Foundation repairs are a necessity, and when they are approached on an “as needed” basis, they can help to keep your foundation in great shape and help you save money. Some homeowners make the mistake of waiting to arrange for foundation repairs until there is an obvious failure in the foundation. The right time to consider foundation repairs is as soon as you notice a problem.
What Can Happen If You Do Not Repair Your Foundation?
There are several serious potential problems that can occur if you do not get your foundation repaired when it is needed. It is important that you understand what the risks are of not addressing foundation problems.
Structural damage is a huge risk. Floor joists can be damaged, wall framing, interior walls can become cracked, and ceilings and floors can be damaged. Even roof joists can shift when the foundation is damaged. In other words, every structural area of your home depends on a fully intact functional foundation. There is a whole host of structural problems that can crop up.
Damage from water is also a very common problem when your foundation has problems. Water will seep into your basement when your foundation has cracks. The problem can exacerbate quickly. Not repairing your foundation when needed can result in serious expensive water damage in your basement. Of course, water damage can lead to mold growth. It becomes this trickledown effect of serious problems.
Problems can occur with your plumbing. When your foundation is faulty it can affect your plumbing. As your foundation shifts, it can damage your pipes and cause leaks. You can also experience other system issues with HVAC, electrical, and more.
The risk of serious damage to your home is very real when you are having foundation problems. Costly repairs and stress can all be avoided by addressing problems with your foundation early on before the damage gets out of control.
Small Repairs Equals Small Costs
Cracks in your foundation will not go away on their own. As a matter of fact, you can almost guarantee that a small crack will turn into a large crack in time. Addressing a small issue before it has an opportunity to develop into a large problem is a much more cost-effective option.
Unless something has hit your foundation like a car or a hammer, your foundation should not have larger cracks, crumbling mortar, or other serious imperfections. If your foundation does have cracks or crumbling mortar, missing bricks, or other obvious issues, you need help now.
Waiting to see what becomes of the crack or if it will affect the structure of your home is risky. Heavy rain, a snowstorm with ice buildup, and other factors can take that small crack in your foundation to an entirely new level. As the crack becomes larger, the risk of serious damage to your home becomes larger.
Addressing a problem, and repairing the cause of the problem early in the process can save you thousands of dollars. Your foundation is responsible for supporting your entire home and all the systems in it. A problem with your foundation can easily turn into a whole home problem rather quickly. The costs will pile up.
Cracks and Other Problems Are Hard to Prevent But Not Impossible
According to Basement Guides, new home construction will develop basement leaks in about 10 to 15 years after the construction date. One of the biggest causes of basement leaks is foundation problems. Foundations shift and settle with time as the ground shifts and settles. That shifting and settling can cause cracks and other problems in your foundation. Other things that can affect your foundation are tree roots, water buildup, ice dams, and more. There are a lot of reasons that foundations wind up in need of repair.
Preventing some of the most common problems with foundations is possible. For example, waterproofing the interior of your foundation, keeping debris from building up around your home that invites pests and other problems, and having a fully functional gutter system may all help. However, in some cases, no matter how diligent you are, you will still run into problems with your foundation. When problems crop up, an expert can help.
Experts in foundation repair can quickly make the repairs and refortify your foundation. One of the main reasons to call an expert early on is because they can determine the cause of the problem and take the necessary steps to ensure the problem does not happen again.
Potential Fixes
When homeowners hear that they need foundation repairs they immediately think “this will cost a fortune.” The fact is, foundation repairs can be very affordable, especially when they are made in the early stages of damage. In some cases, all that is needed is minor crack corrections.
Steel piers, foam foundation repair, wooden piers, and other methods can shore up your foundation. One of the keys to true foundation repair is to address the cause of the problem. For example, if your foundation problem stems from water collecting in and around the foundation, diverting the water using a gutter system, and a French drain around the building can solve the issue.
Experienced foundation repair companies look for the source of the problem and fix that before they start working on your foundation repairs. Temporary fixes do not prevent the problem from happening again.
It takes experience to determine the cause of foundation problems. Oddly enough, the foundation problem can be caused by a roofing problem that has gone unnoticed. It can be caused by washing out of soil 15 feet from the house. Experts in foundation repair know where to look to find the cause.
When You Notice Any of These Problems Call for Repair
Most homeowners do not realize they have a foundation problem until it is pretty late in the game. You can look for signs that your foundation is in distress and get ahead of the game by calling for foundation repairs early on. Knowing what signs to look for will help you to do periodic inspections of your home and your foundation, and recognize when you need help.
There are some tell-tale signs that you need foundation repairs:
- Cracks in the foundation that are visible, water in your basement, or uneven mortar outside
- Changes to how windows and doors function, slanted floors, off-kilter chimney
- Crumbling mortar, cement, or bricks
If you notice any of the above, you likely have a foundation problem that needs to be addressed. Getting the help you need will help to minimize damage caused by a faulty foundation.
The Problem Will Get Worse
The perfect time to invest in your foundation is now. If you suspect your foundation needs some attention, connect with a professional foundation repair company to get the work done. There is no time like the present to ensure the safety of your home.
Do not wait for the perfect storm to invest in your foundation repairs. Problems will only get worse with time and damage can become extensive. Your foundation is the bedrock of your home. Keeping it in good condition, and addressing problems early on should be a priority. Call a trusted foundation repair company like A-Proseal to manage all of your foundation needs.