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Foundation Repair

Cracked bricks, sticking doors and windows, and cracks around door frames are signs of foundation problems.

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Your home’s foundation is its most critical structural component—responsible for keeping everything stable, level, and safe. But when soil shifts or water damage occurs, your foundation can begin to crack, settle, or even sink. That’s when it’s time to act. Signs like bowing or cracked walls, sticking windows and doors, gaps between floors and walls, or sloping floors all point to potential foundation settlement or a sinking foundation.

In Birmingham and surrounding areas, expansive clay soil is a major culprit. This type of soil swells when wet and shrinks during dry spells, putting constant pressure on your foundation. Over time, that can cause it to shift, settle, or even break apart. If you’re noticing any of these warning signs, schedule a free inspection with AFS Foundation and Waterproofing Specialists. Our experienced team offers proven foundation repair solutions tailored to your home’s unique conditions.


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Causes of Foundation Damage

Your foundation can suffer damage for various reasons, including problematic soil under and around your home. Here are some common causes of foundation issues.

Loamy soils are usually a very stable soil that shows little change with the increase or decrease of moisture temperature.

The primary concern with foundations built on loamy soils is erosion. When soils underneath your foundation erode, they may begin to be inappropriate strata for sustaining the weight of a foundation and home structure.

Soils rich in clay and silt have the greatest potential to damage a foundation. Clay absorbs water easily, expanding in volume as it becomes more saturated. So-called “expansive clays” can cause foundations to crack, heave and shift.

When clay soils dry out, they shrink and crack, leaving gaps around a house where water from the next storm can penetrate easily and deeply to repeat the expansion cycle. Clay-rich soils usually cause more foundation damage by expanding than by contracting.

Water passes through sandy soils rather than being absorbed. This fact makes sandy soils very stable. Instead of expanding as they absorb moisture and contracting as they dry out, sandy soils maintain a fairly consistent volume and density.

Because of their stability and good load-bearing qualities, sandy soils are less likely to shift and settle, so they rarely cause foundation problems. Unfortunately, sandy soils are less commonly found than other more problematic soil types.

A tree growing in expansive soil can be dangerous because as the roots grow, they compact the soil and push it towards the foundation walls and place a lot of pressure on them. Bama soil, on the other hand, does not compact very well because of all the sand. Bama soil is incredibly brittle too, so as the tree roots grow, they displace the brittle sandy loam, creating gaps along your foundation soil.

Knowing what kind of tree you have and how much water it absorbs is just as important as knowing what kind of soil you have. This way, you can landscape your yard in a way that works best for whatever soil and trees you have.

When the soils underneath your foundation fail to support the weight of your home, the foundation will begin to settle unevenly, and cracks will appear.

As vertical cracks form and the wall or corner of the house begins to rotate, you will typically see cracks that are wider at the top or bottom.

Foundation cracks that are caused by settlement are very serious, and they will only get worse over time as the home continues to move. If you are concerned that your foundation may be cracking due to settlement issues, it’s best to consult a professional right away.

More about foundation settlement.

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Ethan Hagler and crew were professional, polite, friendly, and very knowledgeable! I would definitely do business with them again.

Ethan Hagler and crew were professional, polite, friendly, and very knowledgeable! I would definitely do business with them again.

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Aric was very thorough in his evaluation of our home. I don't think anyone could have put more thought or effort into an inspection.

Aric was very thorough in his evaluation of our home. I don't think anyone could have put more thought or effort into an inspection.

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David,Jesus and Christopher did and excellent job on our foundation repair. They were very professional and courteous. They even worked…

David,Jesus and Christopher did and excellent job on our foundation repair. They were very professional and courteous. They even worked through the rain to get the work completed. Thaks guys for the great work.

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I had an outstanding experience with Evan, Aldo and Jorge. Evan and his team went above and beyond to assist and make sure the job was done …

I had an outstanding experience with Evan, Aldo and Jorge. Evan and his team went above and beyond to assist and make sure the job was done correctly and that I was happy with everything in the end. He truly went out of his way to make things work out for me. I cannot recommend these three enough. They also got the job time in a timely manner, cleaned up their mess and were very friendly and helpful.

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Reid Walley did an excellent job! Super impressed with Reid.

Reid Walley did an excellent job! Super impressed with Reid.

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Top notch company!!! Alan McConnell is highly recommended!

Top notch company!!! Alan McConnell is highly recommended!

