Olson Cement Work & Construction

8 Warning Signs of Foundation Problems Every Homeowner Should Know | Olson Cement

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:40:22 GMT

Is your home trying to tell you something? Discover 8 key signs of foundation problems and when to call in the pros at Olson Cement Work and Construction—serving Michigan since 1928!

8 Warning Signs of Foundation Problems Every Homeowner Should Know!

Your home’s foundation is quite literally what everything else is built on. When foundation issues arise, they can compromise the safety, value, and stability of your entire property. Knowing the signs of foundation problems early can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

At Olson Cement Work and Construction, we specialize in foundation repair and concrete services for residential and commercial properties across Southeast Michigan. In this post, we’re breaking down the top warning signs to look for and what to do if you spot them.

1. Cracks in Walls, Floors, or Ceilings

Hairline cracks are often normal in older homes, but wide, jagged, or expanding cracks, especially around doors and windows, can be a red flag. Pay attention to:

Stair-step cracks in brick or block walls

Vertical cracks in basement walls

Cracks wider than 1/4 inch

2. Doors and Windows That Stick or Won’t Close Properly

If your interior doors or windows suddenly start sticking, misaligning, or leaving gaps, it could mean your foundation is shifting and causing structural warping.

3. Uneven or Sloping Floors

A noticeable slope in your floors, especially if it wasn’t always there—can indicate a sinking or settling foundation. Use a marble or level to check areas of concern.

4. Gaps Around Window Frames or Exterior Doors

Gaps forming between your walls and window or door frames can let in moisture, pests, and drafts—plus, it could point to movement in your foundation.

5. Bowing Basement Walls

If your basement walls are starting to bow, bulge, or lean inward, that’s a clear sign of hydrostatic pressure, usually from water buildup, pushing against a weakened foundation.

6. Water in the Basement or Crawl Space

Excess moisture, standing water, or musty smells in your basement may indicate cracks in the foundation or poor drainage around the property.

7. Separation Between Walls and the Ceiling or Floor

When the foundation moves, the rest of the home follows. Gaps where walls meet ceilings or floors can indicate shifting or settling.

8. A Leaning or Tilting Chimney

Chimneys are often built on their own foundation, and if you notice it's leaning away from your home, it may be a sign that one or both foundations are failing.

What Causes Foundation Problems?

Foundation damage can result from several common issues:

Poor drainage or soil erosion

Expansive clay soil

Improper construction

Tree roots growing too close to the home

Extreme seasonal weather changes (freeze-thaw cycles)

Why Early Detection Matters

Ignoring the signs of foundation trouble won’t make them go away, in fact, it can make them worse and far more expensive to repair. Catching issues early can help preserve your home’s value and ensure your family's safety.

✅ Call Olson Cement Work and Construction Today

If you’ve noticed any of these signs around your home or business, it’s time to schedule a FREE professional foundation inspection.

�� Call us at 313-563-3777

�� Or request your free estimate at www.olsoncement.com

We’re proud to offer honest recommendations, quality workmanship, and local service you can trust.

8 Home Improvements Worth The Investment

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 13:50:00 GMT

With home prices continuing to rise, your home is a great investment. Whether you plan to stay in your house for a long time or plan to sell in the near future, there are a number of upgrades that you and your family can truly enjoy and will net you a decent rate of return.

Basements – People who love to entertain at home are opting for upscale luxury basement renovations. From wet bars to big screen tv’s or in-home theaters with movie-style seating, homeowners are going all out converting basements to recreation areas. A well-planned basement renovation will net you as much as a 70% rate of return on your investment.

Decks – An outdoor entertainment area is one of the most desirable features home buyers are looking for. Especially multi-level decks that include built-in cooking stations. Whether you choose wood like cedar or redwood or choose a composite, deck additions can help your home sell faster and allow you to recoup anywhere between 65 to 75% of your initial investment.

Attic Insulation – More and more people are becoming energy conscience making attic insulation an amazing investment, Houses lose the greatest amount of heat through their roofs. Insulating an attic with fiberglass insulation runs approximately $1,300 but can increase your home value by as much as $1,400 giving you a net gain of 5%. Save money, save the planet and make a great investment in your home!

