To ensure the structural integrity and longevity of your home, it’s important not to neglect its foundation. A home with a foundation that has become weakened over time, or is damaged in some way, will inevitably lead to your entire home beginning to tilt at an angle if not repaired professionally and in a timely manner. A whole range of other issues can also occur as a result of foundation damage or weakness.
What can cause a foundation to weaken?
Foundation damage is often caused by an excess of moisture, such as if your home was flooded or had a leak that went undetected for some time, or by excessive drought. However, whatever causes foundation damage, the problem must be addressed as soon as possible to prevent your entire home from becoming damaged and needing costly repairs.
What are the signs of a damaged foundation?
Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert to spot the signs that your foundation might be in need of repair, and here are some telltale signs:
- The doors and windows are crooked
Naturally, windows and doors that have been installed correctly will be level and should open and close with ease. If you’ve begun to notice that some of the doors and windows in your home aren’t quite aligned properly anymore, have started to stick regularly, or that some of the glass is cracked, it’s probably time to call a local masonry contractor and have them carry out an inspection of your home’s foundation.
While misaligned, sticking or cracked windows and doors don’t look very attractive, they can also cause your energy costs to go up as a result of lost heating and cooling.
- The floors are sloping or are cracked
Not all sloping when it comes to floors is necessarily something to be worried about, as every home will experience a certain degree of settling, but if the slope is at an angle that is beginning to affect the way you use your home or the way it looks, then it could indicate that your foundation is struggling in some way.
To help fix a damaged foundation before it goes on to cause you even more problems further down the line, it’s wise to always be on the lookout for any cracks, fissures or warping that might be developing, along with any shifting of your home’s upper walls. Also be mindful of any decaying or crumbling that may be occurring within the brick or cement façade of your home, and stains, moisture or mold that may be a result of water penetration.
- The external walls are cracked or bulging
Smaller cracks and fissures in the masonry foundation of your home are usually nothing to worry about, but if you notice any big cracks or larger bulges in any of the external walls, this could be a sign that your foundation is sinking.
- The brick walls are beginning to detach from the property
If the region your home is in has experienced a particularly dry climate of late, this can cause soil shrinkage to occur, which in turn, can cause the foundation of the property to settle more than was expected. When the soil dries out and shrinkage takes place, the corners of your home may begin to detach from the roof or from the external corners, and this can spell big trouble if not inspected and treated right away.
If you suspect there are any issues with your home’s foundation, it’s always best to have a professional masonry contractor or construction company come and assess the situation as soon as possible. Based upon their findings, they’ll advise you of the best course of action to take, and hopefully, prevent your home from suffering further damage.