A home or other structure is only as strong as its foundation. The foundation is one of the most crucial parts of a building and is responsible for supporting the building above it, keeping it upright, and blocking water and other moisture. Old or poorly constructed foundations can cause serious issues and be a safety threat to occupants and neighboring structures and individuals. Your foundation needs attention the moment it becomes damaged.
Continue scrolling to learn what to do if your foundation becomes damaged.
Signs Your Foundation is Damaged
Take a look at seven common signs of foundation damage below:
- Exterior Cracks in Foundation Walls and Floors — Keep your eye out for large, zig-zag cracks in your exterior foundation walls and floors. Bricks that have cracked or are separated from the mortar should also be examined.
- Walls Separating from House — If you notice your exterior walls are pulling away from your house, there could be a problem and should be addressed before they collapse.
- Interior Cracks in Drywall — There is likely a foundation issue when interior drywall cracks are floor to ceiling. Additionally, if the vast majority of nails pop out of your drywall, there could be an issue.
- Sloping and Uneven Floors — Floors that are sloping, sagging, bowing, or are not level can indicate a serious foundation problem and pose a safety hazard.
- Door and Window Frames Pulling Away from Brick — If your door frames or window frames are separating from your exterior brick, there is likely foundation trouble.
- Settling and Sinking — Some settling is normal and to be expected. However, if your home seems to be settling more than anticipated or is sinking, there could be serious foundational issues.
- Displaced Molding — Crown moldings or baseboards that are no longer square could indicate troubles with your foundation.
What to Do When Your Foundation is Damaged
When it comes to your foundation, the sooner you take action, the better:
- Call a Contractor — If you are concerned that your foundation may be damaged, it is always good to have an experienced foundation professional come check out the problem. They will inspect your concrete slab, basement, or pier and beam foundation. A knowledgeable maintenance specialist should be able to identify the issue and repair it, stopping further deterioration.
- Install Added Protection — Because foundation repairs are costly, it is important to take additional protective precautions to shield your investment by getting a foundation liner. Before your foundation damage becomes an issue for your home, consider a proactive approach. Foundation liners offer an additional layer of protection against the elements, routine wear and tear, and water damage.
Contact Windowell Expressions
Protect your home’s foundation with a foundation liner from Windowell Expressions. If your home is located in Utah, your house has to stand up against heavy snow and rainfalls, sleet buildup, quick thaws, and even faster freezes, causing extensive damage to your home’s foundation. A foundation liner will help protect against these elements, all while looking great. Contact the experts at Windowell Expressions today.