When it comes to home construction, the foundation of your living space matters the most. After all, this is the base that supports the entire structure and keeps your home strong and beautiful over the years. Still, wear and tear are normal for buildings as they become older. It can happen to all the parts of your home, including the foundation. However, this is one part that you cannot afford to ignore because the damage can be extensive and you may face costly home repairs if you procrastinate. There are some signs that you should be watchful about.
Here's a list of some of the common signs that raise a red flag for you to get your foundation repaired.
Visible cracks
If there are visible cracks on the walls, flooring, molding or the foundation itself, you should take them as warning signs. While some cracks may be minor, others could point out a major issue. Thin cracks that measure less than a quarter of an inch are easy to fill up to prevent the absorption of water. However, you should be more concerned if the filled cracks open up again. This situation definitely calls for examination by specialists.
Uneven or sloping floors
Another sign that you should look out for is shifting floors as they indicate serious foundation faults. An uneven floor is probably the first thing that you may notice. Further, you could hear squeaking sounds from the floorboards or there may even be rattling noises as you walk. Regular inspection of the floors in the interiors and exteriors of your home is a smart way to detect foundation flaws quickly.
Bowing or separating walls
While the floor of your living space may indicate that the foundation needs repairs, you can see some signs on the walls as well. If the previously straight walls seem to bow or bend, you should call Foundation Repair experts immediately. The appearance of wrinkles and folds in the walls is another warning indication. Inspect both indoor and outdoor walls periodically to identify the problem before it gets too late.
Doors and windows not closing properly
A warning sign that is easy to ignore is when the doors and windows do not close properly. There are chances that they were faulty right from the beginning due to improper installation. But if they were working well enough before and begin to cause problems suddenly, you should definitely pay heed. This could mean that your home foundation is in dire need of repair.
Patios pulling away
While the foundation of your home provides support for the interiors, it also keeps the patio solid and in place. When the patio seems to be pulling away from the main structure, it could mean that something is wrong with your home's foundation. So you need to be watchful about the patio as you are about the walls and flooring.
Spotting foundation issues on time can make all the difference to retaining the strength of your home, that too without spending a fortune. There is not much that you need to do in this context as being watchful about these symptoms gets half the work done. At the same time, get periodic inspections and timely repairs when there is a need.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of realtytoday.com
