Having to repair the foundation of your home can not only be a big job, but a very expensive one too. If you don’t deal with the problem as soon as you realize there is one, you may end up creating even more of an issue that gets worse as time goes on – don’t let this happen.
Make sure you keep your eye out for potential signs of damage within the foundation. There are many signs around your home that will signify you have a problem. Here’s a list of the most common.
The foundation shouldn’t crumble or crack
The obvious place to start looking would be the foundation itself. You shouldn’t be able to see any problems, because when they are built – they are built to last. But unfortunately, problems do still occur.
Signs:
Moisture that causes stains, pooling water or mold. Websites like blacktoxicmolds.com give you some more information about leaks and molding.
Floor or wall that slopes and buckles.
Any shape of hairline fracture or crack.
Flaking or crumbling concrete.
Gaps or ruptures in the foundation.
Distorted ceiling and sloping floor
Sometimes when an underlying problem gets worse, it can start to change the shape of your ceiling and floor because essentially the structure is moving due to an issue.
It can be hard to notice this at first if it’s in the very early stages, but there are some things to look out for.
Signs:
Look out for curving – use a level tool to check or place a tennis ball in different areas around each room – the ball shouldn’t move.
Soil shifting and water damage
If the soil around your home expands when it’s wet and rainy outside, and contracts when it’s dry, this can leave the ground uneven, which puts a lot of pressure on your foundation.
If you pair this with water damage – usually caused by incorrect water drainage (which is actually another sign that your foundation is failing you) – you’ve got a problem.
You will want it dealt this before it gets any worse. – Check out www.helitechonline.com; this company deal with all different types of foundation repairs, so you won’t have to worry anymore.
Signs:
Extremely wet soil without it raining.
Extremely dry soil after a heavy rainfall or being watered.
Cracked or crumbling walls
It’s normal to see a little give and take on the walls after a period of time – it’s completely natural. What isn’t normal is visible cracks formulating within the walls, and crumbling on its own, or even when touched ever so lightly.
Signs:
Decay and crumbling from cement or brick walls.
Water damage.
Shifts or cracks that begin to appear.
Make sure you look at all the corners, joints, pillars, chimneys and molding. This should all be completely straight.
Badly fitted windows and doors
All windows and doors should fit absolutely perfect so they are safe and secure; not too tight where the surrounding areas start to crack, but not too loose where you can see a visible gap.
Not only can this start to affect your foundation, but it will also lead to uncontrolled heat loss, leaving you with a pricey bill every month.
Signs:
Ill fitting space around all your windows and doors, including the garage, basement, and attic.
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