Your home’s foundation has two primary functions to support your home’s weight and keep moisture out of it by acting as a barrier from water in the ground. So when you start noticing deterioration, it’s concerning for Foundation Repair Professional.
You need to know about foundation issues that some of them can be obvious while others may go undetected for months. When found early, you can quickly fix most of these issues; however, the longer they go undetected, the more extensive the damage becomes. In Bowling Green, you need to know the signs that your foundation needs repairing before it gets out of hand.
Foundation deterioration can result from several things such as a poor drainage system, poor soil compaction, plumbing leaks, and climate. To prevent expensive house foundation repair, continue reading below to learn a few signs to look for. An important thing to remember is if you have any doubts, call a repair professional. You can start by visiting our website at foundationrepairbowlinggreen.com.
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Doors That Don’t Close Correctly- Foundation Repair Professional
If your doors are sticking or not closing correctly, it’s probably an indication of issues with your foundation. It’s important to know that interior and exterior doors respond directly when affected. Interior ones tend to stick or drag at the top, while exterior ones will sag downward at the top and drag across the floor. If you live in a humid area such as Bowling Green, large storms or flooding can cause doors to swell, and they won’t open or shut correctly.
Uneven or Sagging Floors
Have you walked on your floor and noticed bouncy, saggy, or uneven floors? If so, this may be a sign your foundation is deteriorating. Depending on the type of foundation you have, there are different signs to look for. For instance, if your foundation is pier and beams, your floors tend to squeak, bounce, or sag. On the other hand, slab foundations are more likely to cause your floor to be uneven. Since these two types of foundations are built differently, the signs may differ, but there could still be damage.
Gaps Around Window Frames or Won’t Open
If you notice gaps around your windows or they tend to stick, this could be a sign of trouble. Another thing you may see is your doors won’t latch correctly, or if you have french doors, they may no longer close correctly. As the weaker foundation moves and settles, the frames shift, making them uneven.
New Cracks or Cracks That Are Getting Larger
It’s normal for the first 2-3 years after your home’s construction to get hairline cracks less than 1/16.” However, if you notice horizontal cracks in your brick exteriors or block walls in the basement, it could be a sign that there’s more going on than typical settling. If you see vertical cracks, they aren’t as concerning since dry walls run in that direction.
Foundation Sinking
Suppose you’ve noticed that your house has started sinking or has settlement issues. Contact a Bowling Green foundation repair company. While settling is a normal process after construction, it can also signify something more serious, especially if you notice other signs. Also, if you see that one side of your house is higher than the other, your foundation probably needs to be raised, or piers need to be installed.
Foundation Raising
The opposite of foundation sinking is foundation raising. If you notice that your foundation is moving upward, it’s most likely a problem with your foundation. Most often, you’ll see this along the outside of your home and garage, but occasionally you’ll notice it in hallways. The leading cause of this is soil that’s too moist, causing pressure against the outer walls.
Damp Crawl Space or Concrete Walls
Moisture on basement walls or in the foundation is a sure sign your foundation has problems, and steps need to be taken to fix the issues. Suppose you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, snow, or flooding. You want to make sure that you have an effective drainage system. Standing water around your outside walls can put a lot of pressure on your foundation, leading to damage.
Bugs Or Rodents Coming In
If you see an increase in pests coming into your home, it could signify foundation issues. Walls that have cracks make it easy for them to go in. Some insects such as earwigs, centipedes, and roaches are attracted to dampness, creating the foundation a perfect place to crawl in. If you notice these increases, you should walk around your foundation and check for any cracks or holes.
Plumbing Issues
Plumbing issues may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about foundation issues, but it can be a sign something isn’t right. The plumbing under your house is built at an angle, and too much shifting can cause small openings in the joints that may cause leaks. If you notice an increase in your plumbing bills, you may want to look at your plumbing to make sure everything is okay.
Mold and Mildew
While concrete doesn’t attract mold or mildew on its own, it loves building materials, dampness, and dark placesfoundationrepairbowlinggreen.com, all of which fit the bill perfectly. Once inside, you can expect mold and mildew to spread correctly throughout your home. Mold and mildew have a distinct musty smell that you may notice. If you see either of these fungi, inspect your foundation and call a Bowling Green foundation repair professional if you find any cracks.
What Should You Do If You Notice Any Of These Signs?
The first thing you should do if you notice any of these warning signs is to call your local repair professional to come out and inspect your foundation. Before the inspection, write down any cracks and look around your house for any standing water. Then prepare a list of questions.
During the inspection, you’ll want to ask the foundation repair rep some questions such as:
- Does my foundation need repairing?
- What is involved in the repair?
- How long will it take?
- Are there other options?
- Are you insured?
- Do you clean up after the job is done?
- What is your warranty?
- Can you give me an estimate of the cost?
Cost of Bowling Green Foundation Repair
The average cost to have your Bowling Green home’s foundation repaired, according to Manta, is $3,985. Typically, home insurance policies don’t cover foundation repair costs, but foundation companies often work with you to help you pay for the needed repairs.