Kitchens – A kitchen can be expensive to remodel but offers a good ROI. Even minor kitchen renovations can make your home a more enjoyable place to live. Depending on the scale of your kitchen project, you can expect your ROI to be somewhere between 65% and 85%

Masonry Siding – Refresh your homes’ exterior and improve your curb appeal by choosing masonry veneer. With over a 90% ROI, it’s one of the smartest decisions a homeowner can make. You’ll find there are dozens of brink and stone veneers to choose from. For the best results, make sure you have it professionally installed by an expert.

Roofing – A new roof on your house will translate into a 70% return on the cost of the new installation. Old and worn roofs not only turn away potential buyers, but some mortgage companies won’t even offer a loan on a home if the roof requires repair or replacement.

Bathrooms – If your bathroom is old or out of date, consider an upgrade. Minor upgrades can potentially net you a full 100 percent of your investment back.

Extra Bedrooms – You can turn a 3-bedroom house into a 5-bedroom house by converting an attic into bedrooms and potentially a new bathroom. Extra bedrooms and bathrooms are more desirable to new home buyers than dens or recreation rooms and can net you back as much as 95% of your investment.

Your home is probably the biggest investment you have. Improving that investment with upgrades you’ll enjoy, and that will pay off, in the long run, is a smart move. OLSON CEMENT WORK & CONSTRUCTION

A Better Job For a Little Less

Call now for a Free Estimate 313.563.3777

Olson Cement Work & Construction 20135 Ecorse Rd. Taylor MI, 48180

Canton Mi Remodeling Contractor

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 18:27:00 GMT

For more than 80 years, Olson Cement Work & Construction has provided concrete and construction services to homeowners and businesses in Canton, MI and the surrounding communities. Our professional contractors have the training and expertise to exceed your expectations.

Residential and Commercial Concrete and Construction Services:

Concrete – We provide concrete services to renovate the exterior of your home or business with customized concrete work. Our services include installation and repair of driveways, walkways, sidewalks, porches, and patios, decorative concrete, and more.
Masonry – Our experienced masons provide chimney work, tuckpointing, porches, brick work, stone work, and more.
Ceramic Tile – Ceramic tile is versatile, environmentally friendly and natural material that is perfect for kitchen floors, bathroom floors, backsplashes, showers, tile walls, and more.
Home Improvement – Our home improvement services include basement remodeling, bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, and more.
Roofing – We use the highest quality materials for our roof repairs, replacements, and new roof installations. If you need a new roof, you can rely on us for a quality roofing installation that will offer years of reliable protection.
Siding – There are several options for cedar, aluminum, and vinyl siding to fit the style of your home and your budget.

Please browse our website to find more information about our concrete, masonry, waterproofing, and home improvement services in Canton, MI and the surrounding areas. Check our Special Offers page for current deals, view our Photo Gallery, and contact Olson Cement Work and Construction today at 313-563-3777 for more information and a free estimate.

Michigan Waterproofing

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 18:37:00 GMT

Do you find that you are constantly needed repairs due to weather? We provide waterproofing services for homes and businesses in Taylor, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Wyandotte, Southgate, Trenton, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, and Westland. We create quality waterproofing solutions to help you withstand any storm and prevent damage to your property and valuables.

We offer interior and exterior waterproofing options for homes and businesses. Our services include under grade waterproofing, concrete waterproofing, restoration waterproofing, deck coating, elastomeric coating, and crack repair system. Our goal is to protect your property from weathering and prevent water damage to your home or business with comprehensive waterproofing services to meet your needs.

Often, the best way to solve the problem of water in the basement is actually from the exterior of your home. This process begins with digging around the exterior of the foundation to the footing, the original drain tiles are inspected and replaced, and the wall is sealed with waterproof tar and sheeting, before gravel is placed on top of the drain tile, and the dirt is replaced. This method is more effective as a lasting solution for many homeowners.

Is your home or business showing signs of weathering? Do you have a problem with water in the basement? Call Olson Concrete Work and Construction today for professional waterproofing in Taylor, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Wyandotte, Southgate, Trenton, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland and the surrounding areas. We offer free estimates for residential and commercial waterproofing services.

