How to Detect Foundation Damage in Your Home?

0
6333

Of all the possible types of pathologies that a building can suffer, statistics show that pathologies linked to foundations are the ones that entail the highest overall costs due to the complexity of their repair, because they imply a substantial alteration and even interruption of the use of the building, and because they usually involve neighbors and even public authorities. Therefore, it is more urgent than in any other case to determine the causes and to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible.

However, the diagnosis of this type of pathology is far from immediate. First, the symptoms must be analyzed, essentially cracks and movements suffered by the building (turns, seats, displacements, etc.) to deduce what mechanism has originated them. Here are some of the signs to look out for that may indicate the need for signs of foundation repairs.

Maybe there’s been a leak, or perhaps the last time you looked up at your home’s wall, there was a crack you hadn’t noticed before. Cracked walls are always an inconvenience. They are usually caused by the natural settling of a house over time, moisture, time passage, or lack of maintenance.

If the crack is vertical and starts at the apex where the wall and ceiling meet, it could signify that it was created when the foundation settled after construction. The best thing to do is to go to a professional to explain the problem.

Other details that you cannot miss are the doors and windows of your home, which should open and close properly, not too tight or too loose. If you have any difficulty, it is necessary to contact a specialist to check the house’s foundation.

If you run your hand along the walls and feel them bulging, something is wrong, as it would happen with a human body. Warped walls are often a sign that the drywall has absorbed water and is swelling. Over time, that damaged area begins to crumble, especially around the baseboards, so if you touch it and it’s bulging or different, the best thing to do is call a professional.

Water damage can also affect the structure of your home. The leading cause may be drainage failures, so being aware of this problem is very important. If you notice an increase in your water bill, it is essential to contact your plumber for a check-up.

Another sign you should not overlook is sinking floors. Although they can sometimes go unnoticed, they are straightforward to detect with a level. Also, check for gaps where the floor and wall meet.

It is essential always to consult an expert regarding the condition of the house’s foundation, as they are the ones who are qualified to give a good diagnosis. By following their instructions, you will be able to distinguish the signs of foundation repairs promptly and avoid putting you and your loved ones at risk.

A proper diagnosis of the causes is essential. So determining the grounds of the damages, if these have their origin in the foundation, we will be able to raise the most suitable form of repair and undertake it with the possible minor damage for the own building and the adjacent ones.

In any case, the damages to the foundation must be solved in depth. Slight repairs are counterproductive since they would hide the symptoms for a more extended period, allowing the actual damage to the foundation to increase progressively.

Comments are closed.