6 Early Detection of Foundation Problems

Early Detection of Foundation Problems

When you find foundation problems early, you can save money on repairs. When you procrastinate on repairs, damage may become severe. You can protect your home by learning how to detect foundation problems. Look out for complications with your walls, flooring, and doors. You may also notice standing water or leaks. Pay attention to small changes in your home and yard. 

Walls

You may have subtle damage to your walls if your foundation shifts. Do not ignore cracks in the wall. You may begin to notice multiple cracks or larger cracks as time goes on. Also, pay attention to the tiles on shower walls. These can begin to crack, as well. A Michigan foundation repair company can identify the problem and begin repairs. After the foundation repair, you can remedy the cracks in your wall. 

Flooring

Pay attention to unlevel areas of flooring in your home. Your concrete slab or tile flooring may also crack. You may not notice cracks in the concrete if you have carpeting in your home. You may, however, notice uneven floors. In extreme cases, a subfloor may have water damage and collapse. Cracks may also show up in outdoor areas. Look for cracks in your driveway, on your sidewalks, and on your patio. Call for professional help quickly to avoid severe damage and expenses. 

Pay Attention to Water

Water, plants, and drainage all contribute to your home’s foundation health. Water should drain away from your home. Most landscaping designers prepare for this by adding a slope to your yard. If you have a basement, take this very seriously, as water can infiltrate a lower space quickly. If you notice standing water near your home, you may need to make some changes to your yard. This may also indicate the beginning of a foundation problem. 

You can help keep your foundation in good shape by planting large trees further away from your home and watering them properly. Too much water in the soil can contribute to foundation issues, as well as soil that remains too dry. 

Doors

Doors in your home should open and close easily. When foundation problems begin, doors begin to stick when you try to open them. They may also fail to close completely. If you have indoor damage to your door frames, get the foundation repaired before completing the repairs. As the foundation problems progress, the indoor damage also progresses. 

Early detection of foundation problems helps save money and reduces damage to your home. You may notice small problems throughout your home when your foundation begins to shift. Common damage includes cracks in the walls or floors. You may also notice that your doors do not close properly. The door frames may not line up properly when the foundation moves. Water in the soil around your home can become problematic, as well. Standing water and broken pipes may result from foundation issues. Pay attention to small changes in your home and yard to catch foundation problems early.