Foundation issues can show up in many different forms, beyond the commonly imagined cracks in a wall or through a floor. Since the purpose of your home’s foundation is to provide durability and support for the rest of your house, it’s imperative your foundation remains in good repair. What tons of homeowners don’t realize is that there is more than one indicator that something is off with their foundation.
If you’ve noticed any of these in your home, it’s a sign you should be calling a professional for an inspection:
- Cracked walls or floors
- Slanted floors
- Bowing basement walls
- Gaps between walls, windows and doors
- Signs of water intrusion
Cracks In The Wall Or Floors
You may be used to those cracks in your floor or on your walls, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need special attention! Cracks in your home’s structure may be caused by settling, shifting, or movement of the foundation, or from water infiltration or freeze-thaw cycles. Such cracks can weaken the integrity of the foundation and cause structural damage over time if not addressed.
Floors That Slant
Slanting floors can be caused by settling or shifting of the foundation, or even from issues with the soil or drainage surrounding the foundation. Such uneven floors can indicate that the foundation is not providing adequate support for your home, and can lead to further structural damage if you don’t investigate further. A professional inspection by a qualified structural engineer can help determine the cause of the slanting floors and provide the necessary repairs and options to fix the problem.
Bowing Basement Walls
If you notice your basement walls are bowed, it’s a definite sign you need to get an inspection on the calendar. Bowing basement walls can be caused by hydrostatic pressure, which is the pressure of water against the walls, as well as soil movement or changes in the moisture content of the soil. They can weaken the integrity of the foundation and can cause structural damage over time if not addressed. A professional inspection by a qualified structural engineer or inspector can help determine the cause of the bowing walls and the necessary repairs to fix the problem, such as wall anchors, carbon fiber and other types of reinforcement.
Gaps Between Walls, Windows, Doors
Gaps between walls, windows, and doors may be caused by settling, shifting, or movement of the foundation, or from issues with the soil or drainage surrounding the foundation. Such gaps might indicate that your home’s foundation is not providing adequate support for the structure, and can lead to further structural damage and air leaks if not addressed.
Water Intrusion And Leaks
Water intrusion and your home’s foundation is never a good combination. Leaks can be a serious problem for foundations, leading to structural damage and potential health hazards. They can be caused by issues such as poor drainage, clogged gutters, or a lack of proper waterproofing. Water intrusion can cause cracking, settling, and shifting of the foundation, as well as mold growth and rot.
A professional inspection by a qualified structural engineer or inspector can help identify the source of water intrusion and recommend the best solution to fix the problem, such as installing a sump pump, repairing or replacing the drainage system, or applying a waterproofing membrane to the foundation.
Request A Professional Inspection Today
Foundation issues left untreated can cause massive damage, even as severe as crumbling walls or a collapsed ceiling. You never know when a small issue might take a turn for the worse and become something that can’t be undone, (or is very expensive to undo!) For foundation issues, contact Nortex Structural to request an inspection by one of our qualified structural engineers. Call 817-470-5046 to get your inspection scheduled today so you can have peace of mind.
