Foundation repair is something every homeowner dreads having to deal with simply because it’s such a big deal. After all, your foundation is what supports and supports your entire home. If the integrity of your base is compromised, that means everything you call “home” is affected.
But it is bigger than that. You and your family have built a life in your home. Each room has a special memory attached to it. In many ways, you compare all other houses to your own as if it were the ultimate litmus test of “house worthiness.” The last thing you want to deal with as a homeowner is the possibility that there could be some serious problems right under your feet.
Although thinking this way can be a real pain in the ass, it may be the right way of thinking to get involved in evaluating your home’s foundation at this time. Even if you’re pretty sure everything is fine, you still want to do everything you can to stay ahead of the game.
So, exactly when should you call an expert about repairing your home’s foundation? Here are some tips:
Cracks in drywall – Perhaps the most common problems homeowners see, cracks in your drywall mean your house is moving. Be sure to look in common areas near door frames, as well as areas where the walls meet the ceiling. In other words, search everywhere.
The doors and windows are having problems – The doors can be glued, but it’s not just the doors of the rooms. How well are your kitchen cabinets holding up? Are there any doors that are getting harder to open or close?
The floors are uneven and creaky – If you’ve ever thrown a ball at your dog and noticed that it rolls in certain directions a lot more than others, you’re looking at some uneven areas. If you have tile, it can be hit hard by foundation issues, so always look for cracks or uneven areas. You may also notice creaks in your floor. Irregularities in the floorboards are a sign to watch out for.
roof problems – Few people would think that a roof would have problems directly related to the foundation, but if the chimney is having problems with compromised masonry, it could mean that the foundation is moving a lot. Two other places to check are bracing for satellite dishes and flashing around roof penetrations.
Some might argue that any one of these particular problems is not a complete reason to repair your home’s foundation. While each of these issues, on their own, may not constitute a need for repair, their presence is enough to let you know something is brewing.
Every home is different, and depending on the climate in your area, as well as the composition of your soil, your foundation may show problems that others won’t. This is why home maintenance gurus always suggest that homeowners make regular trips around their home to see if anything is amiss. This way, you can call in an experienced and reliable local foundation repair company to handle things before it becomes critical.