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Salem Wet basements and Crawl Spaces Repaired

Throughout the year, rain showers in Salem contribute to the lush landscapes and vibrant ecosystems that define the Willamette Valley. This environment makes homes particularly prone to moisture problems, commonly found in basements and crawl spaces.

Foundation issues and earthquake risks in Salem

Nearby cities like Keizer and Corvallis also sit in an area where soils can expand significantly (expansive soils) when they absorb water and contract when they dry out. This cycle of expansion and contraction can put pressure on foundations, leading to cracks and structural damage over time.

Oregon is part of the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, and earthquakes can occur throughout the state. This makes cities as far as McMinnville and Bend also at risk. Making sure your home is earthquake retrofitted and up to the current code will give you the peace of mind to fully enjoy this region’s lush greenery and vibrant ecosystems.

Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge in Salem Oregon
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How do you Protect my home froM earthquake vulnerabilities?

TerraFirma has been protecting homes in Oregon and Washington preparation for seismic events for over 20 years. Here’s what we do:

Assessment & Planning

The retrofitting process begins with a detailed assessment of the building’s current condition. An expert, such as a structural engineer or trained technician, inspects the home to identify weaknesses and recommend appropriate solutions.

This evaluation includes examining the foundation, walls, roof, and overall framework. Then, the engineer develops a comprehensive retrofitting plan based on the findings.

Foundation Bolting

Securing the foundation is the next step in this process. Technicians install anchor bolts to connect the house to its foundation, preventing lateral movement during an earthquake.

This process involves drilling holes into the foundation and inserting steel bolts. The workers then tighten the bolts to secure the structure, enhancing its stability and resistance to seismic forces.

Adding Shear Walls

Shear walls are another critical component of earthquake retrofitting as they distribute seismic forces and prevent the structure from collapsing.

Shear walls typically consist of plywood or other strong materials, and workers install them in strategic locations throughout the home particularly in cripple walls. They provide the walls with additional support and stability, reducing the risk of failure during an earthquake.

Bracing & Reinforcing

Next comes bracing and reinforcing critical areas of the home with steel braces and straps. Workers install these to key structural elements such as the roof, walls, and floors. This step increases the home’s overall stability, so it has a tough framework that can withstand seismic forces.

Securing Applicances

Securing appliances will create a safer living environment for occupants. Anchoring items such as water heaters and refrigerators are essential. Technicians will also install protection for gas meters to limit the risk of gas leaks.

Reparing Foundations

During retrofitting, technicians may notice substantial foundation damage that needs immediate repair. Adding crawl space support posts and foundation piers, and stabilizing the walls are some of the ways TerraFirma can reinforce your foundation.

Award Winning
Results Begin Here.

bbb Terrafirma Award 2 foundation
HA elite Terrafirma Awar Banner 2 foundation

Award Winning
Results Begin Here.

bbb Terrafirma Award 2 foundation
HA elite Terrafirma Awar Banner 2 foundation

SCHEDULE A FREE EVALUATION
IN SALEM

We offer free evaluations to homeowners throughout Lane and Marion County. Contact us today and make sure your home is in top shape!

5th Street Public Market in Eugene, Oregon

Salem Homeowners Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cracks in my foundation or basement should I be concerned with?

What’s the cost of foundation repair in Lincoln City?

How to fix a leaking basement floor?

How to prevent mold and moisture in your Salem property?

How to stop water from leaking through my basement windows?

Are you noticing damp drywall and carpet in your basement?

Why is it important to repair a concrete crack in Salem?

What’s the best way to repair concrete?

How to fix moisture issues in your crawl space?

How to protect my basement from leaking and flooding in Salem?

Should I worry about earthquakes affecting my home in Salem?

What are the benefits of earthquake retrofitting?

Hey Salem,

Your home survives – even thrives – on coffee and rain, just like you. And like you, it’s probably overdue for a checkup.

