Some home issues are not worth the aggravation of doing yourself. For example, no average homeowner should try to address foundation issues. Leave that to the professionals. Still, it helps to know what to look for. Go through this homeowner’s foundation inspection checklist so that you’re aware of all possible issues.
Windows and Door
Some of the first locations in your home to check are your doors and windows. You may not realize how foundation issues affect the doors and windows, but typically, they offer telltale signs that something is amiss. For example, gaps and cracks in your door or window frames indicate foundation problems. If the window separates from the pane or doors and windows fail to close properly, these are also important indicators that your foundation is slanted, sloped, or facing settlement. It may seem like a door or window issue at first, but a close inspection may indicate more problems underneath the property.
Flooring
The floors also call for inspection. Flooring should remain level and faultless. With the presence of foundation issues, your flooring can degrade. Bouncing or sagging floors signify trouble with the foundation beams. Dips or unevenness may also highlight issues with house settlement in which the ground soil slopes or shifts to an uneven level. As a result, your furniture or personal belongings may slide around the house. You also may face dire issues, such as broken gas lines or plumbing issues, if the flooring begins to shift.
Drywall
Part of this homeowner’s foundation inspection checklist is also inspecting the drywall. When foundation issues occur, some of the clearest signs appear on your walls. Drywall cracks are visible eyesores that take different shapes and sizes depending on the severity of the issue. Look out for corner cracks, seam cracks, tape cracks, and nail-popping cracks to identify a foundation problem. Corner cracks are near windows and doors, but tape cracks and nail-popping cracks are notable because they can rip or tear the drywall due to the underlying pressures of uneven structural integrity.
Crawlspaces and Basements
Lastly, don’t forget your basement or crawlspace. These areas host the main support beams of the property. Excess moisture is a common problem affecting crawlspaces and basements. This encourages wood rot, which weakens the structural foundation. Furthermore, excess moisture further leads to mold and pest infestations. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your crawl space or basement if you notice moisture. Check to see whether a plumbing issue is the source of the moisture, as this requires further inspection and maintenance. Encapsulation helps prevent wood rot or other foundation issues with steel replacement posts and plastic coverings that protect the ground soil.
If you notice severe cracks in your drywall, floor, or ceiling, call us today. The Crack Guys offer professional crack repair to treat foundation issues. Foundation issues are not something to blow off. Keep in mind that the right knowledge, experience, and tools go a long way in preventing further damage and costly repairs. Contact us to schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience.
