What Are The Major Signs Your Home's Foundation Needs Attention?

Every home needs a stable foundation. If the foundation starts to fail and become unstable, it will only be a matter of time before the rest of the home starts to succumb to the elements, too. As such, it is very important that you, as a homeowner, know about the signs of foundation trouble. If you notice any of these signs, do not delay in contacting a foundation repairs contractor.

Sign #1: There are vertical cracks in your foundation walls.

Horizontal cracks in the foundation walls are usually just a sign that the house is settling a bit over the years. This is normal, and usually, the cracks will be pretty tiny. Vertical cracks, on the other hand, are a sign that something more sinister is at play. Do not just patch the cracks and go on with your day. You need to have a foundation expert address the underlying cause of the cracks, which probably has to do with unevenly loaded beams, or else the cracks will just reappear and keep growing.

Sign #2: Your doors and windows no longer close nicely.

When you go to close a window or a door, does the top of it hit the frame at some point? This is a sign that the frame is no longer straight, which is usually the result of the foundation settling over time. Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming this just means they need their doors and windows replaced. You very well may need new windows, but you also need foundation work, or else the same thing will happen with your new windows.

Sign #3: The basement is getting moist.

Many basements are somewhat moist because they are below ground. If yours seems to be growing moister over time, this is a sign that your foundation is no longer keeping water out as it should. Maybe you notice that your dehumidifier cannot keep up, or perhaps the sump pump has been kicking on when there has not even been rain in a while. Moisture issues quickly lead to mold issues, and mold is terrible for your health. A foundation expert can figure out where the water is coming in and take steps to keep it out.

To learn more about the signs of foundation failure, reach out to a foundation repair service near you. They can do a brief evaluation and let you know where you stand.

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