Warning Signs That You Need To Check Your House Foundations
When you buy something pricey that you highly value, it’s good, common sense to protect its quality and take super good care of it. This is especially true regarding the purchase of a very expensive house, and the most crucial area of a home is the strength of its foundation.
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It’s no secret that owning a home is a significant investment, and therefore, it’s essential to ensure that it remains in good condition over time. As previously mentioned, one of the crucial components of a home’s structural integrity is its foundation, which provides support for the entire structure.
In other words, you can think of the foundation of a house as like the backbone, providing support and keeping everything properly held together. Over time, minor issues and faults can become significant if ignored, which will compromise the overall safety and value of the home. Detecting these warning signs early on is crucial in preventing further damage and costly repairs.
This article will lay out the warning signs indicating that you need to check your home’s foundation as quickly as possible, along with associated risk factors, tips for regular inspection and maintenance, and why it’s important to utilize the professional help of a foundation repair service.
Common Warning Signs
The first step in maintaining the foundation of your home is to be aware of the warning signs that may indicate a problem. Some of the common warning signs include cracks in the walls, ceilings, or floors, doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly, sloping floors, and gaps between walls, floors and ceilings.
Additionally, watch out for water damage in the basement or crawl space, a musty odor, mold or mildew growth, and cracks in exterior brickwork. It’s essential to take these warning signs seriously and investigate them promptly to assess the severity of the problem.
Risk Factors Associated with Foundation Issues
Several risk factors may increase the likelihood of foundation issues. These include soil type, moisture levels, and drainage issues. Homes built on expansive clay soils are at a higher risk of foundation problems because these soils can expand and contract with changes in moisture levels, causing the foundation to shift or settle.
Inadequate drainage can also lead to foundation problems. Poor drainage can cause water to accumulate around the foundation, leading to soil erosion and foundation damage. It’s essential to ensure that your home has proper drainage systems in place to prevent these issues.
Key Risk Factors:
-Poor soil conditions: Certain soil types, such as expansive clay soils, can cause the foundation to shift and settle.
-Improper drainage: Inadequate drainage around the foundation can lead to water accumulation, which can cause the soil to expand and contract.
-Tree roots: Large trees planted too close to the house can extract moisture from the soil, leading to soil shrinkage and foundation movement.
-Plumbing leaks: Undetected plumbing leaks can saturate the soil beneath the foundation, causing it to become unstable.
Tips for Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Regular inspection and maintenance are critical to maintaining the structural stability of your home. It’s essential to inspect your home regularly for warning signs of foundation problems, such as cracks in the walls or floors, doors and windows that don’t close properly, and sloping floors.
It’s also vital to maintain proper moisture levels around your home’s foundation. This can be achieved by ensuring that the gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and functioning correctly, and that the soil around the foundation is appropriately graded to encourage water to drain away from the foundation.
Inspection To-Do’s:
-Monitor and measure cracks: Keep an eye on any existing cracks and measure their width regularly.
-Check doors and windows: Test doors and windows periodically to ensure they open and close smoothly.
-Monitor sloping or uneven floors: Take note of any changes in your floor’s levelness or slope.
-Maintain proper drainage: Ensure that gutters and downspouts are working correctly to direct water away from the foundation. Consider installing a French drain system if necessary.
-Keep trees at a safe distance: Plant trees at least 15 feet away from the house to prevent their roots from affecting the foundation.
The Importance of Prompt Action
When it comes to foundation issues, prompt action is crucial. Ignoring warning signs or delaying repairs can lead to more severe damage and higher repair costs. If left unaddressed, these problems can impact the integrity of the entire house, causing doors and windows to become inoperable, walls to crack or bow, and even compromising the safety of occupants.
The Role of Professional Foundation Repair Companies
When faced with foundation issues, it is essential to consult with a professional foundation repair company. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment to accurately assess the problem and provide appropriate solutions. They can conduct a thorough inspection, identify the underlying cause of the issue, and recommend the best course of action, whether it be foundation underpinning, drainage correction, or other repair methods.
Final Thoughts
Although the cost of hiring professional help may be higher than you’d like, neglecting the issue will cost you much more. So if you start to notice any damage, faults or abnormalities in your home, seek expert help right away.
