One of the biggest concerns for many homeowners is the stability of their property. When your foundation is damaged, it can threaten the structural integrity of the entire building. If you've never dealt with foundation damage before, the whole concept may seem confusing. Luckily, when you know what to look for, you can spot foundation damage early and hopefully get it repaired before it becomes a serious problem. Here are five tips for an effective monthly evaluation of your foundation's condition.
- Check The Walls – Sometimes, a damaged foundation causes the walls above it to shift. This leads to cracks and other damage in the walls. Walk through the house and look at each wall closely. There should not be any cracks along the floor or ceiling, nor should the walls themselves show any jagged, uneven or angled cracking.
- Inspect the Doors and Windows – Just as the walls are affected by damage in the foundation, your doors and windows will often start sticking. This happens because the weakened and damaged foundation causes shifts in the home's structure, which can cause the door and window frames to shift slightly.
- Evaluate the Crawl Space – The crawl space is another place where foundation settling can become obvious. Look for any signs of water, mildew or other problems in the crawl spaces. These are signs that there's moisture buildup inside the crawl space. If it's caused wet soil, that can lead to erosion, which may increase the risk of foundation damage.
- Assess the Roof Line – Although your first instinct when you walk around the perimeter of your home is probably to look directly at the foundation itself, it'll be easier to spot problems if you look up first. Evaluate the roof line carefully, because shifting and weakening in the foundation will actually cause the roof line to shift and potentially separate.
- Look at the Foundation – You'll also want to look at any visible walls in the foundation. If you can see vertical cracks along the foundation, that's a serious cause for concern. Cracks that are wide at the bottom indicate that the soil is compacting under the foundation. This can cause the foundation to fall. If the crack is wider at the top, it's a sign that the ground could be heaving under your home.
Understanding some of the common trouble signs for your foundation may help you to spot problems before they threaten the overall integrity of your home. Work with a crack repair specialist like Gord's Basement Waterproofing Ltd who can help you not only determine the source of the problem but also repair cracks and other problems.
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