How Do I Know if I Need A New Roof?

Fri, 31 May 2019 20:09:00 GMT

If your roof was done right, it should give you 20 or more years of protection. Even if your roof doesn’t seem to be having any serious problems, it might still be time for a replacement. Waiting too long to replace your roof though, can lead to serious problems.

As a homeowner, it’s important to keep watch for any signs your roof might be about to cause you problems and, when you notice them, schedule an inspection with a professional roofer as soon as possible.

Below is a list of things that might be a clue that you need a new roof:

Cracked shingles
Age – Over 20 Years? While materials are meant to last, there are factors that could age a roof including weather and workmanship. If your roof was not installed with proper ventilation, it can negatively impact the longevity of your shingles.
Dark streaks. These can be caused by algae and make your roof look unattractive. Algae may not actually cause harm to roof shingles, and in many cases can be removed by using a 50/50 blend of water and bleach sprayed on your roof. Be careful to use a low volume garden hose and not a power washer so you don’t knock off the protective granules. Also, be careful if you go up on your roof after spraying because the combination of algae and water can make the roof extremely slippery. Using bleach on the roof might also damage surrounding vegetation. In certain climates and roofs that are heavily shaded, moss growth can be more than just an aesthetic problem. Moss can hold moisture on the surface of a roof and cause damage to the granules, especially in colder climates. Even if you remove moss from your roof, it will eventually come back and if you’re not a professional roofer, you may cause serious damage to your shingles.
Shingle edges that are curled or cupped.
Bald spots where shingles or granules are missing.
The roof looks old and worn.
If you don’t know how old your roof is but see that the neighbors are getting new roofs, it might mean that your roof is nearing the end of its useful life too.

There are a lot of DIY homeowners these days who enjoy the challenge and pride of maintaining their own homes, however, roofing is a dangerous task if you’re not experienced. Trying to replace your own roof could lead to additional property damage or injuries. Roofers have business insurance to cover these possibilities. In addition, while you might have to pay for labor, professional roofers are able to purchase high-quality materials and discounted prices and they will get the job done much faster.

Professional roofers do this task on a daily basis and have the knowledge and experience to provide you with a beautiful and durable roof that you can enjoy for years to come. Call Olson Cement Work and Construction now for a Free Estimate 313.563.3777

Snow Removal

Fri, 03 May 2019 21:58:00 GMT

If your customers need a snow mobile to get into your business. You might need some help.

It just takes one quick call to Olson to get rid of all the troublesome snow surrounding your business. We come take care of it right away.

From small office’s to large apartment communities and beyond, we have what it takes to clear your paths in a pinch.

Call today!

(313)563-3777

Olson Cement, Construction and Roofing

Fri, 03 May 2019 21:55:00 GMT

Our Step-By-Step Process

When you’re in need of replacement, it’s important to know which services you can expect in exchange for your money. We go the extra mile to ensure our customers receive first-rate service every time:

Choosing materials that coincide with your home’s location, style, and available funds is vital. Damages caused by subpar materials can progress insidiously if they’re not noticed in time, and often cause severe structural issues. To meet your needs and prevent future pricey complications, our professionals use only the most superior materials.
To ensure the new roof is secure, we’ll make it a point to strip the old roof to the deck and check for any weak spots that need repairing.
After we’ve completed all necessary repairs, we’ll install a drip edge to protect the underside of the roof’s surface from any water collection.
Ice and water create moisture build-up and can damage an unprotected roof over time. For added fortification, we’ll install an ice and water shield over the roof decking.
Afterward, our team will add an underlayment over the roof’s surface. An underlayment adds another line of defense against moisture retention and build-up.
Once the underlayment is in place, we’ll begin adding metal flashings and diverters in crucial areas around the roof, including channels and chimneys. After they’re in place, we’ll secure them with a sealant to create a shield against water seepage.
In addition to metal flashing and diverters, we’ll also install ridge vents to promote greater air-flow in the attic. We’ll also add rib caps to protect the ridge vents and add the last finishing touches on the new roof.
Lastly, we’ll take the time clean the jobsite thoroughly, removing any debris and potentially dangerous items

Remodeling a Kitchen?

