Many homeowners are not aware of this but foundation problems can easily lead towards very expensive repairs that you do not want to be faced with. With this in mind, it makes a lot of sense to identify foundation problems that may exist as soon as possible. This can aid you to save tens of thousands of dollars.
Indoor Signs
These are usually the ones that you first notice. They are normal because the houses will take time to level and can end up with unevenness. In the event that you start seeing any of the following indoor signs, do talk to a professional:
- Walls show cracks, especially over the windows, where ceilings meet walls and doorways.
- Cracks appear in concrete floors.
- Doors begin to jam or cannot latch.
- Windows will start to stick and cannot close completely, although no problems ever existed.
Outside Signs
You can easily take a look at the foundation. Look at it and make sure that everything is straight. Walls have to be straight and sides should be proper, not shifted. Leaning walls can easily be checked with a level tool if you cannot realize if all is ok with your eyes. When you notice that there is a curve or a bulge present in poured concrete walls, the foundation may be affected or the soil may be contracting and expanding, adding wall pressure.
Checking Concrete Weakness
If there is a perimeter foundation that is poured and you notice that the concrete is flaking and chipping, use a screwdriver and poke it in various locations. Concrete needs to remain hard so the action would not damage the foundation. If it is easy to break or chip pieces, you are faced with concrete that is currently deteriorating. This is a really common problem that appears in houses that were built around the early nineteen hundreds. Unfortunately, if this is the case, a new foundation may be needed.
Structural Components
The foundation is not just made out of the foundation wall. You can easily notice that in crawl spaces or in the basement there are other elements you should check. You have to look at concrete supports and posts. The posts have to stand completely straight and be planted properly under supported beams. If you see that there is wet framing or a puddle present, it is important to see why that happens since this is a sign that poor drainage exists.
Foundation Cracks
Different types of foundation cracks can appear. Most homeowners will naturally end up feeling that something is really wrong but the truth is that not all the cracks are dangerous. Think about the following types:
- Hairline mortar cracks – if you see these between the concrete blocks, you do not have to worry about it.
- L-Shape section cracks – these are usually shrinkage cracks. They are not really a problem for the structure of the house. However, you need to make sure that the space is always dry.
- Cracks At Stair Steps – If they appear at the masonry joints, the concern is quite big. That is especially the case in the event that wall will be bulging or you see cracks that are larger than a quarter of an inch.
- Horizontal Cracks – these are quite serious. Water may be the cause and if soil expands, huge foundation problems can appear. In this case there is a pretty good possibility that a new foundation will be needed.
In the unwanted situation in which you notice serious structural problems with your foundation, you have to be sure that you will call a professional for a quote. The sooner you do this, the cheaper the repair! Do not wait too much since a new foundation is highly expensive.
