How to Identify Foundation Issues

Foundation repair issues are usually pretty easy to spot.  Recognizing cracks on your interior walls or on the outside of the structure is usually a telltale sign of some sort of foundation problem.  The cracks can be traced back to settlement problems in the soil below the foundation.  This occurs when the soil loses its capacity to hold the weight above it and shifts, causing a domino effect in the soil surrounding it.

In other cases, the slab shifts upward above the original foundation point and is called upheaval.  This tends to happen when moisture is introduced to the slab by way of foundation leaks and drainage issues along the side of the structure or from a leaky plumbing system.

Sometimes cracks tend to be merely surface problems, meaning there is no foundation issues.  It's typical to see some of these issues in tiling, walls, and bricks.  If you feel that the issues may be arising due to foundation issues, it's a good idea to contact your local foundation repair company to sort out the issue.

Signs of Foundation Problems

Clay soil can suck in a large amount of water from the outside and then expand.  On the other side, when the soil dries up, it contracts and shrinks.  This ongoing back and forth is the main cause for foundation issues in homes and buildings.  For foundation repair issues like this, it's best to consult with your local foundation repair company.  From time to time it can be an easy fix, but putting it off can lead to larger foundation issues down the line.

Some foundation problems originate from the original construction of the home or structure.  The misuse or irratic compaction of the solil below can cause foundation issues shortly after the structure is built.

As noted above, the contraction and expansion of soil and clay can lead to cracks and issues within a structure.  Usually these issues stem from leaks, faulty plumbing and roof and drainage issues.  Foundation repair companies can usually spot the main issue and address it accordingly.

For helpful tips and professional foundation repair services, it's always a good idea to speak with your local repair company.

Foundation Issues and Possible Remedies

Does your home or commercial property have cracking walls?  Do your doors properly close?  Do you notice wood floors that are shifting or moving upwards?  Any of these can be a sign of foundation issues.  Most of these issues may seem small now, but they can lead to larger, more costly repairs in the future.  Large scale structure issues can be the most costly repairs a home can see.  Catching the issues early and attacking them with the proper foundation repair company can save you tons of time and headaches.

There are many different reason why a home may shift and see foundation settlement.  It could be because of a improper drainage system, the land in which the home was built is not settled or improperly compacted soil.  Although the reasons can vary, getting the proper assessment from a foundation repair company can mean a world of a difference.

If you suspect that your home may be shifting or suffering from foundation issues, it's best to do your research and see what steps need to be taken.

Contact your local foundation repair company and see what your options are.  Keep in mind that small fixes that are unattended can lead to large costly repairs in the future.

Common Foundation Issues

Are you starting to notice dampness in your basement? Maybe water collecting in certain areas throughout?  A common cause for this is inadequate grading.  In simple terms, the home or the foundation is on a tilt.  While a common, quick fix to solving foundation problems may be to add soil to specific areas to redirect the collection, it is certainly not a long term fix.

While you may think the best place to start looking to fix this issue is in and around your basement and where the ground meets the house, but it's not.  Typically, a leaky roof or inadequat gutters may be casusing the water collection issues.  This displaced water collects in areas around the foundation and can cause massive headaches including concrete repair and repinning.

It's possible to have this water collect throughout the foundation and cause cracks and issues with your massonry.  If you're a DIY type of person, there are some quick fixes that can be applied with simple mortar.  Larger jobs may require a foundation repair company to come in and analyze the home from the ground up.  Sometimes, using a professional from the start will ease long term headaches and save you money as well.