How To Tell If You Need Foundation Repair
A foundation is what your home is literally built upon, so a solid foundation is crucial for your home’s safety and stability. Foundation problems like cracks and gaps can snowball into much larger structural issues that can damage the inside and outside of your home. Recognizing the signs of a damaged foundation is crucial to prevent it from getting worse. This blog will help you understand why foundation problems are a big deal, the common warning signs, what causes foundation issues, and when to call a professional.
Why Foundation Problems Are A Big Deal
When left unrepaired, foundation problems will spiral out of control into much larger issues. When you have cracks and gaps in your foundation, it can let in moisture, which can lead to issues like mold, mildew, and pest infestations. Foundation problems can lead to structural instability within the home, which can lead to hazardous conditions and even injuries. Structural problems, mold, and infestations of pests like termites can severely depreciate the value of your home, making it difficult to sell. Early detection and remediation of foundation issues can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and protect your family’s safety.
Common Signs You May Need Foundation Repair
Interior Warning Signs
There are several early warning signs inside the home that let you know something might be wrong with your foundation. Cracks in drywall, especially around doors and windows, are a common sign that something’s up. You might also deal with doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly, uneven or sloping floors, gaps between walls and ceilings/floors, and cracks in tile or popping floorboards.
Exterior Warning Signs
The outside of your home will offer plenty of warning signs that let you identify when your foundation is in trouble. If your foundation is made up of brick or concrete blocks, you might notice stair-step cracks forming within them. Gaps around windows or doors on the exterior of your home can also indicate a foundation issue. You might also visibly see the foundation sinking or settling into the earth. If your porch is separating from the rest of the home, this can indicate that something is wrong with the foundation.
Basement & Crawl Space Clues
Basements and crawl spaces are often the most affected areas of the home, so it’s important to keep an eye on them for potential foundation issues. You might notice bowing or bulging basement walls, water pooling near the foundation, and visible cracks in the foundation itself. Mold growing in the crawl space or basement can also indicate foundation problems.
What Causes Foundation Damage?
Foundation damage is often caused by poor drainage around the foundation, or clogged gutters that lead to water pooling near the home. If tree roots are growing extensively underneath your home, these can also disrupt your foundation. Plumbing leaks underneath the home can damage the foundation, and sometimes it can just become damaged through age, especially if the foundation was poorly constructed.
When To Call A Professional
The best time to call a professional waterproofing expert to come inspect your foundation is as soon as you begin seeing the signs. A damaged foundation won’t fix itself, it will only get worse. Calling in a professional like Summit Waterproofing Solutions can ensure that your home is protected from further damage.
How Summit Waterproofing Can Help
Summit Waterproofing Solutions offers a variety of foundation waterproofing and repair services in the Northern Virginia areas of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Fredericksburg. Our team can repair cracks and install wall anchors in your crawl space. We can also install and repair drainage systems and sump pumps. Our team has over 25 years of experience, so you can trust we’ll get the job done right. Give us a call to get started today at 703-291-1516!