Fri, 03 May 2019 21:53:00 GMT

10 Helpful Measurement Suggestions

Paying close attention to measurements, as well as aesthetic appeal, can make your finalized kitchen all the more convenient and harmonized:

To improve efficiency and balance, it’s a good rule of thumb to ensure the area between the sink, refrigerator, and stove, or the work triangle, measures out to 26′ or less. No single side should be longer than 9′ or shorter than 4′.
It’s always a good idea to choose at least 13′ of base cabinets, 12′ of wall cabinets, and 11’ of countertop in kitchens that are smaller than 150 sq. feet. Larger areas, however, should be outfitted with at least 16′ of base cabinets, 15 1/2′ of wall cabinets, and 16 1/2′ of countertop.
Work aisles should be at least 42″ wide in one-cook kitchens, and about 48″ wide in multi-cook kitchens. This provides added convenience and accessibility.
For substantial counter-space to complete prep work, cooking and, aim for no less than 24″ in on one side of your sink and about 18″ on the other side.
To ensure you have enough space to easily unload groceries, measure at least 15″ of counter-space on the handle side of the refrigerator. For side-by-side models, leave 15″ of room open on both sides. Additionally, you can add a grocery landing (at the most 48″ away) across from the refrigerator.
Installing a dishwasher within 36″ of the sink’s edge, and leaving at least 21″ of space open next to it provides greater accessibility and faster, easier cleanup.
Specifying about 15″ of counter-space that’s at least 16″ deep within proximity of a microwave or oven is a good way to promote efficiency and ease-of-use.
Installing entry, appliance, cabinet doors carefully and strategically prevents obstructions, making it easier to move about the area freely.
Setting up work counters that are of varying heights can prevent repetitive-motion injury. For instance, counters used for chopping and seated-work should be somewhere between 28″ and 36″ off of the floor. For general kitchen tasks, they should be between 36″ to 48″. For taller cooks, counters may be higher.
Correctly installing a cabinet above a cooktop is vital. For fireproof materials, allow for at least 24″ of clearance. On the other hand, a clearance of 30″ is needed for more vulnerable materials.

Bathroom Remodeling Tips

Fri, 03 May 2019 21:49:00 GMT

Bathroom Remodeling Tips

When thinking about remodeling your bathroom if you come to us you’ll be making a wise choice. We are going to try our hardest to do it as quickly as possible with the best workmanship there is to offer. these are some great tip’s to think about.

Tip # 1

With some home remodeling projects, you can make decisions as you go along. A bathroom remodel does not provide you with that same luxury. You should always have a definitive plan written down before starting and should try to stick with it as much as possible. Your plan should cover the following:

An estimated time-frame for the project
If you want to put in new appliances, have models picked out and written down
A final layout for the finished bathroom
A definite understanding of how many contractors you’re going to need to hire

Tip # 2

You should never attempt bathroom remodeling work yourself unless you are 100% positive that you can do it properly. This means that you should never try bathroom remodeling work that you have never done yourself or have no training in because any mistake you make during a bathroom remodel could potentially send the total price of the project soaring. Most people hire contractors to handle the following:

Specialty grout and tile work for walls, floors, or shower surrounds
Anything related to plumbing
Installing any electronic fixtures or new electrical outlets
Laying new baseboards or reconstructing walls
Any miscellaneous demolition work that is required

Tip # 3

Considering the money you spend on contractors, hiring the wrong contractor can make your bathroom remodeling work an absolute nightmare. Hiring us can make the entire process much less stressful and much more cost-efficient. When hiring us, you will get:

Current certifications and licenses that are required by our state
References from other residential or commercial clients that we have worked for in the past
A realistic attitude about your project, not one that feels like we are just trying to get you to hire us
Extensive experience in the specific work you are hiring us for

Tip # 4

During any remodeling project, your budget should always be considered paramount. You should never go forward with a remodeling project until you have a reasonably defined budget. The budget should cover:

The cost of materials, bathroom fixtures, hardware and accessories
The cost of labor
The cost of income lost if you have to take time off of work to complete the project
Room in the budget for unforeseen emergencies or costs