There are a few telltale signs that your foundation may require repair. If you notice cracks in drywall around windows, doors, or corners; doors that hang on their hinges; or shutters that don't close evenly, it could mean your home's foundation is sinking.
If the evidence is more severe than just some cracks and loose shutters, you might also notice cracking paint on walls and ceilings, jagged edges between tiles on the floor; or boards creaking if walked across. Most homeowners usually put off calling a foundation repair expert after having a few noticeable problems with their homes. But it is not a good idea to ignore these issues. It would help if you were proactive about getting help with your home repairs. When you have a problem with your foundation, the sooner you call in a professional contractor, the better off you will be.
This article was written by our team of foundation repair contractors who complete foundation repair in Oklahoma City area. Reach out for more information or visit the website at betterfoundationrepairokc.com
According to Home Advisor, "the foundation of any building is one of the most crucial elements of its construction." Sometimes, the only way to avoid a costly foundation repair is to call in a foundation repair expert before you notice any significant problems. When it comes to your foundation, if you have ever seen something out of place, maybe you notice some cracks in your foundation wall or floor. Or maybe your foundation looks like the house is sinking.
Common foundation repair problems that homeowners are dealing with right now are;
● Foundation cracks
● Leaks & poor waterproofing
● Neglected basements requiring repairs
What Signs Show That a Foundation is Bad?
I'm sure you've asked yourself this question before because you know that your foundation holds up the rest of your home. But there are many signs of being aware of, they are;
● Cracks that consistently grow over time
● Cracks are not conforming to corners and walls.
● Sagging ceilings and floors.
● The constant smell of wet earth near your house, especially if it is well sealed and insulated.
● Your neighbors are complaining about cracks in the exterior walls of their homes, which could ultimately affect your house as well. Take note if they are not in your foundation walls but instead in the walls of other floors. This shows that the foundation is weakening the whole building structure.
If you have a bad foundation, you need a good foundation inspection. This way, you can get expert advice on what needs to be done and how to get it done quickly. If you decide to call in a foundation repair specialist, make sure the job is submitted for bids from at least three reputable companies so that you can get the best price and quality of work done for your home.
Be especially careful if there are signs of structural decline in your home. Keep in mind that this also includes water in the basement. Do not rely only on your eyes when observing this problem, especially if you're not at all familiar with how to recognize it. Your best bet is to hire a foundation repair specialist to get a professional opinion. Otherwise, you might end up spending too much money on something that is not worth it. Keep in mind that your home's foundation is extremely critical and should be treated with utmost importance.
When Should You Worry About Foundation Cracks
The first thing you want to check is whether or not your foundation is cracking. If the brick on the side of your house has started to fall away from the main structure, then that is most certainly a sign that there's something wrong. However, that is not always the case. Some brick is meant to be held in place with mortar rather than cement, and cracks are simply part of its natural weakening process as it weathers over time or shifts position.
Over time, a crack in a foundation can widen and cause a lot of damage to a home. If you find cracks in your foundation, there are several signs to watch for. For example, if you have cracks in your foundation, pay attention to how many times it happens during the year. If the cracks only occur during wet seasons or after heavy rains, then the problem can be fixed at little expense by simply getting rid of the water from around the house.
If the cracks are in multiple places, then this means that the foundation is weak in one area. If there is a large area where the foundation seems to be in danger, a lot of damage will likely occur soon. If you have a foundation in which one edge is showing a crack in your home, you should immediately call a professional to look over the situation and see what can be done to fix it.
What Happens if You Don't Fix Foundation Problems?
If you ignore foundation cracks, the house will continue to crumble slowly, and you could end up spending thousands of dollars replacing it. Foundation problems are often not easy to notice; you might not even know a problem until the damage is done. The sooner you make changes to your foundation, the less likely your home will be in danger. The cost of not fixing foundation problems could lead to structural damage, which can be costly to repair. Some of the signs that indicates a foundation repair in your home include:
● Cracks in the basement floor that appear slowly and then worsen over time
● Exposed or damp basement walls
● Doors or windows that stick due to settling
● Cracked exterior paint near the base of the home
● Foundation problems that seem to reoccur whenever there is heavy rain or nearby snowmelt.
Are Foundation Repairs Worth the Hassle?
It's often difficult to tell if foundation repairs are worth it until you've gotten through the process. With the right specialist, foundation repairs are worth it. The cost of fixing the foundation will vary, depending on what needs to be done and what damage has already been done. However, you cannot afford to watch your building tear apart; you need to find the right specialist to fix it for you.
