Ask the Expert – Brett Hodgdon: Spring Foundation Maintenance, Water Infiltration, and When to Call a Pro

Dale Cooper welcomes Brett Hodgdon of Foster Foundation Repair for another conversation on protecting West Virginia homes from structural damage. With spring digging season now underway, Hodgin covers the most common issues the company encounters this time of year — including water infiltration, frost-related wall bowing, and soil heave from expansive clay — and explains how unmanaged moisture is the root cause of most foundation problems. The discussion covers vegetation and root systems near foundations, the risks and limitations of concrete lifting via foam injection, the particular challenges of steep hillside walkout basements common in South Hills and Fort Hill neighborhoods, and the importance of getting an independent engineer involved before any major structural repair. Listener questions address older home foundations, groundwater entry, and how long repairs are expected to last.