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I just want to give a huge shot out to Matthew Ridley and Shawn Lowe! The first day they started work it was raining, and they got to see…

I just want to give a huge shot out to Matthew Ridley and Shawn Lowe! The first day they started work it was raining, and they got to see first hand the mess we have been dealing with😞. They worked so hard. I actually felt bad🥺. They explained everything to me and they even cleaned up the mess when they were done. I can’t say enough great things about these 2. I highly recommend them and this company. Thank you guys for all you do😊

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Austin, Cole and DJ did a fantastic job start to finish. They get high marks all the way around.

Austin, Cole and DJ did a fantastic job start to finish. They get high marks all the way around.

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Nick, Josh, and Glen were awesome if I could give them 10 stars I would. Nick explained everything very well and I can tell he's an…

Nick, Josh, and Glen were awesome if I could give them 10 stars I would. Nick explained everything very well and I can tell he's an attention to detail kind of guy. We had Olshan come out the first time and we were not impressed by their response time. ASF assessed the problem and were able to schedule us for the following week. They're not the cheapest but they're worth it for sure.

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Our porch stairs had settled and since the brick is no longer available, we opted to try and lift and stabilize the existing stairs. AFS…

Our porch stairs had settled and since the brick is no longer available, we opted to try and lift and stabilize the existing stairs. AFS was very responsive and proposed a pier system. They were very communicative and arrived on time to do the work. Their crew, Andres, Jordan, and Joshua worked in a very professional manner to quickly complete the job. They were as careful as possible to leave a minimum post-work footprint, and the property looked good when they left. The lift and stabilization procedure was successful and we are satisfied customers. We would recommend AFS for this type of work.

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Donta Scott was very professional and knowledgeable with the inspection of my home. I would recommend AFS to anyone dealing with…

Donta Scott was very professional and knowledgeable with the inspection of my home. I would recommend AFS to anyone dealing with foundations issues. Thanks Donta for a great experience. Tracie Smith

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AFS just finished the job at our house that included helical wall anchors, intellibraces, and aquastop drains in our basement and…

AFS just finished the job at our house that included helical wall anchors, intellibraces, and aquastop drains in our basement and crawlspace. We are very pleased with the quality of the work, the quick time turn around, and the professionalism and curtesy of the crews. Brandan M. was excellent at keeping us informed and updated during the whole process, and I can't applaud Evan, Aldo, Jorge, and Don enough for leaving our basement so sparkling clean and in better shape than before upon completion of the project!

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First and foremost this company was over 10k cheaper than one of their competitors! Secondly they was in touch with us a lot before the job …

First and foremost this company was over 10k cheaper than one of their competitors! Secondly they was in touch with us a lot before the job was done so with that said their communication is 100%! They made two trips the day of the estimate cause they needed in the house to check a couple things. Once someone could be there they drove an hour at the end of their work day to look at what the wanted to check. Pairs Houchins and Kyle Juraszek told me what they was doing and why they was doing throughout the whole process. I’ve never had a company explain things like they did. These two young men went above and beyond. When they left you could even tell they had been there! THANKS for the professional work and even more professional attention to detail! You guys rock! If you’re reading this review just know you can’t go wrong with these folks!

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They were very professional. The job looks amazing. Everything cleaned up and looks perfect. Would recommend to everyone. Hats off to the …

They were very professional. The job looks amazing. Everything cleaned up and looks perfect. Would recommend to everyone. Hats off to the crew Nikoli E, John S and Spirit E.

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Josh B and Nick B came out to lift my concrete porch steps after my porch settled and front step cracked and separated from the staircase….

Josh B and Nick B came out to lift my concrete porch steps after my porch settled and front step cracked and separated from the staircase. They were friendly, knowledgeable and did great work.

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Very nice young men. They did a good job of repairing my walkway. They were both very friendly and professional.

Very nice young men. They did a good job of repairing my walkway. They were both very friendly and professional.

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We had a very complicated and tough job, but David, Bobby, and Jesus handled it like pros. It was always smiles and positive even when the…

We had a very complicated and tough job, but David, Bobby, and Jesus handled it like pros. It was always smiles and positive even when the work was really hard. Trust me I watched these guys work their a$$es off to get our foundation supported. Thank you guys and thank you AFS.

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Mathew and John just finished filling around our pool and what a FANTASTIC job. EVERYTHING is so NEAT and CLEAN. Other then the area being…

Mathew and John just finished filling around our pool and what a FANTASTIC job. EVERYTHING is so NEAT and CLEAN. Other then the area being secure you wouldn't even have known they were here. They had no problem answering all my questions. Best guys and company to hire.

