The slab, the crawlspace, and the full basement are the 3 basic types of foundations. There are some likenesses among them, even though construction of each of them is different. However, a foundation that is not properly constructed could cause problems in your home. There are also problems which arise due to different weather events like drought and geological changes like the natural tendency of soil to settle.
Here are some common signs of foundation damage:
- Cracked Brick
Walls could be damaged by soil pressure. A usual sign of foundation settlement is stair-step cracking. It is common in concrete and brick walls. Vertical cracks may widen as your house continues to further settle.
- Cracked Poured Wall
Sometimes, foundation walls can be damaged by soil pressure. The weight of the soil is simply too heavy to be held back by the foundation wall in some cases. High-clay content soil expands during wet weather. This exerts extra pressure against foundation walls.
- Sagging Floors
It is clear that you have a problem underneath if your floors are bouncy or sagging. The cause is usually found in the crawl space and its foundation. It makes the support system of the floor to weaken and sag.
- Cracked Stucco
Problems in foundation settlement are usually common and show clear signs. Crack or cracks in your exterior stucco are one of these. The cracks are an obvious sign that your home’s foundation is settling or compressing.
- Cracks near Frames
The ground supporting your home can be shifted by changing weathers and weak soils. Your home settles when poor soil conditions start to affect your foundation. Gaps in the weak areas around vents, windows, and doors are the first signs.
- Unleveled or Cracked Concrete
When the soil under the slab can no longer support its weight, concrete slab cracking and sinking happens. Concrete that is out of level or cracked will not fix itself. Also, extra damages become more costly and serious over time.
- Chimney Separation
A chimney separating from the rest of the house is one of the more dramatic and scarier signs of settlement. Oftentimes, chimneys are built on a foundation that’s not connected to the rest of the house. This makes it even more at a threat of settlement.
- Shearing Wall
Pressure would start to press your foundation walls inward if excess clay and water cause soils to expand or if the soil is poorly filled against your foundation. On the more dramatic and urgent signs of foundation failure on concrete brick foundation walls is shearing.
- Ceiling Gap
Sometimes, problems in crawlspace build a gap between the interior wall and the ceiling. The gap means something. There are problems arising underneath your house that require your attention.
- Floor Gap
The floors are separating when the floors feel bouncy or sagging, or see a gap between your walls and floor. The cause can be found underneath.
If you notice some of these signs in your house, immediately call a professional foundation repair. Most of them have websites which offer free estimates such as http://www.myfoundationrepairliny.com/.
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