signs of foundation problems
signs of foundation problems
What are the first signs of foundation problems?
A secure foundation ensures there are no accidents and your home continues to remain sturdy over the years. However, despite care, it is common for the foundation to suffer due to natural disasters, poor maintenance, and other such reasons.
This is why it is important to be aware of the foundation repair cost and the signs of damage so you can quickly move to get in touch with a professional and reduce the risk.
Here are a few foundation damage signs to look out for:
Cracks in the Walls
Do not neglect cracks, no matter how small they appear. They’re a major sign of foundation damage. In fact, cracks can lead to a complete collapse, as seen in the case of this Miami building in 2021.
Cracks usually occur due to contraction and expansion and are not always a major threat, yet it is still important to consult a professional.
Irregular Floors
Irregular or sloping floors are normally not considered a big issue at hand by many homeowners. We’re here to tell you otherwise. Abnormally uneven floors hint at severe structural or foundation damage – one that should be taken care of.
Neglecting this sign of foundation damage could cause you to spend a lot on foundation repair costs.
Busted Windows and Doors
If your house comes with windows and doors that refuse to function as they should, this could be a result of problems with the foundation. When there’s a movement in the foundation, it forces the frames around the windows and doors to bend and become unbalanced, therefore, making it more difficult for you to open or close your windows and doors.
Again, this may not always be due to issues with the foundation; however, it is best that you call a professional for inspection.
Standing Water in the Basement
Water that is standing or collecting under your house can hardly ever be a good thing. If you notice water standing for a significant amount of time and no measure being taken to direct it away from the structure, you can easily expect the foundation to start losing its durability and wreaking all sorts of havoc in your house.
Water damage is one of the main causes of foundation damage. Water could accumulate due to a variety of reasons such as leaks, storms, and rains. If you are keen on avoiding a foundation disaster, it would be best to have all drainage issues taken care of on the spot. A water damage restoration company like getting Delmar can do it for you, get in touch with us today to know more.
Stair-Step Cracks
Next on the list of signs of foundation problems are stair-stepped or diagonal cracks. Stair-step cracks or cracks that appear diagonally across walls can be seen inside as well as outside your house.
If these happen to be larger than usual (let’s say more than a quarter of an inch), it’s time to worry about foundation repair costs as these problems can be expensive to deal with.
Sidings That Bend
Have you been wondering why the vinyl sidings of your house have lost all their appeal? It could be due to a foundation problem.
The movements in the foundation can cause your sidings to appear more deteriorated and wavy than what you want them to be. This is one of the very first signs of foundation damage and the sooner it’s looked into, the fewer chances there are of you having to pay unreasonable foundation repair costs.
Nail Pops
Last but not least, the occurrence of nail pops on your walls is a big sign of foundation damage.
Nail pops are triggered by the shifts in the foundation of your house and are a clear giveaway that your foundation is losing its strength and needs to get checked out as soon as possible.
Foundation problems are not uncommon – especially in older homes. Regardless of WHEN your house was built, it is important to be aware of what’s happening around the house, especially if it has something to do with the foundation (the most important part of the entire structure).
It is always better to reverse the damage now than to have to pay thousands in foundation repair costs. Contact us today to know more about our services and how we can help. Our experienced professionals will visit your property, inspect for signs of damage, repair what’s broken, and ensure your house remains sturdy and in compliance with safety laws.
