How Do I Know If I Need Foundation Repair?
The foundation of a home is often hidden from view, making it difficult to know when you should take action. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that you may need to have your foundation repaired.
These include sticky doors or windows and gaps between the door frames and walls. Having your foundation inspected by an experienced professional is the best way to determine if repairs are necessary.
1. Cracks in the Walls
Hairline cracks in the exterior walls of your home are not necessarily a sign of foundation problems. However, they should be monitored and if they grow over time it could indicate a more serious problem.
Interior wall cracks can be more of a concern, especially if they are in a zigzag pattern. This indicates there is more than just normal settlement and a professional should be consulted to assess the damage.
Doors that stick or are difficult to open or close are also a telltale sign of foundation shifting. This is because as the house sinks or shifts it can cause a door frame to pull away from the brick wall and it needs to be addressed immediately. This is a serious issue and letting it get worse can lead to structural damage and collapse of the house. A professional should be consulted to assess the problem and decide on a course of action. This may include a full inspection of the basement or crawl space.
2. Uneven Patio or Outside Steps
Small cracks that are a quarter-inch or less in width, while not ideal, aren’t necessarily a sign of a serious problem and can often be easily repaired with the help of your local foundation repair contractor. However, if your steps or patio are sagging or uneven, this is a very clear indicator of a serious issue and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Stairs and patios are especially vulnerable to the movement of soil underneath them because they’re exposed to the elements and plant roots. These root systems are known for pushing against manmade structures and causing them to sink or become unleveled.
If your stairs or patio are significantly uneven, your local experts may recommend slabjacking or piering to correct the problem. For both methods, holes are drilled in a pattern across the affected area and then a synthetic lifting solution is pumped beneath the concrete with specialized equipment. The lift is accomplished without damaging the existing utilities in your home and will restore your foundation to its original level.
3. Water Damage
If your foundation is damaged, water may seep through the cracks. This can cause serious problems if left unchecked and is another sign of needing a home foundation repair.
Moisture can also cause the foundation beams to rot. This creates a musty smell that isn’t good for your health or your home’s value.
Another sign of a foundation problem is if your windows and doors are sticking. The movement of the foundation shifts the walls, and this can leave gaps around the doors and windows.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is time to get a professional inspection and possible home foundation repair. It’s better to catch these issues before they become worse, which can be expensive and dangerous for your family. Staying on top of foundation maintenance is a great way to protect your investment and keep your family safe. Contact a professional today for a consultation.
4. Uneven Floors
Uneven floors are often a big red flag for foundation issues in houses. Whether the flooring is soft, like carpeting or hard, like tile, wood or concrete, if the floor surface sags or buckles it could be a sign that the foundation is shifting and needs structural repair. If you’re preparing to buy a house, having the floor surfaces inspected by a professional home inspector can help identify any underlying problems with the foundation and avoid surprises when moving in.
A homes foundation is supported by a system of wooden joists that are placed to provide optimum support. However, over time these joists can become overspanned due to a number of reasons such as ground movement and poor drainage. When this occurs, the joists can no longer support the weight of the flooring and it will begin to shift and create unevenness in the floors. Learning to recognize the early signs of this type of problem can save homeowners money by catching it before it gets worse.
The foundation of a home is often hidden from view, making it difficult to know when you should take action. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that you may need to have your foundation repaired. These include sticky doors or windows and gaps between the door frames and walls. Having your foundation inspected by an…