Constructing a house is one of the most expensive investments for most people. Hence, it would help if you did everything to protect it for years to come. Most homes built with blocks, bricks, and concrete start to show cracks over time. Foundation problems can affect the stability and structure of your house. If left unchecked, the foundation problems can worsen, and you will have to incur high repair costs.
Therefore, calling foundation inspection experts to analyze the gravity of the foundation problems is crucial. The experts recommend that fixing exterior foundation cracks from the outside is best.
If you want to know about the issues related to foundation cracks, here are some of the dangers of leaving foundation cracks unchecked.
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1. Cracks In The Walls
No property owner likes to see cracks in the walls. Besides the aesthetics, the cracks in the wall could indicate a foundation problem.
There are several kinds of cracks like:
- Vertical cracks
- Horizontal cracks
- Hairline cracks
- L-shaped cracks
No matter what kind of cracks you see in the wall or elsewhere, you need to call foundation experts and find out the cause of those cracks.
2. Leaking Through The Floor
If you notice a leak is coming through the floor, it could indicate some problem in the basement. Experts argue that basement leaks should not be ignored as water can seep into the foundation through those cracks and damage it further. If you find any leaks coming from the floor, call an expert immediately to identify the cause and to provide any viable solution.
3. Door And Windows That Stick
Many people have thick doors and windows that stick to the door’s fittings. However, experts assert that if your doors and windows stick, it could indicate your foundation is shifting. When the foundation shifts, the doors and windows also shift. In other words, there could be underlying foundation problems that need expert inspection and analysis.
How Can Experts Help?
Cracks can grow over time, and ignoring them will only increase repair costs. Some cracks are expected, and fixing exterior foundation cracks from the outside is enough. However, some cracks let the moisture enter the basement, further seeping into the foundation. Water can potentially ruin your foundation. Water in the soil around your house puts pressure on the foundation, causing cracks. When the water saturates or collects underground, it can cause significant foundation damage.
Foundation repair experts are aware of such common causes of foundation damage. They know the different cracks and the best possible solution to treat and fix them. Besides performing necessary foundation repairs, experts take preventative measures to ensure the problem does not arise again. For example, they will relocate the drain pipes far away from the foundation to ensure the leakage does not affect the foundation in any way.
They will also check for the leakages inside and outside and ensure that every leakage is fixed. Experts will guide the house owners to plant trees at least 15 feet away from the house so that tree roots do not invade and damage your foundation. Foundation repair experts know suitable materials to fill the cracks and ensure the problem is fixed permanently.
Thus, your house will stand on a firm foundation. If your foundation becomes weak, the house can collapse or sink anytime and that would endanger the lives of people living inside the house. Taking the help of a professional will save time and money and assure you that the problem has been appropriately resolved.
