Your foundation is the base on which everything else rests. It’s what keeps the walls of your home standing. Without a solid foundation, everything else—from the electrical and plumbing fixtures to the flooring and countertop—is at risk. A cracked foundation can result in a variety of problems, from minor squeaks and creaks to major structural failure. Fortunately, most foundation problems are relatively easy to diagnose, and fixing them is usually a fairly straightforward process. If you see any of the following signs, your house may be in need of some repairs:
If your foundation is in need of repairs, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to tackle the job. A foundation repair contractor can inspect your home for any foundation problems beforehand, and then make any necessary repairs once they’re complete. Because foundations are such an important part of a home’s structure, they’re also a great place to start when you’re thinking about getting your house upgraded. Here are a few ways you can tell your foundation needs repairs:
You frequently hear noises coming from the walls or floors beneath your home
As we mentioned above, a cracked foundation can lead to a variety of problems. One of them is abnormal noise from the walls or floors beneath your home. If you constantly hear creaks, groans, or popping sounds coming from your walls or floors, it could be a sign that your foundation needs repairs.
You’re noticing cracks in the walls or ceiling
Cracks in the foundation walls are a clear sign that your foundation needs repairs. If you’re seeing cracks in the walls or ceiling, your home may be experiencing settlement. Settlement occurs when the soil beneath your home settles at a faster rate than the walls and foundation can expand. If a crack appears in the wrong place, it can lead to a catastrophic failure such as a leaky foundation or an entire house collapse. If you notice cracks in the walls or ceiling, contact a foundation repair company as soon as possible.
You’re noticing squeaks and groans coming from floors
If you’re noticing squeaks and groans coming from floors, you shouldn’t ignore them. In fact, you should address the problem immediately. Most squeaks and groans on their own are harmless, but repeated occurrences could be an indication of a larger problem. If your house is creaking and groaning, it could be a sign that your floor is caving in. A caving floor can be a result of a cracked foundation, but it can also be the result of improper drainage in the area beneath your home. In either case, caving floors are a hazard that should be fixed as soon as possible.
If you’re seeing signs of settling in your foundation, your home may be in need of repairs
If you’re seeing signs of settling in your foundation, it could be a result of a number of issues. The first—and most obvious—is that your foundation is cracked. Once a foundation cracks, it has a very little barrier between it and the earth beneath it. This means that moisture from the soil underneath can seep into the foundation, causing it to settle. If you see signs of settlement in your foundation, it’s best to address the problem as soon as possible. Another possibility is that your home is not properly supporting its load. If your house is not able to support its own weight, it will begin to push up against the foundation, causing it to crack. To avoid this, your home should be able to support at least its own weight plus 10 percent.
Conclusion
If you see any of the signs listed above, your house may be in need of some repairs. A contractor can inspect your home for any foundation problems beforehand, and then make any necessary repairs once they’re complete. Because foundations are such an important part of a home’s structure, they’re also a great place to start when you’re thinking about getting your house upgraded.