Hidden away beneath your home – and every permanent building – are the foundations. These are the essential parts of the building that support the entire framework. Solid foundations are vital, but not all foundations last as long as they are expected to. The reasons can be many – poor soil under the foundations, for example, or damage by earth tremors and other natural events.
In this article we are going to be looking at how to tell if your home’s foundations need repairs, and who to talk to in this case. Let’s get started with a look at the four main problems that signify foundations in need of attention.
Why Do Foundations Need Repairs?
If you want to get into more detail about the subject we recommend you check out the websites of local foundation repair companies as they are the experts in the field. They’ll be happy to help if you have any questions too. The following are the four most common foundation problems in domestic homes
- Cracks in the foundations can be a major problem that require the services of a structural engineer. They are usually the result of two surprisingly common problems: the soil beneath the foundation – in effect the base foundation – has shifted for some reason, or damp from the soil has got into the foundations and caused the structure to crack.
- Leaks in foundations can be a serious issue, and also require the urgent services of a professional repair company. Leaks can be caused by cracks – see above – and also by faulty drainage systems. The problem is that, unlike a leaking roof that can be repaired with patches, leaking foundations require the entire foundation structure to be protected using specialist techniques.
- Settling occurs as the ground beneath your home moves or shifts. The foundations – and the building – will attempt to move with it naturally. If you notice suddenly appearing cracks in the walls, or doors and windows that will no longer open properly, or floors that appear to be warped, your foundations are most likely settling. This again needs professionals to deal with the problem and ensure the structure does not become unstable.
- Bowing Walls are a tell-tale sign that your foundations are problematic and can be a further sign of settling. While requiring the services of a professional – and urgently as the walls could in fact collapse – this is one of the easier foundation repairs.
What Do I Do if I See any of the Above?
If you are buying a home, you need to ensure your survey involves a detailed look at the foundations. If you are noticing any of the above signs – or suspect a damaged foundation in your home – you need to call out the experts. There is no other response that is safe and repairing foundations is never a DIY job.
Have your foundations assessed by a local foundation repair company and they will advise you as to any preventative measures that can be put in place.