Common Foundation Repair Issues To Look Out For
Posted on: 29 March 2023
Without a solid foundation, things fall apart. While this statement can be said about many things, it is particularly important when referring to your home's foundation. That's why it's important to recognize common issues and address them with a foundation repair contractor before they become too severe. Here are a few of the more common foundation problems.
Cracks in Walls or Floors
One of the most common signs of foundation damage is cracks in your walls or floors. While small hairline cracks are a normal part of a home settling, large gaps need to be addressed. They can cause further damage, including water leaks and mold growth, if left untreated. To prevent this from happening, have an experienced foundation repair contractor examine your foundation for any visible signs of damage. They may suggest installing additional support beams or bracing systems to help stabilize your home's structure and prevent further damage from occurring.
Sagging Floor Joists
Another common sign of foundation damage is sagging floor joists. Sagging occurs when the joists that support your home's floors become unlevel or weakened due to water damage, shifting soil, or pests like termites. If you notice that your floors are starting to sag, it's important to address this problem as soon as possible by having an experienced contractor examine your floor joists for any signs of weakness or instability. They may suggest using hydraulic jacks under a weak section, contacting a pest control technician, or 'sistering' damaged joists with new wood. In fact, professionals state that "adding a sister to a sagging floor joist is the best way to fix a sagging floor."
Doors That Don't Close Properly
You might also notice that doors don't close properly anymore. Unfortunately, doors not closing properly are another sign that something is amiss with your foundation. This problem could be due to shifting soil underneath the house, causing parts of it to settle at different angles than others, or it could be due to stress from a heavy snow load. To fix this problem, you'll need an experienced foundation repair contractor who can determine what is causing the problem and how to fix it so that your doors close correctly without being forced open or closed by hand.
Foundation repair issues should not be taken lightly. If left untreated, they can cause serious structural damage to your home. Recognizing common issues and relaying that information to a foundation repair contractor is important to your home's safety and long-term stability.
Contact a company like Straight Line Construction to learn more.
Share