Protecting Your Home And Staying Secure: Finding Problems In Your Foundation

Owning your own home can be a source of great pride, but it is not without its challenges. Home ownership means being prepared to address issues in a number of areas that you may not have any knowledge in, and it also means being able to identify problems that you may not even know exist.

Chief among these potential problems are issues that can occur with your home's foundation. Identifying issues in your foundation is the first step in avoiding pricey and extensive repairs, and doing so will require vigilance. Below is a guide to diagnosing damage to your foundation before it gets too serious, and that information may end up saving you immeasurable time and money.

Outside Examinations

Many people may not think to examine the exterior of their homes for foundation issues. This is especially true if you don't have a basement and, as such, don't consider how that foundation affects the rest of your home. Yet, there are a number of warning signs that appear first on the outside that can be checked before they become too serious.

If you notice any curvature or bulges in the concrete that supports your home, that's often a sign of dangerous shifting. Also, if there are frequently large quantities of standing water surrounding your foundation, it is likely that the water has begun to seep into cracks and should be addressed before the situation becomes more dire.

Checking Structures

Your basement or crawl space will have a multitude of pillars, supports, and posts that can also give away potential foundation damage. If you notice supports that appear crooked or off center, or if you see visible cracks beginning to form, that can often be a sign of more serious potential issues.

As with the outside of your home, any standing water should also be noted. Dampness or puddles can be a sign that leakage is already occurring, and you should contact your concrete contractor, like those at Mcnabb Construction, immediately to schedule an inspection and possible repairs.

Probe For Weakness

If you're conducting a thorough inspection, you shouldn't merely be satisfied by the appearance of your concrete. You should check a few random areas for weakness by tapping gently with a screwdriver or hammer, and if the concrete easily flakes or gives away, it is likely already compromised. Many older homes may have been constructed with concrete that was mixed poorly or may not meet modern standards, and having those issues handled up front can save you huge amounts of money on the back end.