How to Spot a Shaky House Foundation
Many homeowners fail to recognize warning signs that their house foundation needs repairs, including large, zig-zagging cracks in brick walls; doors and windows that no longer fit their frames properly; uneven floors and large zig-zagging cracks in brick walls as indicators of foundational failure. Moisture in crawl spaces can also contribute to beam rot, making foundation more unstable and leading to mold or musty smells in future. Cracks Upon discovering a crack in your foundation wall, the first step should be determining whether it's non-structural or structural. Structural cracks allow water to seep through and can threaten building integrity if left unrepaired quickly. Hairline cracks in concrete tend to be non-threatening and appear for various reasons such as heavy rainfall exerting pressure on foundation walls, tension from new home construction or backfill soil becoming over compressed against foundation walls. Stepped-like (vertical and diagonal) cracks often signify shifts in foundation. Cracks wider than 1/10 inch are likely structural and require immediate foundation repair. If you notice one, mark it with a pencil and note its date of appearance so you can monitor its progression over time. If the crack doesn't expand further, concrete crack filler might help seal it permanently. Sagging Ceilings Sagging ceilings can be both unsightly and dangerous, often signaling serious structural issues in your home. They could be caused by anything from something heavy sitting on the floor above to water damage - or it could indicate that something has shifted within its foundation and subsided, potentially altering how your foundation supports itself over time. Building inspectors can assist in diagnosing the source of sagging ceilings. If it stems from structural damage, immediate repair should take place as waiting could result in collapse of the ceiling. An unstable foundation cannot support the weight of a home properly and may shift, move and sink on one side. This forces walls and ceilings inside to compress, creating cracks or visual malformations on either side. Doors or windows may become jammed; crown molding or baseboards could pull away from walls. If this issue arises in your house, make an appointment to see an inspection professional immediately. Uneven Floors Uneven floors or flooring that slopes or sinks is an immediate telltale of foundation issues, usually signaling shifting soil beneath your foundation which could eventually cause structural damage over time if left untreated. Warning signs should always be taken seriously and taken as seriously as any deal-breakers. If you notice sagging or uneven floors, it's crucial that a professional foundation inspection be scheduled as soon as possible - these issues could lead to cracks in walls and ceilings, doors not closing properly, and more serious complications that require professional intervention. Sagging or uneven floors often arise due to structural damage caused by foundation settlement, improper construction practices or excess moisture infiltration through crawl space encapsulation - often from excessive rainfall. Pier systems may help resolve these issues; moisture issues like excess water infiltration can also be addressed with crawl space encapsulation solutions that prevent moisture damage as well as stop wood rot that often contributes to uneven floors. Water Damage House foundations can sustain damage from various sources, with water often being the culprit. Flooding or underground leaks may be responsible, while having a flooded basement or crawl space indicates possible serious issues with your foundation. Foundation damage from extreme weather events like earthquakes or tornadoes can also threaten homes' structures, with earthquakes shuddering house foundations while flooding may damage underground soil that supports it. After natural disasters or severe storms, it's a wise idea to conduct an assessment on your home. Keep an eye out for floors or door frames that appear warped or slanted; cracks that run across entire height of interior walls; gaps around doors and windows caused by shifting foundations may cause warped frames that make opening and closing difficult; gaps near doors and windows might indicate shifting foundations that cause the doors or windows to warp further, making opening/closing harder overall.
Appreciation Spotlight
The articles provided on HandyPerson.com were useful, timely, and informative. I learned a lot of information that helped have more informed conversations with contractors -- all for free. Thanks, HP!