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We had our specialist, Levi out tonight to give us a quote and he did an amazing job. Was very thorough and answered all our questions. As…

We had our specialist, Levi out tonight to give us a quote and he did an amazing job. Was very thorough and answered all our questions. As well as walked us through both options we could go with. Will highly recommend this company for all foundation problems.

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BRADY WEBSTER, AUSTIN HITCHCOX, AND DONALD ROBERTS were very professional, through and precise. They answered all my questions without…

BRADY WEBSTER, AUSTIN HITCHCOX, AND DONALD ROBERTS were very professional, through and precise. They answered all my questions without hesitation. I highly recommend them!

Is Foundation Repair the Right Solution for Me?

If you’ve seen any of the problem signs around your home, there’s a good chance your foundation is already compromised. Most foundation settlement is caused by unstable or eroding soil that allows your home to shift. While the damage might begin subtly, it can escalate quickly—leading to serious structural issues. That’s why AFS Foundation Repair is so essential. With more than two decades of trusted service, our team specializes in diagnosing and fixing foundational problems before they get worse.

FAQS

Foundation replacement has never been taken lightly, of course, but there was a time when it was the only viable option for many people. This is, thankfully, no longer the case. While there are some cases in which replacement is necessary, we always view it as a last resort. 

Lifting and Repair 

Lifting and repairing a damaged foundation is easier than ever thanks to things like polyurethane foam and foundation pier systems. These tools and products make it possible to lift, stabilize, and restore foundations that would have been considered beyond saving even 50 years ago! Of course, they are specialist tools that require professional input, but the benefits of repairing rather than replacing your property’s foundation are many. 

First and foremost, there is the matter of cost. While no one would even call foundation repair a small expense, replacing a foundation is still more expensive and, sadly, far less effective. You see, repair methods address the cause of the damage in a way that simply replacing a foundation cannot. This means that pier systems and other repair products offer an all-around solution. 

Replacement as a Last Resort 

The biggest problem with replacing a damaged foundation is the fact that it simply ignores the underlying issues. This means that, as well as being expensive and inconvenient, replacement is ineffective unless you also invest in a repair solution that deals with the original cause of the damage. As such, a replaced foundation is almost certain to experience the same issues as the original one. 

This is why replacement is a last resort. Here at AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, we will only ever suggest replacement if your foundation is entirely defective or too damaged to be salvaged and repaired. Even then, we will do our best to only replace the sections of a foundation that are beyond help. This will take a long time and cause much disruption, however, because the new foundation concrete must be allowed to properly set before we will be able to install piers or other repair solutions.  

Wall braces are one of the most reliable solutions to bowing walls. Their only downside is that some space is required for their installation. If you and your neighbor’s property lines are too close or there simply isn’t enough yard space for the job to be completed, then AFS has the solution: IntelliBrace™ Wall System. 

  • Wall Braces  

SettleStop is a wall bracing system that stabilizes bowing walls and even straightens them over time. The steel beams have a rust-resistant coating of zinc and are guaranteed to last for the rest of the property’s life, making it a long-term solution to bowing basement walls. 

One of the best things about wall braces is that they don’t require any kind of excavation. No yard disturbance is necessary for installation, making it a perfect solution for homeowners that want minimum disturbances while the wall is being repaired. It’s also perfect for those that don’t have the space for wall anchors, since the bracing system is all installed indoors. 

  • How They Help  

The wall braces are first cut to fit the height of your basement. The braces are then attached to brackets at the top. The contractor then makes sure that every beam is in place using a level ruler and finishes setting the beams so they are perfectly spaced out. 

At the bottom of the beams, at the floor joists, bolts are used to tighten the beams against the wall. Because the I-beams used for the IntelliBrace™ system run along the entirety of the wall, tightening the bolts forces the wall to straighten out to its original position. 

Although it may not seem like it, foundation heave can cause quite a lot of problems in your home, especially if it goes unfixed. Fortunately, foundation heave can be quite easy to catch before it results in these drastic results. Regardless, foundation heave that goes unfixed can be very destructive. 

Other Foundation Issues 

Foundation heave that remains unrepaired can lead to even more foundation issues. Some of the more common foundation problems include foundation settling, caused by soil shrinkage, compaction, and settlement under constant exposure to water; bowing basement walls, caused by hydrostatic pressure; and uneven concrete floors and house structures. Foundation heave can also cause cracks to form inside and outside your house. 

