A faulty foundation can mean a whole lot of structural problems that can endanger us and our loved ones. If not attended to promptly, it might also require hefty amounts to fix. It is, therefore, important to know when we need to check our home’s foundation and when to contact one of the trusted
in your area to fix apparent problems as soon as possible.
It is recommended that you inspect your foundation at least annually. Early identification of distress signs can make a big difference in the ease and cost of eventually fixing them.
- Cracks and Fissures
First things first: hairline fissures on your walls are mostly natural and nothing to panic over. You will, however, probably need to classify it beyond that if you notice them appear more and more in a short span of time, or when you notice a particular crack that steadily grows wider as days go by.
The things you really need to watch out for arehorizontal cracks, wide cracks, stair-step cracks, and cracks that leak water.These are what we would consider major cracks, and they definitely warrant closer inspection, ideally by a professional. They are telling signs of serious problems in your foundation and must not be taken lightly.
- Uneven Walls and Floors
When concrete sinks, you are left with dangerous trip hazards and potentially water pooling issues that could accelerate soil settlement. Concrete leveling is a repair technique to fill the voids underneath your sunken concrete patio, driveway, pool deck, concrete steps, garage floor, sidewalk, and other areas.
Bulging walls and sloping floors are indicators of foundational shifts called upheaval and settling. Bulging walls can be easy to spot – you can do surveillance from outside your property, or watch the gaps between your walls and cabinets inside. Uneven floors, though, are harder to pinpoint, so we must regularly monitor our floors to see if there’s anything we should be concerned about.
Ball tests are an easy and effective way to do this. Don’t wait until it poses a hazard to children, elderly, or disabled loved ones, or until a part of or the entire foundation sinks completely.
- Stubborn Doors and Windows
If your doors and windows are sticky, don’t latch properly or at all, drag at the bottom or hang at the top, and are just generally tough to close and open, there can be two reasons for this. One is humidity, which is known to expand wood. But if there are no noticeable recent disturbances in the weather, and especially if these sticky situations include visible cracks in the vicinity of your doors and windows, then it can be a foundation issue.
They seem just like everyday grievances that don’t warrant more attention, but you might want to think twice about them. Sticky doors and windows are among the earliest signs of unstable shifts in your home’s foundation.
There is no question that we invest a lot in our homes and it doesn’t just mean the financial aspect of it. Their maintenance and longevity depend a lot on the state of the foundation, so we must ensure that it’s always at its best. If you suspect problems with it or even if you just think it’s been a while since it was professionally inspected, talk to a contractor immediately.
