If you’re planning on selling your home, a foundation repair contractor or structural engineer can inspect the structure for any signs of damage. This information will help potential buyers factor repairs into their offer.
The most effective permanent method for lifting sunken areas is installing steel piers. These galvanized steel posts work in almost any upper soil condition and can support massive amounts of weight. For more information, click on foundation repair Pearland TX.
Inspecting Your Home
Whether you’re selling your home or simply evaluating it to figure out how much to offer on the next one, you should get your foundation examined regularly. Foundation issues can lead to bouncy floors, rotten wood and pest infestations like termites. The good news is that early detection can save you money on costly repairs later on.
A professional foundation contractor will walk around the exterior of your home to check for signs of problems. They’ll look for cracks in the slab, brick veneer and fascia boards. They’ll also enter crawl spaces and basements to inspect the condition of piers, beams and joists. Musty smells and wet areas are often a sign of moisture damage that will affect the foundation later on.
If the inspector spots any potential issues, they’ll make suggestions for a solution. These might include sloping landscaping to direct water away from the house or installing a drainage system. They may also recommend a structural engineer to do a more thorough evaluation of the foundation.
Spotting Signs of Foundation Issues
There are a few signs that indicate you might need foundation repair. Cracks that appear indoors can be caused by different factors, including the settlement of soil underneath the home and the expansion and contraction of drywall materials as they adjust to the changing environment around them.
Diagonal cracks in interior walls often indicate that the foundation has shifted, and these types of cracks are more likely to appear near doors and windows. Misaligned door and window frames can also indicate foundation issues as they shift the weight of the structure in various directions.
Leaning external elements, such as chimneys or outside steps, can also be a sign of shifting or damage to the foundation. If you notice a slanting floor, a gap between the foundation and exterior walls, or a separating brick facade, it is time to call a professional. Identifying problems early will reduce your repair costs and help you avoid severe structural damage to your home.
Identifying the Problem
Identifying the problem is the next step in coming up with a lasting foundation repair solution. Foundation repair contractors have special skills, tools and equipment that are focused on spotting signs of foundation issues, diagnosing the root cause and developing a suitable fix.
Hairline cracks in masonry walls are not necessarily a sign of trouble, but significant horizontal and vertical cracking in concrete foundations is a surefire indicator that your home’s foundation is shifting or sinking. Uneven concrete floors and doors that stick or close unevenly are also telltale symptoms of a shifting foundation.
Poor drainage around a home is another common issue that can contribute to foundation problems. Proper drainage can redirect water away from the foundation and prevent moisture damage to your home’s structure and interior finishes.
Choosing the Right Repair Method
The type of foundation repair solution you need depends on the actual cause of the issue. Water is a major culprit and may be actively seeping in, swelling the soil, or even causing erosion which takes soil away.
A good foundation company will be able to tell you what is actually going on with your foundation and recommend the most appropriate solution based on what they find during their inspection. They should also provide a written estimate including the timeline and price for your foundation repair.
Most cracks in your foundation wall aren’t worrisome, however horizontal cracks and cracks that are extending beyond the width of your door frame are more serious and should be evaluated by a professional to ensure that the rate at which they are growing doesn’t threaten your home’s structural integrity. If they do, a repair method such as concrete lifting using polyurethane injections is recommended. This is less time consuming and invasive than other methods like mud jacking.