If you're going to spend time and effort making your home beautiful, it's important that you know whether or not the foundation is stable. You can tell a lot about the condition of a home's foundation just by looking at it very closely. Here are five signs to look for to determine if your home is damaged and, if so, what to do next.
Cracks
A sign of damage might be broken bricks or mortar lines that result from settling. This is often a result of a sinkhole, but the damage can also be caused by poor drainage leading to water seepage or a change in the structural support system. This can cause severe problems, as well as weak and unstable structures. The only way to fix this is to get the foundation repaired. Pier and beam foundation repair is typically the best option to deal with this damage.
Sunken Driveway
A sunken driveway is another sign of damage to a home foundation, and it may result from physical or chemical changes due to settling over time. The foundation should be assessed for cracks, broken bricks, or cement composition that doesn't seem right. A change in the texture of the surface or mortar can cause this damage; it would be best to replace old portions to restore the original appearance.
Water Coming in Around the Base of the House
This is a sign that your home may be about to go into a sinkhole. You will likely see yellow stains and water running down around the house's base. If there are cracks in your foundation, you will also notice cracks in walls that this foundational support system should have supported. The solution is to repair it immediately, as strong and secure foundations are critical to keeping homes safe.
Uneven or Off-Center Porch
This is a sign of foundation damage that can be caused by settling. It is easy to tell the difference between settling and structural problems. The porch of a home that has settled will be uneven and sometimes off-center, while a structural problem will make it seem like the house itself is uneven. If you notice this type of problem, getting the foundation fixed as soon as possible is important to avoid further problems.
Sagging Walls
A sagging wall that doesn't seem to make sense can be a sign of damage. You'll notice your walls are drooping, or they have settled after a while. This is often caused by poor drainage underneath the house. The walls should be straightened if possible, but the best way to fix a sagging wall is to hire a professional foundation repair contractor.
Signs of foundation damage are not always easy to spot, but if you know what you're looking for, it is possible to tell the difference. It's important that you keep a close eye on your home to catch any damage before it gets worse. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, contact a solid foundation repair contractor for help with foundation repair and other structure fixes.
