Foundation problems may impact the structural integrity of your house and reduce its market value. The strength of a building lies in its foundation. Strong foundations are essential to protect the building and its occupants during natural calamities such as earthquake and floods. An average foundation repair costs anywhere between $5000 to $7000. While major repairs may cost you tens of thousands of dollars, regular inspections can help you determine any potential foundation issues. Bol-Dan Foundation & Masonry Inc, offers foundation repairs in Ottawa and the Outaouais region.
Common Signs of Foundation Problems
Some of the signs you need to identify to prevent extensive foundation repair at your house are:
1. Visible Cracks
One of the easiest ways to detect foundation problems is looking for cracks. You can usually find cracks on the inner and outer walls or the ceilings. Look for hairline cracks near the windows or doors. Horizontal cracks are generally caused by excess water pressure whereas vertical cracks can form as a result of damage to the drywall. Prevent insect infestation in the cracks and protect your foundation from excessive moisture to prevent further damage to it.
2. Doors and Windows Don't Shut Properly
Foundation problems can also hamper the functionality of your doors and windows. The doors won't close properly at the hinges and a double door may not meet in the middle. Exterior doors may appear a bit uneven.
3. Uneven Floors
Any change in the appearance of your floors can be an indication of foundation problems. For instance, your floor appears to slant, dip or sag. Differential movement in your foundation can cause cracks and other damage to your house, endangering the life of people inside. You have to fix this problem immediately.
4. Mould
Excessive moisture and mould growth in your house can cause foundation problems.
5. Countertops/Cabinets Separating from the Wall
Your cabinets and countertops shifting away from the wall can be an indication of problems with the foundation.
6. Bowed Walls
Do you feel like the walls are caving in on you? Heat or water damage can cause your walls to bow in.
7. Musty Smell in the Basement
Can't bear the musty smell in your basement? The smell may be caused due to drainage or gutter damage, which will affect your foundation unless repaired on time.
8. Damp Crawl Space
Excessive moisture in your crawl space attracts insects and may cause the wooden beams to rot. Make sure you have an effective foundation drainage system if you live in areas with heavy regular rainfall.
9. Nails Popping Out
A few nails popping out of your drywall can be fixed easily but if you notice the issue in all the drywalls of your house, it may be a sign of foundation problems.
What to Do If You Notice Any Signs of Foundation Damage
If you notice any of the above signs, contact a qualified contractor who specializes in foundation repairs. Enlist them to run a thorough inspection of your house and the foundation to avert any costly repair damages. A foundation repair expert will be able to estimate the cost for repairing your beam foundation or cracked slab.
What Causes Foundation Issues?
The major cause of foundation problems is moisture. Too much moisture causes the soil to swell while too less can cause it to shrink. Soil moisture can be caused by plumbing leaks, improper drainage and rainwater in humid weather conditions. Excessive evaporation can cause the soil near the foundation to lose moisture. To prevent this, water the lawn of your house regularly.
It’s better to be safe, when it comes to foundation damage. Fix foundation problems before they deteriorate any further. The teams of experts at Bol-Dan Foundation & Masonry Inc. take great care when repairing your home’s foundations. We use the latest methods and techniques to make sure your property is protected for years. Call us or visit our website today!
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