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TerraFirma
Foundation Repair in Eugene, OR
Built for Eugene homes facing wet winters, shifting soil, and long-term foundation movement.
WHAT CAUSES FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN EUGENE HOMES?
Eugene homes are heavily affected by the Willamette Valley’s clay-rich soils, prolonged rainy seasons, and fluctuating moisture conditions. As the soil expands during wet winters and contracts during dry summer months, foundations can shift and settle over time.
Common foundation issues throughout Eugene include:
- Cracked walls and uneven floors
- Basement moisture and wall movement
- Crawl space settlement and sagging supports
- Soil movement caused by seasonal rainfall
- Aging foundations in older Lane County homes
Since 2005, TerraFirma has helped homeowners throughout Eugene diagnose and repair foundation problems caused by Pacific Northwest soil and weather conditions.
Why do Eugene Homes develop foundation problems?
Foundation concerns in Eugene are distinct because of the type of soil in the area, climate factors, and age of the existing homes.
The Willamette Valley soil tends to fluctuate moisture levels, contracting in the summer months when it is dry and expanding during the winter months when it is wet. This cycle of movement leads to strain on the foundations and basement walls and crawl space support beams.
In addition, many older homes in Eugene do not have the upgrades made to current building codes, making them susceptible to settling and movement over time.
Eugene’s Soil &
Geology
The vast majority of foundation issues in Eugene can be traced to the soil and groundwater characteristics of the Willamette Valley.
Typical causes of such problems are:
- Soil composition of heavy clay soils that swell and shrink year-round
- Difficult soil drainage properties in West Eugene
- Presence of Malpass clay and perched water tables
- Saturated soil due to Eugene’s extended rainy season
- Constant pressure is exerted on the foundations and basement walls
This results in potential foundation settling, cracks, or moving of basement walls in Eugene.
Eugene’s Rainfall & Water Pressure
The moisture level in Eugene puts continual stress on foundations all year round.
Some of the elements that cause foundation issues include:
- Approximately 46 inches of rain per year
- Extensive wet periods from fall through spring
- Wet soil pushing against foundations via hydrostatic pressure
- Contraction of soil during the dry summer months
- Continual expansion and contraction under the foundation of the home
Eventually, such moisture levels will result in structural movement in houses in Lane County.
Eugene’s Housing Stock
Elderly properties across Eugene are typically susceptible to many potential structural and foundation problems.
The following problems are frequently encountered within aging properties in Lane County:
- Foundations with inadequate depths based on current standards
- Decayed crawl space support structures and wooden structures
- Poor drainage systems
- Insufficient moisture-proof protection
- Susceptibility to settling and movement
As a result of such defects, it is common to see problems like sagging floors and cracked walls develop within the aging property.
Eugene’s Seismic Context
The homes of Eugene and Western Oregon are under constant threat from earthquakes caused by the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
Potential vulnerabilities include the following:
- Decaying building foundations and framing systems
- Foundation settlement or shifting
- Un-reinforced crawlspaces
- Old homes constructed before modern earthquake building codes
- Cracked walls or structural movement
While foundation repair is not the same as earthquake retrofitting, ensuring that an old structure remains stable through foundation repair work can go a long way toward improving its performance during an earthquake.
 Foundation Reinforcement |
 Foundation Anchor |
 Wall Stabilization/ Restoration Issue |
 Vapor Barrier |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cracks in Basement Floor |  |
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| Lifting and Stabilizing Foundation | |
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| Reinforce Cracking or Bowing Walls | |
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| Stabilize minor wall racks or bowing under 2″ | ||||
| Straighten leaning walls | |
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| Restore structure to crumbling walls | |
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| Seal leaking walls | |
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| Wet or stained walls | |
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| Efflorescence | |
Common Signs of Foundation Problems in Eugene Homes
Foundation issues in Eugene may develop as small warning signs that slowly escalate to more serious concerns. The area’s clay soils, combined with rainfall and wet winters, may put continuous stress on a foundation or basement walls and supports.
These problems are common occurrences for homeowners all over Eugene; cracks, slanted floors, stuck doors, damp basements, or sagging crawl spaces may be signs of foundation problems before significant damage is done.
Foundation Settlement
In case the soil under the foundation gets compressed or moves in an unequal manner, it leads to differential settling or sinking of different areas of the foundation. Differential settlement often causes sloping of floors.
Cracks in Foundation and Basement Walls
The common indicators of this issue include horizontal or stepped cracking of the foundation wall, diagonal cracking at the corners of the walls, and deterioration of the walls with bulging.
One should also consider checking for spalling and delamination.
Jammed Windows and Sticking Doors
The following symptoms might point to problems with the foundation:
- Sticking and jamming doors or windows;
- Non-functioning locks on doors;
- Door openings not being square;
- Diagonal cracking in corners above windows and door openings.
Tilting Chimneys
Tilted chimneys with cracks at the point of contact with the house’s foundation. Damage to the roof where there is contact between the chimney and roof, or any gaps between the chimney structure and the house walls which may have been sealed using mortar, foam, or caulking materials.
Cracked and Uneven Sidewalks & Driveways
Cracking and sinking are common problems with driveways in our area. Soil problems under concrete driveway slabs typically go hand in hand with concrete walkway cracking and raised walkways.
Stained Basement Walls + Efflorescence
The water stain marks left by water droplets on concrete walls happen due to mineral accumulation of water. The efflorescence stain is a gray or white substance on the walls.
Basement wall discoloration in shades of yellow, orange or black should be watched out for since they indicate moisture problems.
