At first glance, a foundation problem may seem like an extreme problem. However, if you identify the damage before it becomes too advanced, most foundation issues have simple, permanent solutions — many of which can be completed within a day at an affordable price! The key is to recognize the problem early and make sure you call in a foundation repair specialist with the tools and expertise to effectively tackle the problem.
Here, we highlight five of our 10 warning signs; stay tuned for a follow-up blog post highlighting the other five common signs of foundation failure!
Uneven floors can result from rotted framing or problems with the framework in a home built on a crawl space; or, from sinking or heaving of the foundation floor because of settling or expansive soils in a home built on a slab. Over time, these problems can significantly damage your home.
Many homes along the coast have foundations made from wood pilings (or piles) driven into the ground and extending up through the house structure. Over time, these pressure treated piles lose their ability to withstand the harsh marine environment often resulting in decay and damage where both moisture and oxygen are present. When the base of a pile is weakened by rot, the house is threatened by a serious structural failure.
Standing water or odors in your basement or crawl space is another indicator that potentially harmful water is not draining away from the foundation.
Concrete floors form cracks as they either sink into the soil or are heaved upwards by it. Foundation settlement can also lead to significant floor cracks. In addition to cracking and creating an uneven floor surface, a sinking or heaving foundation floor can also damage interior walls.
Whenever an opening is cut or created in a wall, such as a door or window, it becomes the weakest point of the wall. Because of this, doors and windows often display the first signs of settlement by sticking or swaying shut by themselves.
