Is there anything quite as charming as an older home? The character that some of these homes have is unmatched. However, with an older home, you might run into some problems too. One big problem that some older homes have is foundation trouble. Over the years, the foundation of any home can become stressed and damaged. This is can be a big issue that must be addressed anytime you’re thinking about buying an older house. DuraTech Texas is here to talk about older homes and some of the common issues that can be present due to foundation problems.
Common Issues Caused by Foundation Issues for Older Houses
If your home is over 50 years old, it is considered old by real estate standards. If this sums up your home, it is important that you are on the lookout for problems in the house that can be traced back to the foundation. Here are some common issues that can be indicative of foundation concerns:
– Uneven Floors: The flooring in your older home should be slanted or uneven. If this is the case, it could be caused by major shifting in the foundation that has left the floors in bad shape. If you drop a pencil on the floor, it shouldn’t roll anywhere. If it does, you have a floor leveling issue.
– Sticky Doors & Windows: The doors and windows in your home can give you insight to the health of the foundation as well. If they are difficult to open and close, the foundation could be to blame.
– Drywall Cracks: You don’t want to see cracking in the drywall of your home either. This means that there has been some major shifting of the home and likely foundation issues are present.
– Cracked Foundation: Another thing that you don’t want to see is cracking in the concrete of your foundation either. Any cracks that are more than 1/8 inch wide are an issue that needs to be addressed.
Solutions for Foundation Repair on Older Homes
There are several ways that a foundation on an older home can be repaired.
– Steel Pier Pilings: Steel piers can work to transfer the weight of the structure off the weaker soil and onto the steel pier piling. This process is often referred to as underpinning.
– Concrete Staples: Carbon fiber concrete staples can be used to repair cracked foundations. They are up to five times stronger than concrete.
– Carbon Fiber Straps: These straps are similar to the staples, but they are used to bridge back two sections of a concrete slab.
– Slabjacking: This is a process where polyurethane foam is injected beneath your foundation to fill voids and increase stabilization.
Foundation Inspection & Repair Services in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas
If you have an older home that you’re noticing has signs of foundation damage, you can turn to DuraTech Texas to help you repair it. We offer a range of solutions to give your home the structural integrity it needs. Call us today!