Do you have cracks? When to call for foundation repair
Foundation repair is something every homeowner dreads having to deal with simply because it’s such a big deal. After all, your foundation is what supports and supports your entire home. If the integrity of your base is compromised, that means everything you call “home” is affected.
But it is bigger than that. You and your family have built a life in your home. Each room has a special keepsake attached. In many ways, you compare all other houses to your own as if it were the ultimate litmus test of “house worth.” The last thing you want to deal with as a homeowner is the possibility that there could be some serious problems right under your feet.
Although thinking this way can be a real bummer, it may be the right way of thinking to get involved in evaluating your home’s foundation right now. Even if you’re pretty sure everything is fine, you still want to do your best to stay ahead of the game.
So exactly when should you call an expert on foundation repair for your home? Here are some tips:
Cracks in drywall – Perhaps the most common problems homeowners see, cracks in your drywall mean your house is moving. Be sure to look in common areas near door frames, as well as areas where the walls meet the ceiling. In other words, search everywhere.
Doors and windows are having problems – The doors can be glued, but it’s not just the doors to the rooms. How well do your kitchen cabinets hold up? Are there any doors that are increasingly difficult to open or close?
Floors are uneven and creaky – If you’ve ever thrown a ball to your dog and noticed that it rolls in certain directions much more than others, you’re looking at some uneven areas. If you have tile, it can be greatly affected by foundation problems, so always look for cracks or uneven areas. You may also notice creaking noises in your floor. Irregularities in the floorboards are a sign to be aware of.
roof problems – Few people would think that a roof would have problems directly related to the foundation, but if the chimney has problems with compromised masonry, it could mean that the foundation is moving a lot. Two other places to check are the reinforcements for satellite dishes and flashing around roof penetrations.
Some might argue that any one of these particular problems is not a complete reason to repair the foundation of your home. While each of these issues, by itself, may not constitute a need for repair, their presence is enough to let you know that something is brewing.
Every home is different, and depending on the climate in your area, as well as the composition of your soil, your foundation may show problems that others won’t. This is why home maintenance gurus always suggest that homeowners take regular trips around their house to see if anything is wrong. This way, you can call in a local, trustworthy and experienced foundation repair company to handle things before it becomes a critical situation.
