation issues, ensuring long-term stability and peace of mind.
• Advanced Technology: We use cutting-edge tools and materials to deliver precise, efficient, and effective foundation repairs.
• Lifetime Warranty: A lifetime warranty on foundation repair services provides homeowners with unmatched peace of mind, ensuring long-term protection and confidence that their investment is safeguarded for years to come.

The Importance of Timely Foundation Repair

Addressing foundation problems promptly is crucial to prevent further deterioration and escalating foundation repair costs. Early intervention can:

• Protect Your Home’s Structural Integrity: Preventing minor issues from developing into major structural problems.
• Maintain Property Value: Homes with stable foundations retain their market value, while unresolved issues can deter potential buyers.
• Avoid Secondary Damage: Foundation problems can lead to water damage, mold growth, and pest infestations if left unchecked.
• Improve Energy Efficiency: Properly sealed and stable foundations help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing energy consumption.

Testimonials from Satisfied Customers

“Cornerstone did an outstanding job! The foundation of our older home needed quite a bit of work. They carefully reviewed the structural engineer’s findings and the installation was performed quickly and very well. The onsite crew was polite…and extremely hardworking. I highly recommend this company.” – Catherine A.

“Thanks Jon and team! Cornerstone did a great job with our foundation repair based off a structural engineering report. Handled and responded ahead of schedule every step of the way, knowing we were trying to put our house on the market. Again, great job guys.” – Bryan W.

Contact Us for a Free Foundation Repair Consultation

If you’ve noticed any signs of foundation distress or simply wish to have your home’s foundation evaluated, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Cornerstone Foundation Repair & Waterproofing, we offer free, no-obligation foundation inspections to assess your property’s condition and recommend the most effective solutions. We do not try to sell you a service or repair while at your home.

Protect your investment and ensure your family’s safety by entrusting your foundation repair needs to seasoned professionals. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward a stable and secure home.

By choosing Cornerstone Foundation Repair & Waterproofing, you’re partnering with a locally owned company that combines local knowledge, extensive experience, and a commitment to excellence to deliver unparalleled foundation repair services in the Raleigh, Durham and surrounding areas.