Our simple 5-Step Structural Health Checklist will help you do a simple annual home checkup, and catch small problems before they become big ones. And we’ll show you what not to worry about!

SALEM
Homeowner
REVIEWS

Don’t take our word for it – see what our clients have to say.
From Roseburg to Salem, Portland to Seattle, our Foundation Repair work speaks for itself

TerraFirma was great to work with. The office staff kept me informed of any changes in the work date, and the onsite work crew was respectful and kept me informed of the progress on the project. The work crew cleaned up the worksite when needed and were very kind and respectful. I am happy with the finished project. Thank you to all at TerraFirma! I would highly recommend them.
Great experience, highly recommend! Replaced a faulty sump with a much better setup. Thank you, Terra Firma ❤️
Just had clean out of old duct work and old insulation, etc. plus encapsulation of my crawl space. The crew worked really hard and professionally throughout the 5 day process and the foreman kept me informed along the wife. Have worked with Terra Firma on several occasions: pier placement and jacks for house, french drain in crawl space, and replacement of sump pump, etc - alll involved from the estimators, the office personnel, and work crews have been excellent throughout.
The company was on top of it. Kept us informed and always made sure we were satisfied. The employees who work there are very friendly and professional.
It’s always been a joke in our house: “If you don’t want to be a responsible adult, you’re welcome to live in your mom’s basement.” It was funny because all I had was a dark creepy crawlspace with sharp rocks and whatever the last construction crew left behind. Unlit now. The Terra Firma team did exactly what they promised to do: in a matter of days, they terraformed the entire space under my house into an encapsulated sparkling-clean climate-controlled beauty. With the heat waves coming later this summer, I may be setting up guided tours for curious minds. The tour will include admiring a sump pump and earthquake braces, enjoying the cool clean air, and sliding like penguins on the white encapsulation layer. I haven’t decided on the fees yet, but it will definitely be a no-shoes, white socks-only service and I am NOT kidding about it. Thanks to Terra Firma, “living in yo-momma basement” turned from a threat into a perk.
Working with Walt is always a win. He has an incredible depth of knowledge when it comes to this industry but what really sets him apart is how well he communicates that knowledge to clients. He takes the time to break down complicated issues in a way that actually makes sense—no fluff, just straight-up useful info. My clients felt informed and confident thanks to him, and that’s invaluable. Highly recommend!
Was very happy with the service we got from Terra Firma. Did an excellent job leveling our sidewalk.
Fast, good work,cleaned up after
Thorough assessment, competitive quote, good work crew, and great customer service. Scheduling, permitting, and payment were easy. I had 4 piers installed to stabilize a small workshop attached to my garage.
Excellent! Schyler was here right on time. He was friendly, courteous, cleaned up the work area well. Explained things and even helped me move my table back. Highly recommend.
Was an expensive but pleasant experience thanks to everyone involved especially Amber who went above and beyond customer service expectations. Taylor was great; knows his business; a very efficient, helpful and thorough leader. Mike and Billy were both very thorough and kind as well. Very pleased with the job. And thanks to rest of crews and Patrick as well. Happy to recommend everyone at TerraFirma. Thanks so very much.
I had an amazing crew. Brad, my job foreman, communicated throughout the process and problem solved a couple issues with me. His crew worked hard and shared their perspectives as the job progressed. We started with a 4 inch slope and we were able to lift quite a bit. Brad and his crew discussed possible impact on the roof, windows, French doors, and concrete foundation of the garage. They did a great job and addressed issues as they came up. They did additional stabilization where needed and hauled away some concrete. They were awesome. I would work with them again. I give them 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Schylar, the foam foreman, was able to come in the next day and fill the gap created under the porch with foam, as well as bring my sidewalk up to meet the porch and level it with the sidewalk. Schyler was great to work with as well. I am disappointed in the sales technician that evaluated the job. He failed to notice that one side of the front porch was sitting on the foundation and how the porch was going to be affected by the lift. He also failed to notice or consider that I have a flat roof in the center of my home, surrounded on three sides by a peaked roof. This matters because the lift puts pressure upward that would typically carry over to the opposite foundation. This was not shared with me during the sales process. In my case, this pressure comes down where the peaked roof meets the flat roof which is on an interior wall. There is also the possibility that lifting one side of the foundation can cause the opposite side to need stabilization as well. This was not shared during the sales process. I give the sales technician one star ⭐️. When I shared these concerns with David, the field supervisor , I was left with the impression that it is just the way they do business.

