Foundation damage is one of the most expensive issues that a homeowner can face, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. Soil erosion, flooding, and even poor construction can cause foundation damage. But because it can happen slowly over a long period of time, it may not be visible to the naked eye. That’s why identifying foundation damage can be so difficult. If you want to make sure that your foundation stays structurally sound, you need to know about the different types of damage and how they can be identified.
Here are some of the common types of foundation damage.
#1: Foundation Settlement and Sinking
These are two of the most common types of foundation damage, and one of the easiest ways to identify this problem is to look for cracks in your walls or floor. Another sign of this type of damage is doors and windows that won’t close properly. You may also notice sagging floors or tilted chimneys, which are also signs that your foundation is settling or sinking.
A good way to determine if your home has a settling foundation is to have it looked at by a professional. This person would be able to measure any changes in elevation and advise you on the best course of action. Depending on the severity of the damage, some of the repair methods may include the following:
- Adding piers to footings under the structure.
- Excavating around the foundation’s perimeter to access areas that are hard to reach.
- Fixing damaged framing components.
Be sure to speak to a professional about the best course of action.
#2: Cracks in the Foundation
This is another common type of foundation damage, and it can have a number of causes. Some of them include the following:
- Shifting soil.
- Water damage.
- Too much weight on the foundation.
There’s a difference between structural and non-structural cracks. While non-structural cracks may not need to be repaired, structural cracks do. You can tell the difference by looking at their appearance and location.
Structural cracks usually form along the joints or walls and are wider than a quarter inch. They’re also much deeper than non-structural cracks. They will often form patterns that run diagonally across your walls or floors. They can also track from corners or windows while running outwards. Non-structural cracks are usually less than a quarter inch wide and run in straight lines. They can be easily filled with some caulk and don’t need to be professionally repaired.
#3: Leaning or Tilting Foundations
This kind of problems is usually caused by soil that isn’t evenly bearing the weight, but it can also be caused by posts that haven’t been installed properly. This can cause several problems, which can include the following:
- Cracks in the drywall.
- Interior walls that are separating from the floors and ceiling.
- Doors and windows that stick or won’t open.
- Foundation heaving.
A good way to determine if your foundation is leaning or tilting is to look at the area for any visible signs of damage. Look for bulging walls, warped floorboards, cracks in your drywall or flooring, and uneven pavement around your foundation. You should also look at the foundation from your home’s interior and exterior to see how much it’s tilting and if it’s getting worse over time.
If you have this kind of problem, there’s a strong possibility that you need to have a professional look at it more thoroughly (even if you’re not sure of what you’re looking at or don’t see any noticeable signs of a shifting foundation). A professional will be able to look at the problems and come up with the best course of action.
#4: Bowing or Bulging Foundation Walls
This is a common problem, but you need to be able to recognize the signs of this kind of damage as soon as you can. That way, repairs can be made before it gets worse and more expensive to fix. The most obvious sign of bowing or bulging foundation walls is the presence of cracks in the plaster, brick, or mortar along a wall inside your home (especially if they’re near windows and doors). These cracks can get bigger and more extensive as the problem gets worse.
Other signs of this kind of damage include the following:
- Doors that stick or don’t close properly.
- Gaps around your door and window frames.
- Floors that slope toward an exterior wall.
- Separation between the wall and ceiling (especially during wet periods).
You may also notice floors that slope at opposite ends of a room over long spans, which is often caused by bowed walls that are haphazardly distributing weight on a floor joint.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.