The foundation of a house is one of the most important parts of the structure, keeping it stable and providing a solid base for all the other components of the home. However, over time, the foundation can develop a range of problems that may require repair to avoid major issues down the line.
Foundation Cracks and Gaps
The first sign that your home’s foundation is in trouble is the presence of cracks and gaps around windows and doors. These are caused by shifting, settling, and other foundation issues that can lead to serious structural damage if left untreated.
Depending on the type of foundation you have, you might see cracks or gaps in brick, cinder block, and concrete walls. If you notice a gap, it’s best to call a professional foundation contractor as soon as possible so they can evaluate the condition of the area and recommend appropriate repairs.
If the gap is more than a couple of inches, you might need to have it repaired. Generally, a masonry or concrete expert will be able to correct this problem by re-pouring the area, securing it with rebar and epoxy, and making it level again.
Another sign that your foundation needs to be repaired is the presence of weeds near your house’s perimeter. This can be an indication of a serious problem, as weeds will pull away from the ground and create an uneven base for the foundation.
You can also walk your property to see if there are any areas of your foundation that sink into the ground. This is a serious issue that can be caused by drainage issues, and will need to be addressed as soon as possible.
When you’re getting estimates for foundation repair, ask if the company has a warranty or guarantee that would cover the work they do if something went wrong. This will save you a lot of money in the long run and ensure that you have peace of mind that the work is done right.
Before you make any final decisions about a company to hire for your home’s foundation repairs, request a free, no-obligation estimate from three companies in your area. Then, ask for a copy of each company’s structural report so you can compare their recommendations against your inspection findings.
A structural engineer can determine if your home’s and home foundation repair needs repair by inspecting it and gathering information about the soil in the area. Some types of soil are more stable than others, and a professional’s report will help you understand how this affects your foundation.
It’s also a good idea to do preventative maintenance on your foundation, such as running drip irrigation during droughts and making sure that spouts and gutters work properly.
Doing these simple things can help slow down or prevent foundation problems and keep them from getting worse, which will make it easier to find a solution when they do occur.
The most important thing you can do to protect your home’s foundation is to maintain moisture levels in the soil around it. This will help to slow or stop issues like cracking and settling.