SEE WHAT YOUR NEIGHBORS
HAVE TO SAY ABOUT US!
At TerraFirma we take pride in our work! We are trusted and referred by homeowners since 2005, to provide solutions for home foundations, basement and crawl space moisture, concrete leveling, and earthquake retrofitting.
Foundation Repair Solutions for Eugene homes
Foundation Piers
Helical piers are commonly used on Eugene homes built on shifting clay and alluvial soils where traditional shallow foundations can no longer maintain stable support.
Wall Stabilization
Wall stabilization systems help protect Eugene basements from inward wall movement caused by hydrostatic pressure during the Pacific Northwest rainy season.
Uneven Concrete Pathway Repaired with PolyLevel® in Eugene, OR
The property owner, located in Eugene, had problems with sinking and settling concrete slabs adjacent to a back deck.
This problem occurs all throughout Lane County, Oregon, including cities like:
- Springfield
- Cottage Grove
- Junction City
- Veneta, Creswell
These slabs may eventually settle from heavy rains and soil movement. TerraFirma used PolyLevel® to lift the concrete, as well as NexusPro® joint sealant to provide for an even surface that was also resistant to future settling.
Basketball Court Concrete Repair and Leveling in Eugene, OR and Lane County
A property owner from Eugene, Oregon, called TerraFirma with an interest in leveling a damaged basketball court that suffered from cracking, uneven surfaces, unsealed joints, and weed infestations.
Many homes in the Eugene, OR area suffer from the same problems in neighboring communities like Springfield, Cottage Grove, Junction City, Veneta, and Creswell, where moisture and soil displacement often lead to the deterioration of concrete slabs.
Following inspection, TerraFirma suggested that concrete leveling with PolyLevel® would help level and stabilize the concrete, while applying NexusPro® to protect against any cracks or unsealed joints.
SCHEDULE A FREE EVALUATION
IN EUGENE
Free estimates for foundations and concrete repair are available to residents of Eugene and nearby Lane County areas. Get your home inspected today through TerraFirma to ensure the protection of your property all year long.
Some of the most requested services
Terrafirma offers IN Eugene
EUGENE Homeowners Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Permit for Foundation Repair in Eugene?
Foundation repair projects performed in Eugene will usually need permits via Eugene Building & Permit Services. If the work requires repairing foundation piers, installing wall stabilization systems, repairing a crawl space, or doing concrete repairs, a permit application must be filed, and an inspection must be performed to confirm compliance with the current Oregon building code.
The professional foundation repair experts at TerraFirma assist property owners by helping them complete any required permitting or inspections while repairing a foundation.
Why Do Eugene Basements Get Wet During Winter?
Due to heavy clay-based soil and the rainy climate in Eugene, basement moisture problems are common. As a result of saturated soil around the house, there is increased hydrostatic pressure put on basement walls, which forces water into basements through floor seams and cracks. Properties with outdated drainage systems or poor drainage conditions can experience issues due to seasonal changes.
How Quickly Can TerraFirma Reach Eugene from Roseburg?
TerraFirma sends out its crews for service calls to Eugene, based out of our Roseburg location, which is only about an hour away. Most property owners in Eugene can request their free foundation inspection within several days. Depending on the severity of the problem, season, and complexity, the repairs may take a couple of weeks.
Does Clay Soil Affect Foundations in Eugene?
Yes. There are quite several properties in the Eugene area where the soil is clay-heavy. These types of soils expand when they get wet and contract when they dry. This causes foundation stress, settlement, concrete cracking, and basement and crawl space moisture. This is why the foundations in many areas of Eugene suffer because of the clay soil expansion and contraction.
Are Homes in South Hills More Prone to Settlement?
Yes. Due to the topography and the composition of the soil, there have been many problems with homes built on slopes. Slope instability and hillside erosion can cause foundation problems such as settlement, cracks in walls, uneven floors, foundation cracks, or even flooding issues due to the nature of the clay soil expansion.
Commercial Foundation Services
to Minimize Downtime & Risk
Our commercial foundation repair solutions are built around the principles of minimal downtime, long-term performance, and efficient use of resources to accomplish the goal. Our services often save money on first-time costs and always save on long-term costs while maximizing property values.
Objective Engineering Solutions
Dedicated Partner Approach
Choose from Multiple
Solution Options
Safe, Effective, Experienced
& Trained Crews
TERRAFIRMA IN EUGENE
With 20 years of experience tackling foundation repairs and waterproofing across Oregon, we’ve seen
just about everything. Dive into our blog for some great homeowner tips, insightful case studies, and
impressive before & after galleries showcasing our work.
Homeowners across Eugene have relied on TerraFirma for their foundaton leveling and stabilizing, including the South Hills, Whiteaker, College Hill, River Road, Bethel, Cal Young, and Santa Clara neighborhoods, as well as nearby Springfield, Coburg, Veneta, and Junction City.
EUGENE
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REVIEWS
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From Roseburg to Eugene, Portland to Seattle, our Foundation Repair work speaks for itself
TerraFirma
Roseburg Office
7700 Old Hwy 99 N
Roseburg, OR 97470
Phone:
866-486-7196
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm
Portland’s Top Rated Foundation & Basement Contractors
Foundation cracks? Support posts sagging? Walls bowing? With TerraFirma‘s team of experts we can fix it!
We want to make your home dry, stable, and safe. TerraFirma has waterproofed basements for over 20 years from Lake Oswego to Beaverton, and Hillsboro to Gresham. Backed by the best warranty in the business.
