9 Signs You Need Foundation Repair for Your Home
One of the last things that any homeowner wants to hear is that there’s something wrong with the foundation. We hear horror stories of major excavation projects that had to be completed due to a faulty foundation, or tales of families being displaced for months on end as foundation repair crews had to come in and make things right. Many of these stories are made out to be worse than they actually are, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your foundation seriously.
The foundation supports the entire structure of your home, and you could end up as a cautionary tale for others if you don’t take action as soon as you notice signs of trouble. Keep reading for some of the signs telling you it’s time to call for professional foundation repair.
Poor Drainage
Water is the leading cause of foundation issues, and poor drainage is among the leading causes of water issues around your foundation. Water needs to drain away from your house, and if it doesn’t it’s going to accumulate around the foundation, cause the soil to expand, and add pressure that could lead to damage. If you notice soft, wet soil around your house after it’s rained, or if the soil is unusually dry after a rainfall, you may have a drainage problem that requires attention. If you’re lucky, there won’t be any major repairs needed but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Sinking Ground
Sinking ground is another telltale sign that you may have a problem with your foundation and need foundation repair. As mentioned above, walking around the perimeter of the house to locate soft areas is one way to check. You can also look at any fixtures around the house such as your outdoor AC unit, to see if it has sunk down lower than the rest of the ground around it. Sinking ground means you may have a serious foundation issue happening, so get in touch with a professional right away.
Door Gaps
Door gaps refer to spaces at the tops of your doors when they’re closed. If the foundation has settled, the doors in your house may tend to get stuck easily and have the telltale gaps at the top. For many people, a gap at the top of a door or two is more of an inconvenience than anything else, but it’s important to understand that this mundane looking problem could be alerting you to a more serious issue.
Cracked Drywall
Cracks in your drywall don’t necessarily mean you have a problem with the foundation, but you might. There are other reasons for cracked drywall, like moisture inside the house, or water damage from the roof, but if these two are ruled out and you still have cracked drywall, you may need professional foundation repair. If you see cracks in the drywall that don’t have any of these explanations, check for some of the other signs of foundation problems to get a clearer picture of what’s going on.
Sticky Windows
Just like faulty doors, sticky windows may also be an indication that you need foundation repair. Your windows may also be sticking for a variety of other reasons, but foundation sinking can be one of them. Like with other seemingly innocuous signs on this list, check for some other signs before sounding the alarm about a potential foundation problem.
Bowing Walls
Bowing walls are a common indication that you need to call for professional foundation repair as soon as possible. This is something you really shouldn’t wait on, because you may need wall anchors installed to stabilize the walls, and serious bowing may require some degree of excavation of your property. If you are aware and watch for the other, less serious signs of foundation troubles, you shouldn’t have to ever get to this point.
Moisture in the Crawlspace
Moisture in your basement doesn’t guarantee a foundation issue, but it is a common sign if you do have one. If you have noticeable moisture in your crawlspace, or any signs of moisture in the basement, it’s a good idea to get to work looking for the cause before things get out of hand. Foundational issues are definitely problematic, but too much moisture in your basement can also cause mold and subsequent health issues.
Wall Separation
Sometimes, as soil moves, and the foundation of your house shifts the walls can separate from the rest of the structure. As an example, you may notice gaps between your cupboards and the walls, which is a clear indication the walls are moving farther away. Walls can also separate from the ceiling or the floor, and if you notice separation in any of the walls in your house, you may be looking at a serious foundation problem that requires immediate attention.
Uneven Floors
If your floors are uneven, it may be caused by poor wood quality, moisture under the floor, termite infestation, or it could be a problem with the foundation. If it appears as though your floors are sagging, that’s another potential indication of foundation problems. if you notice that things are rolling on the floor toward a specific spot in the house, or water runs in a certain direction on your floor instead of puddling, get in touch with a professional as soon as possible to investigate the problem.
There’s no reason to panic if you notice any of these warning signs, but it is definitely in your best interest to get in touch with a professional as soon as possible. We have the industry experience and the diagnostic tools to quickly and safely discover the source of the problem and provide you with a solution that makes sense.
If you’d like more information about our foundation repair services in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas like Dalton, Cleveland, Athens, Monteagle, and Rome, get in touch with us today to schedule a free estimate.
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