Your foundation is one of the most important parts of your home. Everything literally rests on it, which is why these kinds of problems should be taken seriously. Depending on what needs to be done, foundation repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars. But unfortunately, most homeowner’s insurance policies won’t cover the cost of foundation repair (especially if it’s caused by settlement or normal aging).
You can avoid foundation problems by keeping a close eye on any issues, which you can do by performing regular foundation inspections by either a foundation repair specialist or a structural engineer. It’s an easy way to see what’s going on with your home’s foundation. There are, of course, other reasons why you may want a foundation inspection. Some of them can include but may not be limited to:
- You have already found a possible foundation problem.
- You want to buy a home.
- You want to sell your home.
It’s a good idea to catch any potential foundation problems before they get worse. If you have found issues already, you should probably call immediately. Waiting can cause problems to become worse and more expensive. Often, a home owner can perform their own inspections and pay attention to any changes since the previous inspection. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, or are dealing with a foundation that is new to you, it’s a good idea to call a professional to complete the inspection.
How Often You Should Inspect Your Foundation
You should inspect your foundation at least twice a year . Extreme temperature changes and severe weather can cause the soil around your foundation to become saturated with water. The opposite can happen during drought conditions. The soil can become seriously dehydrated, which can cause it to shrink. Either of these conditions can cause the soil to shift, especially if it has a great deal of clay.
What To Look For When Inspecting A Foundation
Because foundation problems will only get worse over time, you should know how to spot the signs of a foundation issue early. Some of these warning signs can include but may not be limited to:
- Windows and doors that don’t open and close properly.
- Uneven floors.
- Ceilings and floors that aren’t in contact with the wall.
- Floor cracks (especially if they run wall to wall).
- Cracked walls.
- Bowed walls.
- Torn wallpaper.
- Wall rotation.
- Diagonal cracks that start at the corners of your windows and doors and go up toward the ceiling.
- Moldings that have separated from the wall or ceiling.
- Stair step cracks in brickwork.
- Chimneys and porches that are leaning or have been separated from the rest of the house.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.
How to Perform an Inspection of Your Foundation
To perform a foundation inspection, you want to walk around your home’s exterior and check for the following:
- Walls and Foundation — Look for any signs of bulging or leaning, which are indications of an uneven load on the foundation. Both the foundation and the walls should be flush and level.
- Water Damage — Look for any pooling water, water damage, or cracks in the concrete. And if you find any moisture or erosion on the exterior of your home, be sure to make a note of it. Pooling water can be caused by broken pipes, but it can also be caused by foundation problems. Water can rot wood and shift soil (both of which can cause serious damage).
- Cracks — These kinds of problems can be hard to diagnose, but you want to keep an eye out for any cracks that are larger than a quarter of an inch. Horizontal cracks can be caused by stress on the foundation. You can try applying waterproof paint over the crack. And if it cracks or chips, it’s a sign that the foundation is shifting.
Look for any floors or ceilings that are cracking, bulging, buckling, or warping. A sloping floor is a clear indication of a foundation problem. You want to use a ball to see how level your floor is. And if you have determined that the floor or ceiling isn’t level, it can be caused by a foundation problem.
You want to check your windows and doors to see if they open and close properly. If some of them appear to be stuck or are hard to close, the foundation might have moved. Gaps between the walls, doors, or windows can be caused by a shifting foundation. They can also allow water and insects to come into your home, which can cause structural damage to occur over the long term.
You also want to check the following parts of your foundation:
- All of its structural elements (if you can access them).
- The concrete slabs and piers for any noticeable damage.
- The supported beams and other load-bearing elements.
If you find any of the above issues when doing the inspection, you should immediately call a professional to assess these issues and tell you how serious they are. Streem Foundation Repair is one of the best companies for foundation inspections in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch today.
Foundation Inspections FAQ
A foundation inspection involves a thorough evaluation of a building’s foundation so its condition can be determined. It can help you to find issues that could compromise your home’s structural integrity. It’s usually performed by a qualified structural engineer or a certified home inspector. The goal is to find problems early so they can be taken care of before they get worse and more expensive to repair.
The process involves a thorough examination of the property’s interior and exterior while looking for any signs of damage (such as cracks in the walls, uneven floors, or water intrusion). The inspector will usually provide a detail report about what he or she has found along with recommendations for any needed repairs. Having the information is important for homeowners, potential buyers, or property investors so they can make an informed decision about the property’s maintenance needs.
If you want to schedule a home inspection with an engineer or certified home inspector, it could cost you a few hundred dollars. But this person will be able to evaluate your entire home and give you recommendations on how to repair it. An engineer or home inspector can refer you to repair companies, but he or she won’t be the one fixing your foundation.
Structural engineers will usually charge a premium for foundation inspections, because they can provide more detailed assessments and reports. This can include precise measurements, in-depth analyses, and technical recommendations. Their expertise is invaluable for more complex situations, but the costs can add up (especially if more than one inspection is required).
If you want to protect your home from dangerous and expensive damage, you need to be vigilant. You don’t have to be an expert, but there are a number of foundation issues that you can look out for.
Some of them include the following:
– Drywall cracks.
– Drywall nail pops.
– Slab floor cracks.
– Sticking windows and doors.
– Uneven floors.
– Cracked bricks.
– Chimney cracks and separation.
– Cracked and uneven concrete slabs.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.
Most of the common signs of foundation damage are easy to notice, but some foundations issues aren’t always visible to the naked eye. So if you notice any possible issues with your foundation or suspect that something is wrong with your foundation, you need to contact a professional as soon as possible. A seasoned pro will know exactly what to look for, give you an accurate diagnosis, and will come up with a customized repair plan.
You can get a foundation inspection done anytime, and some experts suggest that one at least once every year. It is, however, especially important to get one when you’re buying or selling a home. If you live in an area that’s prone to earthquakes and floods, you way want to have your foundation inspected on a more frequent basis. Your home might have been in good shape when you bought it, but it’s always worth having it checked out to see if it got damaged over time.
You don’t have a to do a lot to prepare for a foundation inspection, but it’s a good idea to write down any concerns you may have. It’s also a good idea to document any repairs or renovations that you have done on your home, especially if it may have affected your foundation.
If the foundation inspection finds a problem, the inspector will most likely give you advice about what to do next. The inspector may also be able to recommend specific contractors who can do the necessary work.
Most of the time, you can live in your home while the repairs are being completed (that is, if you don’t mind the noise or the comings and goings of workers). But if the damage to your foundation is so severe that the house could collapse, you should find another place to stay while the work is being done.54