Signs Your Foundation Is in Trouble and What Can Be Done
Posted on: 14 March 2018
Homes are built to last, and concrete foundations are a solid base on which to build, which is why they're part of so many homes. Unfortunately, inadequate maintenance or movement in the soil in which a home's foundation is built can cause serious issues. If left alone, problems in a home's foundation can cause major structural problems in the house itself, causing further damage and becoming expensive to fix.
If you are concerned about the foundation of your home, the good news is that having your foundation assessed and repaired, if necessary, is not as complex as you think. Here's how it's done.
Diagnosing foundation problems
Only a professional builder or foundation repair contractor can accurately diagnose any problems your home is facing with its foundation, but there are signs you can watch out for. If you notice any of the following three clues, your foundations may be in need of repair.
Cracks
If your floors are becoming uneven or cracked or your interior or exterior walls are misaligned or cracking, you may have problems with your foundation. Occasionally, homeowners even see cracks in the foundation itself — a sure sign your home is in need of immediate attention.
Splits
Look out for splits around your windows or doors or trouble opening and closing them. Occasionally, separate components of your home, such as your garage, might appear to peel away from the rest of the home, or your walls might detach from the floor in places. If this happens, seek professional help fast.
Drops
Are your mouldings drooping or becoming fractured? This can occur when your foundation is shifting and parts of your house sink slowly deeper into the ground.
Solving foundation problems
A foundation repair professional from a company like Pro-Pin Professional Underpinning is the person best qualified to diagnose and repair your home's foundation. If you are concerned that you are facing an emergency, ask your contractor to fit you in as soon as possible.
If your foundation is in trouble, your contractor may lift it back into position by packing grout into the gap beneath the concrete slab, known as 'slabjacking', or adding support to your current foundation, often called 'underpinning'.
Your home is a lifelong investment, one well worth protecting. Keep your eyes out for signs of damage to your foundation and act fast when you notice them in order to save yourself money and heartache in the long run.
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