By the end of this year, American homeowners will have splurged over $400 billion on home repairs and upgrades. Much of that money will go to projects that help make the home safer, such as foundation repair.
A home’s foundation is among the biggest determinants of how stable the entire structure is. Problems with the foundation are therefore a huge cause of concern.
Unfortunately, many people put off foundation repairs, given the amount of money involved. Across the nation, foundation repair costs average approximately $4,645 per incident.
The best way to keep repair costs low is by acting on signs of foundation problems early. In this blog post, we will discuss seven of those signs so that you can be proactive about foundation repair if necessary.
1. Cracks and Fractures
Perhaps the most obvious sign that foundation repair is necessary is the appearance of types of foundation cracks and fractures around your home. Pay particular attention to cracks that are near the foundation and along with the ceiling, as they are likely to be more serious.
Whether the cracks are horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, they should not be ignored. If left untreated, the foundation can eventually give way, leading to even more serious problems.
Have a professional inspect the cracks to determine the cause and severity of the problem. Foundation repair may not be necessary yet, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. Foundation Settling
Sometimes, you can tell that foundation repair is necessary even without looking for wall and basement cracks. You may notice that the foundation is settling or sinking. This will cause the foundation to become uneven and eventually lead to damage to your walls and ceilings.
The most common reason for foundation settlement is that there are changes in the moisture content of the soil. When the soil becomes too wet, it can swell and put pressure on the foundation. When the soil dries out, it can shrink and cause the foundation to sink.
If you notice that your foundation is settling or sinking, it’s time to call a professional for a foundation inspection.
3. Foundation Upheaval
Another common sign that you have foundation problems is if the slab foundation has shifted in an upward direction. It’s the opposite of foundation settling and an equally serious problem.
Generally, foundation heaving affects the perimeter of a foundation that’s made of a concrete slab. Sometimes, however, the problem can affect your home’s interior too. You may notice that your doorways, hallways, and other areas are affected.
Foundation upheaval in a slab foundation has many causes. It may be the result of the expansion and contraction of soil under and around the home.
Sometimes, foundation upheaval is caused by excessive moisture under the foundation. This excessive moisture may be caused by plumbing leaks under the slab or too much rain. The problem is most common in areas with clay soil.
4. Uneven Floors
Ideally, your floors should be completely flat and even. If you notice that they are not, it could be a sign that the foundation is starting to fail. You may notice that your floors are starting to sag or become uneven, which can be dangerous for people walking on them.
Floors can become uneven for many reasons, but the most common is foundation settlement. Regardless of what’s to blame for your uneven floors, you need to take action right away.
5. Gaps Around Your Door and Window Frames
As your foundation begins to fail, you may start to notice gaps around your window frames or exterior doors. This is another sign that foundation repair is necessary.
As the foundation slab begins to sink or shift, it can create spaces between the frame and the wall. You begin to notice these gaps because the frame and the wall are no longer aligned.
As you can imagine, the sight of these gaps is far from pleasing. Besides, your home starts to lose heat through the gaps, leading to higher power bills. Get a foundation repair expert to get the problem fixed once and for all.
6. Doors That Stick
Another sign that foundation repair may be necessary is if you start to experience problems with your doors. You may notice that your doors stick or no longer open and close properly.
The problem happens because the foundation is no longer supporting the door in the correct position. It’s very likely that your foundation is experiencing settlement, causing the doorframe to become misaligned with the wall.
It’s an issue that you want to deal with quickly, given that having doors that don’t open and close properly can be a real inconvenience.
7. A Damp Crawl Space
Dampness in your crawlspace may be caused by many things, one of which is foundation failure. When the foundation fails, it can cause water to seep into the crawlspace. This will create a moist and humid environment.
Ignoring this problem can foster mold and mildew growth, which can be very dangerous for your health. Mold can cause a variety of respiratory problems, including sneezing, coughing, and worsening asthma.
For homes with a basement, foundation problems may mean that you have to do water damage restoration frequently. Sure, basement waterproofing may help keep water at bay, but if the foundation has repair issues, you need to tackle them first.
Tackle Foundation Repairs Promptly to Avoid Bigger Issues
Ensuring your home’s foundation is in good condition is central to keeping your home safe for you and your loved ones. Stay on the lookout for any signs that your foundation may be in trouble and act quickly to get things back in order.
Are you looking for professional foundation repair services? Get in touch with us today and learn how we can help.
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