In more extreme cases, foundation heave can cause leaking in your crawl space and even your basement. This typically occurs when foundation heave is present with the other previously mentioned foundation problems. Water being introduced into other areas of your home can, therefore, open a whole avenue of other issues outside your foundation, which can be very costly and time-consuming to repair. 

Lifestyle Issues 

Foundation heave that is left unchecked not only alters the integrity of your soil and your home, but it can also affect your daily life as well. Since foundation heave can pose a tripping hazard, it can make your landscape difficult to walk across and even be problematic for your cars if the foundation heave has altered your driveway. Furthermore, it can also disrupt your landscape aesthetics because it can look incredibly unsightly, as it makes concrete slabs uneven and ridden with water. 

The damage it can cause to your home, such as cracks and misaligned doorways and window frames, can change your living space environment as well. Cracks in your walls, doors and windows that do not close properly can introduce and host a multitude of pests inside your home. It can also affect the temperatures within your home since even these tiny openings allow some of the outside air to waft inside. Since Alabama and Tennessee experience both cold and hot temperatures at separate times of the year, this can cause your electricity bills to skyrocket as you try to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. 

Unless your house was installed with push piers from the moment it was built, foundation settling is inevitable. This is because no matter how much you try to stop it, soil will become displaced. External factors like soil quality and weather are what determine soil displacement, so there isn’t much homeowners can do. However, there are certain changes you can make to make sure the soil degradation process is as slow as possible.  

Outdoor Prevention 

Outdoors, you should talk to a landscaping expert to determine the grade of your yard. A negative grade means that water flows toward your foundation whenever it rains. If needed, you can regrade your lawn so that water drains away from your home. Downspouts should be extended so that they drain water as far from your home as possible and no water gets the chance of saturating the soil. 

During the rainiest time of year, make sure to continuously check your drainage systems for any debris. You don’t want water flowing down the side of your home because of clogged gutters. During the winter, shovel the snow out of your yard as often as you can, especially during the beginning and end of winter, when the temperature isn’t cold enough to keep snow from melting. You don’t want any water from the melted snow seeping into your soil. 

Indoor Prevention  

Indoors, you need to set up a proper drainage system for your foundation. This means installing an interior drain system and a sump pump if you don’t already have one. Keeping your foundation dry is just as important as keeping the soil outside dry as well. Water is an erosive element that can damage the materials your foundation is made of. The more cracks and breakage in a foundation, the faster it will settle. 

Basement Sump Pumps | Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky↗

Consider getting a second sump pump, especially if you live in Alabama. Sump pumps get overworked during rainy seasons and often malfunction as a result. A second sump pump will guarantee that your foundation stays as dry as possible no matter how severe the weather is. 

Advanced settling causes certain structural issues around the home, not just in the foundation itself. If the settling gets severe, you’ll be paying for more than just foundation repairs. To avoid the damage and the extra repair costs, familiarize yourself with the problem signs. The moment you notice the settling, you can contact your local foundation experts to stop the settling completely. 

Indoor Signs 

You’ll want to start in your basement since the signs will be most severe closest to the foundation. Check for cracks along the floor and the walls, as well for any spots where leaking is common. Use a level ruler to measure the evenness of the space, and if there is any uneven area despite the smoothness of the surface, there’s likely some settling. 

In the upper portions of your home, look for cracks along the ceiling and the walls. If you have sticking doors or windows, that’s another clear sign of settling since the tilting house is warping the frame. Walk around the house and look for uneven floor sections. If you have trouble, use a level ruler, as it’s possible that the damage isn’t severe enough to cause sagging floors, only slight unevenness. 

Outdoor Signs  

Again, you can start looking for signs from top to bottom outside as well. Check along the bottom of the home for any cracks. All concrete displays hairline cracks after a few years, but if the cracks are plentiful and wide, it indicates a problem. One of the clearest signs of settling is stair-step cracking along the mortar. If the crack is wider at the top than it is at the bottom, the settling is advanced. 

Observe your chimney to see if it’s tilting. The good thing about chimneys is that because of their height, it’s easy to spot unevenness. Look at the chimney from multiple angles and search for cracks. If your front porch has handrails, unevenness there also indicates settling. If you aren’t sure about the signs you are seeing, contact a local foundation expert for a professional assessment. 

Some homeowners that have a lot of foundation issues may consider completely replacing their foundation. While this may certainly repair foundation problems, such as foundation heave, fully replacing your foundation does not properly address the issue. Repairs, especially those offered by AFS Repair, can fix your foundation problems at the root cause so that it does not happen again in the future. 

