The foundation of a home is vital to the stability of the building but foundation repair or a foundation repair company is not something most people worry about on a day-to-day basis. Various factors can result in damage to your property’s foundation and it’s important to take action quickly if you notice any of the typical warning signs.
It can be difficult for the average person to determine whether any foundation damage has been sustained and if repairs are necessary. However, there are some classic tell-tale signs that could indicate that you do need some level of foundation repair in order to protect your home.
Warning Signs You May Need Foundation Repair
There are a number of clear warning signs that can indicate that a foundation repair company should be called upon for your home. Some of the key signs to look out for include: Doors and windows sticking:
Doors And Windows Sticking
One sign that you may require foundation repair is that your doors or windows appear to be sticking.
If you find yourself struggling to open and close them easily, it can be a warning sign your foundation needs to be looked at.
Wall Cracks Suggest Foundation Repair Needed
You may notice cracks appearing on the drywall inside your home and on exterior concrete and brick walls. This includes cracks that zig-zag across the wall.
These cracks are another indicator that the foundation is settling and that you may need to arrange inspection and repairs.
Gaps
When gaps appear in certain places in the home, it may be a sign that foundation repair is necessary.
This includes gaps between the caulking and windows or doors, as well as gaps between crown molding and ceilings.
Sinking Floors
You could find yourself facing a major foundation repair issue if you discover the ground sinking close to the foundation.
If you notice anything of this nature you should contact an expert or repair company right away.
In Your Wallpaper
If you have wallpaper in your home, you might notice creasing and wrinkling, separation, or tearing for no obvious reason.
This is indicative of shifting caused by problems with the property’s foundation.
Sloped Floors Indicate Foundation Repair Needed
Foundation problems often result in significant problems with floor sloping.
If you find that the floors are sloping more than one inch in every fifteen or twenty feet, you may need to have repairs carried out on the foundation.
Basement Walls
Soil expansion can create foundation problems for homeowners and one of the signs is where basement walls start to bow inwards. This is caused by wet soil putting pressure against the foundation and then pulling away again once it becomes dry.
These are some of the key warning signs that can indicate issues and problems with your foundation. If you notice any of these issues, it is important to speak to an expert in the field in order to get advice. Arrange an inspection so that any necessary repairs can be carried out as soon as possible. Taking fast action when it comes to foundation repair can save you a lot of hassle, time, stress, and money in the long run.
The Effects Of Climate Changes On Your Home’s Foundation
Another key point to remember is that the climate in which you live could have an impact on your property’s foundation. In areas such as Houston, extreme changes in climate and weather are common. There is often heavy rainfall over a short period of time and this moisture is absorbed by the clay soil that is common in this area.
This then results in expansion of the soil, which results in increased pressure on the property’s concrete slab. During the summer, temperatures can rocket and there may be minimal rainfall. This then dries out the clay soil causing it to shrink following its expansion during the wet weather. This then reduces the lift for your property and can lead to extensive damage to your home’s foundation.
Protecting Against Foundation Problems
There are a number of steps that you can take in order to protect your home against serious and costly foundation cracks and issues. If any issues do arise you can get them sorted out sooner rather than later. Some of the steps you should take include:
Familiarize Yourself With The Warning Signs And be Proactive:
It is important to familiarize yourself with the warning signs mentioned above, as these can be clear indicators of foundation issues. This will enable you to take speedy action and speak to experts if you do notice anything suspicious.
Also, make sure you are proactive rather than waiting for the signs to become obvious. For example, do regular checks on your foundation walls to make sure that no cracks are appearing. Or have a repair company perform a regular foundation inspection.
Clean And De-Clog Your Guttering
Gutters that are filled with debris and clogged up will not drain water away efficiently. This increases the chances of water collecting around the foundation of the property, which can then lead to considerable damage over time. With this in mind, you should make sure you clear debris from your guttering and keep your gutters de-clogged to aid the drainage process.
Check For A Positive Slope Outdoors
It is important to ensure that outdoor areas such as the driveway, porch, patio, and yard have a positive slope. This indicates that they are at a lower point than the foundation. This means that water will flow away from the foundation, just as it should.
Call A Foundation Repair Company
If you do notice any problems or believe you may have damage to the foundation act quickly! This can make a big difference to the amount of corrective work required. The longer you leave it the worse the problem can get. Seek expert advice straight away. Call your local foundation repair company today for a free estimate for all your foundation problems.
