Foundation problems usually hit homeowners like a truck that came out of nowhere. Most of us don’t think much about foundation problems, and the only time we notice is when things get out of hand. And that is a risky game to play. When it comes to foundation repair, the earlier you get it done, the better. But you first need to spot the problem before repairing it. So, here are a few common signs that signal that your home needs foundation repair:
Sticky doors and windows: There are two reasons for sticky doors and windows. The first, due to heavy moisture, and the second, due to foundation problems. If you live in an area with low environmental humidity, then your stick doors are from foundation problems. Sticky doors and windows are a result of movement in the foundation. As the foundation shifts, the doors and windows are no longer held by their frame and try to spin out of balance. So, the next time you notice sticking doors and windows, you know what to do.
Bugs: Like it or not, everyone has a fair share of bugs in their home. But if you notice an abnormal increase in the population of bugs around your house, something is wrong with your foundation. If your foundation has cracks or holes in its walls, it might result in a growth in the rodent population. To confirm, you can head down to your basement and see if there are any visible holes in your basement walls.
Uneven floors: You can’t miss an uneven floor. Uneven floors or sinking floors are a tell-tale sign of foundation problems. They are caused by movement in the foundation soil and can result in severe problems if left unchecked. Check your home’s exterior floors. These take the most damage from movement in the foundation.
Diagonal wall cracks: Stick doors and windows are like the level one boss of foundation problem. If left unchecked, they result in diagonal wall cracks coming off door frames and windows. If you spot diagonal cracks in drywalls, call in a foundation repair expert ASAP. Diagonal wall cracks are caused by movement in the foundation’s soil as a part of the foundation is pushed or pulled.
Bowed Walls: If you feel that the walls are bowing, get a foundation repair professional. Bowed walls are signs of serious trouble. While bowing can be a result of faulty construction, they most often are not. If you notice slight bowing in walls, make sure to check the interior and exterior walls around your house. Since your basement is closest to your foundation, it is probably a good place to get started.
Separating Walls: If something that is meant to hold things together separates, you are in serious trouble. Much like bowed walls, separating walls indicate problems with the foundation. If you notice movement in your walls, your foundation is to blame. An excellent way to check separating walls is your home’s wallpaper. If your wallpaper is starting to shift, wrinkle, or tear, call an expert to take a look at your foundation.
Leaning Chimney: While this is limited to houses with a chimney, checking your chimney’s status is a good way to know if your foundation is functioning like it’s supposed to. If you notice any cracks in your chimney or if it is leaning to either side, there may be problems with your foundation.
Movement in built-in fixtures: If your built-in cabinet has started to move from its original spot, it is probably caused by movement in your foundation. This causes movement in your interior and exterior walls, forcing built-in fixtures to dislocate from their initial spot. Since these are easier to notice, be sure to check for them once in a while.
Movement on other inside fixtures: Any movement in countertops, tiles, or tile lines is probably caused by movement in yoBlur foundation. If you notice gaps in tile lines, it is probably due to movement along your floor. Uneven floors are a major reason for the countertop and backsplash separation, and a large gap indicates an equally large problem with your foundation.
While many people think that foundation problems are challenging to stop, it’s all about looking at the right places. Most of us don’t think twice about small issues like minor cracks in drywall, a slight increase in the rodent population, or sticking doors and windows. However, these minor problems could be early symptoms of foundation problems. If left alone, these problems continue to grow, and by the time you know something is wrong with your foundation, it is already too late. As a result, homeowners end up spending hundreds of dollars on foundation repairs. If you spot any problems with your home’s foundation, it might be best to call in a foundation repair expert. Better late than sorry.
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