How to fix foundation problems
Can A House Collapse From Foundation Issues?
How to fix foundation problems
People who want to know how to fix foundation problems are often also worried about whether their house can deal with existing foundation issues.
First thing first, a house can collapse from foundation issues. This is why it is important to pay attention to the structure of your house. The problem with foundation issues is that they can become severe over the years and pose a threat to your house’s structure and your safety. Hence, you should pay attention to even small issues.
In this article, we’ll talk about foundation issues including how to fix foundation problems and if a house can collapse from foundation problems.
Let’s get started:
Understanding Minor Issues
Minor foundation issues can include a variety of problems including:
- Small cracks in your walls and doors
- Windows sticking out
- Nail pops
These issues are considered minor as they are not always an indication of foundation-related problems and could be due to other reasons. Moreover, these problems are less concerning and are often caused by changes in the weather.
These problems usually appear in the first few years of the construction of the house and are part of a process called “settling” of the foundation. Settling is a process every building and house goes through after its construction. Some other minor issues caused by settling can include:
- Small cracks in the tiles of the floor
- Musty smells in the basement
- Small cracks on the ceiling
- Slightly uneven floors
- Small cracks over the garage
- Small stair-step cracks
- Broken seams in interior walls
Still, do not neglect these issues just because they appear minor. Get in touch with a professional so they can identify the real ‘cause’ of these problems and reduce the risk of further damage.
Neglecting a small crack, for example, can lead to larger cracks, eventually causing you to spend thousands to fix foundation problems.
Understanding Major Issues
How do you tell if the issues you’re facing are more than just settling? Major foundation issues can cause considerable structural damage and, in worse cases, can lead to the complete reconstruction of certain parts of your house.
It is not uncommon for houses to collapse due to foundation issues; however, this usually only happens when problems are neglected. You’ll be safe as long as you recognize the problem and take immediate action to prevent any further chaos. Refer to the case of this major building in Miami that collapsed due to foundation-related issues. According to reports, engineers inspected the structure and identified problem areas; however, the management failed to correct the problem, eventually causing the building to collapse.
Major issues can be:
- Floors sinking in the middle
- Unusual popping sounds coming from inside your house
- Floors that feel springy when you walk over them
- Long growing cracks on walls inside and outside
- Mold in the basements / wet basements
- Water damage
- Long cracks in crawl spaces
- Broken chimneys
- Gaps surrounding doors and window frames
- Cabinets detaching from the wall
All the above-mentioned issues are considered critical and require the help of a professional. Get Del Mar can get your go-to option as we offer all services related to foundation damage. Get in touch with us today to know more about our services and how we can help you.
How To Fix Foundation Problems?
It is never a good idea to neglect foundation issues as they can expand in no time. Moreover, a damaged foundation doesn’t only increase the risk of a complete collapse but could also cause termite infestations, sinking floors, electrical and water damage, and more. It’s a safety hazard and requires immediate intervention.
If you have encountered any foundation issues, major or minor, it’s best to consult a professional to determine the severity of the issue. This is important because the DIY approach does not work when it comes to foundation issues.
A company like Get Del Mar will inspect your house and find the cause and extent of damage then make a plan to repair it. It may involve working with a structural engineer and performing major repairs that can take weeks and cost around $20,000 or more.
An in-depth assessment is necessary to determine what to do next. Get in touch with us today to know more.