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.

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bbb Terrafirma Award 2 foundation
HA elite Terrafirma Awar Banner 2 foundation
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tf n logo foundation
bbb Terrafirma Award 2 foundation
HA elite Terrafirma Awar Banner 2 foundation
yelp logo foundation

TERRAFIRMA IN SALEM

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 in Keizer, Corvallis, Salem, and beyond.


Why is
TerraFirma
the Top Rated Foundation Expert in Oregon?

From Portland to Beaverton, Salem to Lake Oswego, and all across the region, our experts consistently deliver durable, reliable foundation, basement, and crawlspace solutions. Check out these homeowner stories from your neighbors.

We just had an excellent experience with Marcus today. He came to maintenance our sump pump and dehumidifier in our crawl space. He communicated everything he was doing and showed us before and after pictures. Very impressed! And.. he was able to show off his knowledge about my name. Thanks a lot!
Great clean job. The two workers were excellent and knowledgeable.
Oscar and his team were on-time, professional, communicative, and efficient. The crew did an excellent job of conducting the work and maintaining an organized worksite. Oscar walked the job with me at the start and end of each day (as well as intermittently as needed) to make sure I understood issues and could participate in solutions where necessary. The crew closed-up the job site at the end of each day in a professional manner. They even had to work through a 'bomb cyclone' in a coastal environment and made it look like 'just another Thursday' - Bravo!
I needed to have 20 posts in my crawl space replaced and seismically upgraded. Bridget came out, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and set up the project. Tony, harley, sebastian, came and did the work. They could not have been more friendly and professional. The work was done quickly and skillfully. Very excited to have this project completed and done so well!
Marcus was here today doing the annual inspection. Best inspection we’ve had. Best inspector we’ve had, although all of them are good people. Fixed what was needed, cleaned filter on dehumidifier and cleaned sump pump. This gives us a secure feeling that everything is right. Thanks Marcus.
The quote worker, as well as the job workers, were all very professional and answered the questions I had. The job was done in a timely manner. I would recommend to anyone needing their services.
They are completely professional. they do excellent work and then stand solidly behind the work once completed. I give Terra Firma my highest recommendation. They were also a pleasure to work with.
I purchased a commercial building. The seller used TerraFirma to put in moisture control system in the crawl space and the company worked with the owner to get the project done before I closed on the purchase. They gave me good documentation and warranty info and did a walk-through with me. They were very thorough and professional.
They did a great job raising our stairs back to level
TerraFirma did a great job lifting a portion of my driveway that was sagging. They evened out the sagging section without cracking it. Repair is virtually invisible. They also did a great job of sealing the joints afterwards.
We had a fantastic experience with TerraFirma Foundation Systems! Their team quickly and accurately diagnosed our foundation issue and clearly explained multiple repair options, which helped us feel informed and confident in our decision. Once work began, they oversaw everything from start to finish with professionalism and great communication. The crew working in our crawl space was hardworking and efficient — they did a great job installing a French drain and sump pump, and left the area clean and well-organized. We really appreciated how smoothly the whole process went. Highly recommend TerraFirma to anyone needing foundation or drainage work!
Had an amazing experience with Marcus during our annual service. Marcus showed up a couple minutes earlier than the appointment time which was so appreciated. He was engaging, thoughtful and ready to get down to work. He did his thing and showed me pictures of the before/after and walked me through all that was done. He was great to work with and hope we will work with him again.

Schedule your free
Foundation Evaluation

Schedule your free
Foundation Evaluation