Foundation issues can be extremely costly to repair and if you are preparing your home to go on the market is one of the fastest ways to scare away potential buyers.
Below are a few signs that can help you identify foundation trouble in your home.
The Common Signs of Foundation Problems
You must realize that just because you are not able to see a crack around your house now, doesn't conclude that you are not about to see one soon. But let's put your mind at ease by letting you know the various signs that can tell you if your house needs a foundation crack repair, or not.
#1. Windows or Doors That Don't Close Well
This is one of the signs of a foundation problem. If you notice that your windows are stubborn or your doors are usually jammed and sticky, Alert! It might be an indication that you have an issue with the foundation.
With an unbalanced foundation, a shifting can misshapen the frames of the doors and windows, causing them to jam easily at every slightest move.
#2. Uneven Floors and Ceilings
Normal floors do not appear saggy and out of balance. If you’ve noticed any such issues in your home, you might be dealing with a foundation problem.
“Home inspectors will often carry a marble or golf ball with them and if they have a suspicion that the floor slopes, they take out their golf ball or marble and lay it on the floor. If it rolls away, that indicates that the floor is not level; the faster that it rolls, the greater the slope in many cases.” according to buyersask.com.
When a foundation moves, it causes a shift. This may cause the weight of the house to rest unequally on certain spots, leading to a sagging or sloped ceiling or floor.
Apart from the fact that your concrete slabs are a major concern here, uneven floors are also dangerous. Accidents can happen, especially with kids, the elderly, or those with physical impairments.
#3. Wall and Floor Cracks
This is a major sign. Gaps in your foundation or on the outer layer of your house is another indication of a foundation problem.
“Large, jagged, or diagonal cracks could indicate a structural problem. Jagged or diagonal cracks indicate that the foundation may have shifted or sunk, or another problem has occurred, such as the deterioration and collapse of supporting wood members due to termite damage. Likewise, cracks wider than one-quarter inch indicate a potential problem with the home’s structure. These cracks warrant bringing in a reputable builder or engineer to inspect your home’s structure and pinpoint the cause. Once the structural problem is resolved, you can make drywall repairs, which involve replacing the damaged drywall panel(s) and then re-taping the joints.” according to bobvilla.com.
If at any moment you start noticing cracks that appear to be more visible than your wall, concrete floor or paint, stay alert. You will have to carry out a home inspection and contact a professional for foundation crack repairs.
#4. Nails Pops on Walls or Ceilings
With a nail popping through your walls, they may leave a mark. No matter how small the mark is, it is possible for it to expand with time from a little crack. You can easily fix them, but if they occur frequently, there may be a major foundation problem.
Bobvilla.com also shares “Normal house settling can cause framing lumber to move a bit, resulting in popped nails. If the house continues to settle, over time, additional nail pops could appear. Foundation problems can also cause movement that leads to nail pops, but in both cases, they will be accompanied by additional problems.”
#5. Check Sources of Mold
If you spot mold in your home it should be addressed right away. You should have a professional asses the source of the mold before it is cleaned. It could be a sign of foundation issues. If there are cracks in the foundation, it can collect water and which can cause mold and attract insects like termites and can also cause structures to rot.
Mastertechmold.com shared that “Once moisture penetrates your foundation walls and enters your home through your crawl space or basement, it can be incredibly destructive if not properly dried out. In a short period of time, unaddressed water buildup will soak into porous building materials nearby and spread to additional areas. While concrete is not a favorable environment for mold growth, susceptible building materials in contact with wet concrete can develop mold growth. Also, moisture intrusion through your foundation walls can increase the relative humidity of your crawl space or basement and lead to mold development.”
Conclusion
Keep an eye out for any of these issues and make sure they are inspected by a professional. Many suggest that you should have a full home inspection every five years to make sure you stay ahead of any issues that could lead to very costly repairs. If you are preparing to sell your home, many potential buyers will also require a home inspection that could affect the success of the transaction.
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