When it comes to maintaining the structural integrity of your home, inspecting your concrete foundation is a critical step. A solid and secure foundation ensures the stability and longevity of your entire house. When there is an unseen issue, it can lead to costly, extensive repairs down the line. The average homeowner is not going to know how to perform a basic foundation inspection or know when a problem is developing. To help homeowners better care for their homes, DuraTech Texas will share a basic guide on how to inspect and monitor your home for foundation problems.
Why is Having a Solid Foundation Important?
Before digging into foundation inspections, it is important to understand why a healthy foundation is so important. Your home’s foundation is the bedrock upon which everything else stands on. If the foundation becomes damaged, everything from your walls and floors to your roof can be affected, leading to potentially serious structural issues. As a homeowner you should regularly inspect your home’s foundation and seek professional foundation repairs as soon as a problem is detected.
How Do You Inspect a Concrete Foundation
Step 1. Exterior Foundation Inspection
Start your foundation inspection by checking the exterior of your home. Look for visible cracks on the foundation walls. Hairline cracks are typically not a cause for concern, as they can result from the house settling over time. However, if you notice larger cracks such as those wider than 1/16 inch or you have a pattern of horizontal cracks, these may indicate a more serious issue that warrants a more thorough inspection. Next, check for signs of bulging or leaning walls, which could point to pressure issues from the surrounding soil. Look at the window and door alignment with the foundation, if they appear to be uneven this could indicate that the foundation has shifted.
Step 2. Interior Foundation Inspection
The next step is to go inside your home, you are looking for similar signs of damage. Look for cracks on walls and floors, particularly near corners and where walls meet ceilings. Look for doors and windows that stick or are hard to open and close, this often also suggests there was a shift in your foundation. Uneven floors are another classic sign of potential foundation issues. To check this, use a level to see if floors are flat or sloping. Water leakage and dampness around the basement can also indicate possible foundation problems.
Step 3. Investigate Further Signs
Other potential signs of foundation problems can be less obvious and harder to detect. Some of the more subtle signs of foundation problems can include gaps between the wall and the floor or the wall and the ceiling, nails popping out of drywall, or displaced moldings. Be sure to check your basement or crawl space for any signs of water penetration or dampness, which can weaken your foundation over time.
Step 4. Call in the Foundation Professionals
If the inspection of your home has revealed signs of potential foundation problems, the next step is to call in the professionals. A professional foundation inspection can confirm any issues and provide a detailed assessment of any necessary repairs. It is important to quickly address any foundation issues to prevent further damage to your home.
Foundation Repair Services & More in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas
Performing a basic inspection of your concrete foundation is a simple yet effective way of ensuring your home remains structurally sound. If foundation problems are detected and you need help, contact DuraTech Texas and schedule our services today.