Homeowners must learn the signs of foundation problems to properly care for their home. When you know the symptoms, you can often prevent excessive damage by initiating timely repairs. Early foundation problems often present as small inconveniences, such as sticking doors and cracks in the floor. If you notice these problems, call for a foundation inspection immediately. You may also notice standing water in your yard or unlevel floors and walkways. Once you have a foundation consultation, you can begin the proper repairs.
Cracks
The foundation of your home can move when the soil becomes too wet or dry. Roots from surrounding plants can also contribute to foundation issues. Once the foundation of your home shifts, you may notice cracks in the walls or floors. These may start small and enlarge over time. You may also notice sudden damage with larger foundation movement. Call for foundation repair in Birmingham AL as soon as you find cracks in your home.
Doors and Windows that Stick
Many older homes have doors stick when you try to open or close them. An attempted repair may not help if you avoid fixing the foundation. When you first build a home, you should have space between the floor and the bottom of the door. This allows the door to open freely, even with carpet. When you have foundation problems, look for doors that touch the floor or look crooked. Windows may also become difficult to open. While a few sticking doors may not seem like a big inconvenience, the problem may become worse without a proper assessment and repair.
Standing water
Pay attention to your yard when it rains or when watering the plants. The grading on home properties should help water move away from the home. When the foundation fails, you may have puddles in various places every time it rains. If the water does not drain, you may need a repair to protect the home from water damage. Check your yard, driveway, and sidewalks for standing water. Standing water near your home can also cause water damage to the inside of the home. This can become especially problematic for homeowners with basements.
Uneven Floors
When your foundation begins to settle, the floors in your home may become uneven. You may notice a slant to the flooring in a large room or cracks. Hard floors may appear warped or bumpy in places. You may have trouble pinpointing subtle flooring issues, especially if you have carpet. A foundation professional may need to look at the concrete slab underneath your carpet.
Do not dismiss small changes to your home. You can expect to find foundation problems when cracks begin to appear. Houses naturally settle over time. Maintain your home with foundation repairs, as needed. You can save money and retain the value of your home with a healthy foundation. Small repairs can help preserve the integrity of your foundation. Make an appointment with a foundation professional when you notice damage to the walls and floors of your home.