Costs of Foundation Replacement 

Replacing your entire foundation has a lot of hidden costs. Not only do contractors have to uproot and replace all your concrete, but they must put temporary support posts in place in order to support your home as they work on your foundation. Foundation replacement also requires that the soil be entirely replaced as well. Furthermore, even when your foundation is completely replaced, this does not guarantee that the issues will not come back because replacement does not address the source of the problem. 

This can be quite a lengthy and costly process. There are a lot of components to consider, such as foundation demolition, concrete pouring, soil replacement, and lifting your home with temporary support jacks. Even the most trained contractors require a lot of time to complete a big job like this. It also requires a substantial number of tools and protective equipment to accomplish. 

Benefits of Foundation Repair 

Many of the foundation repair options that are offered by AFS Repair, fortunately, face the root cause of your foundation issues and resolve them. This makes for a much longer-lasting solution, which is more cost-effective overall. Some of these options include the: 

While it seems like there are many options to choose from, remember that the option you select depends on the issue you wish to address. You may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of solutions. However, do not worry. The expert contractors at AFS Repair will help you to select which one works best to repair your foundation. 

Why is Foundation Repair Needed?

Small problems grow fast. What starts as a small foundation crack or a slightly sticky window can become major structural damage. That’s not just expensive to fix—it’s also a risk to your family’s safety and comfort. Here’s how professional foundation repair from AFS Foundation can protect your home:

foundation repair with installed wall anchors diagram

Boosts Structural Safety

Foundation cracks, bowing basement walls, and other damage can be early signs of a deeper issue. If ignored, they could lead to full-blown foundation failure. Our team at AFS offers full interior and exterior inspections, identifying exactly what’s going wrong—and how to fix it with long-term solutions.

home for sale

Improves Property Value

Thinking of selling? Homes with structural issues lose value fast—up to 30% in some cases. By addressing foundation issues with AFS Foundation Repair, you not only protect your investment but may also boost your home’s marketability and value.

mold behind corner in a basement

Prevents Mold and Moisture

A damaged foundation often allows water to seep inside, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold is more than just unsightly—it can trigger serious health problems. Sealing cracks and stabilizing your foundation reduces moisture intrusion and helps keep your indoor environment clean and safe.

Common Foundation Repair Tips & Mistakes

Helpful Tips for Foundation Repair

  • Plant trees wisely: Invasive root systems can break through concrete and damage your foundation. Choose low-impact species and plant them far from your home’s base.
  • Check your yard’s slope: A yard with a negative grade funnels water toward your foundation, increasing the risk of damage. A positive grade keeps water flowing away.
  • Keep gutters and downspouts clean: Clogged gutters lead to overflow, which can pool around your home and seep into your foundation. Regularly inspect and clean them.

Mistakes to Avoid A Failing Foundation

  • Overlooking energy inefficiency: Cracks in the foundation let in moisture, forcing HVAC systems to work harder. This leads to higher energy bills—something that can be avoided with proper foundation repair.
  • Ignoring mold risks: Mold thrives in damp, dark spaces, and a failing foundation is the perfect entry point for water. Repairing cracks helps prevent mold from taking root.
  • Improper downspout placement: If downspouts release water too close to your home, it can cause erosion and weaken your foundation. Extend them at least 8 feet from the structure.

Providing Expert Foundation Repair in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, and Tennessee

Customers across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky and Florida trust AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists for reliable crawl space, foundation, basement waterproofing, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!  

Top Cities We Serve


AFS service area

Our Locations

Birmingham AL

130 Interstate Commerce Crt. Bldg. 100 & 200
Alabaster, AL 35007

Chattanooga TN

806 N Holtzclaw Ave.
Chattanooga, TN 37404

Columbus GA

2701 Opelika Road
Phenix City, AL 36870

Dothan AL

1909 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 322,
Dothan, AL 36303

Florence AL

118 E Mobile St
Florence, AL 35630

Gulfport MS

1317 26th Ave, Ste 101
Gulfport, MS 39501

Huntsville AL

2415 Jordan Road
Huntsville, AL 35811

Knoxville TN

3028 E Governor John Sevier Highway
Knoxville, TN 37914

Louisville KY

1904 Watterson Trail, Suite 130
Louisville, KY 40299

Mobile AL / Biloxi MS

3131 Hamilton Blvd.
Theodore, AL 36582

Nashville TN

1519 Heil Quaker Blvd.
LaVergne, TN 37086

Pensacola FL

89 W. Hood Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32534