Five Signs Your Home Needs Structural Foundation Repair
The foundation of your home is the most important structural element in your house, and if it is compromised, it can lead to significant problems. Unfortunately, as a homeowner, it can be quite difficult to identify when your foundation requires repair. Here's a short guide on the five common signs that indicate your home needs structural foundation repair.
Cracks in the Walls and Flooring
If your home has unexplained cracks in its walls or flooring, it could be a sign of foundation damage. These cracks can vary in direction, whether they are horizontal or vertical, as well as in their width. Additionally, the cracks may appear in clusters or run along the length of a wall. These cracks typically indicate stress in the foundation, which can worsen over time, compromising the structural integrity of your home.
Uneven Floors
Uneven or sloping floors may indicate underlying foundation issues. This symptom can manifest itself as large dips or bulges in the flooring. These irregularities can cause tripping hazards and, in severe cases, may indicate that the foundation is about to collapse. So, make sure to keep an eye on your floors and contact a foundation repair specialist if you notice any unevenness.
Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Excessively large gaps around doors and windows are a red flag that your foundation has shifted. Most windows and doors are level, plumb, or square during installation. As such, any installations that have shifted are a sign of a problem with your home's foundation. Professional repair and immediate address are necessary before further damages take place inside the home.
Stuck Windows and Doors
If your windows and doors are difficult to open or close, it is another potential sign of foundation damage. When the foundation shifts or moves, the doors and windows shift along with it. This new irregularity will frustrate you at first, but if the problem is due to foundation damage, it can lead to the frames warping or cracks forming. Repairing the foundation will help keep your doors and windows opening and closing properly.
Water damage
Water damage can cause many problems to a foundation, but it can also be a sign of foundation damage. Cracks and any other damage to the foundation allow water to seep into your home. Water damage can cause significant issues like mold and other bacteria to grow in your home. Therefore, any signs of water damage require immediate investigation as it might be due to foundation cracks that are causing these leaks.
Your home's foundation is one of the most important elements of its structure. Therefore, identifying when the foundation is compromised is essential. By keeping an eye out for these five signs of foundation damage, you can repair the foundation and keep your home structurally sound.
For more info about structural foundation repair, contact a local company.