Foundation damage is a common issue that must be addressed immediately if you want to avoid bigger problems later on. However, because it’s not usually as visible as a leaky faucet or a clogged pipe, the issue often goes unnoticed for a long time.
Luckily, contractors should be able to fix minor foundation damage in a matter of days as long as you catch the early warning signs. Here are some of the signs you should keep an eye out for to prevent major structural damage in your home.
Practically every home is going to develop at least a few foundation cracks over the years, and that type of damage usually isn’t a big deal. That being said, you should keep an eye on those cracks to see if they are getting any wider.
If the width of the crack begins to grow, then you will most likely need to carry out repairs right away. A growing crack could be a sign that the underlying soil is beginning to shift. You should especially keep an eye out for stair-step cracks in the mortar around bricks and horizontal cracks.
When your basement’s foundation begins to heave, it could result in uneven flooring throughout your home. To fix that heaving, you will probably need to contact a company that specializes in underpinning.
Underpinning is a renovation technique that allows crews to stabilize the foundation of a structure with a series of posts and poles. This will prevent the structural shifting from spreading or getting worse.
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Uneven flooring can also be caused by water damage, and that is another issue that must be taken care of right away. Water damage can be a health hazard, inviting mold and mildew into your house, but it can also cause structural damage. Standing water can weaken the wooden beams supporting your home. Additionally, it can damage concrete, especially if it freezes.
There are a few different reasons why your doors might begin to stick over the years. In some cases, that issue is caused by changing humidity levels that force the wood around the door to swell and contract.
It can also be the result of a shifting basement or foundation that is causing the walls to slump. If multiple doors throughout your home are sticking or not latching, then you might have some problems with your foundation.
Gaps Around Doors, Windows, and Other Openings
Even though relatively small gaps around doors, windows, and vents might not seem like big problems, those openings could cost you quite a bit of money over the years. Small cracks and pinholes will make it very difficult for your HVAC system to keep your home at a consistent temperature, and that means your heating and cooling bills are going to skyrocket.
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Sealing up those gaps is a good short-term solution, but you might want to have a professional check out your foundation to see if that is the source of the problem.
Your home will probably be one of the biggest purchases that you ever make, and you want to be absolutely sure that you don’t ignore any structural damage. Fixing foundation damage can be a serious investment, but those repairs will probably save you quite a bit of time, money, and worry in the long run.