With winter approaching, now is the best time to inspect the foundation of your home. We recommend inspecting the foundation this season because it is the most convenient time for repairs.
In the summer, soil shrinks as the weather becomes dryer and hotter. Then, in winter, much of the soil around your foundation freezes over. When spring finally makes its entrance, your foundation is faced with the rainy, wet season. As the snow melts and rain falls, minor foundation problems can quickly turn into a flooded basement.
By following these five steps, you can inspect your foundation before the rainy season hits and ensure that any necessary repairs are made in time.
1. Floor Inspection
The first step in your foundation inspection is to check the floors in your home. If your foundation is in need of repair, you may see cracking in your floors or an uneven slope. Watch for sagging, bowing, bulging, or warping of hardwood floors. Uneven floors are often difficult to notice until there is a major problem, which means that if you are noticing floor issues, you should consult a professional right away.
2. Door and Window Inspection
Another area you need to inspect to diagnose foundation problems is the doors and windows in your home. If you have problems opening and closing your doors and windows, you may have a larger foundation issue. This may include your doors and windows sticking or not properly fitting into their frames anymore. You may be unable to fully close your doors and windows or see gaps between the door or window and its frame.
3. Interior Wall Inspection
After inspecting your floors, doors, and windows, you should also perform an interior wall inspection. A major indicator of foundation problems is wall cracks and ceiling cracks. Larger cracks in your interior walls as well as the ceiling of your home indicate a foundation problem. You should also watch for separation between the wall and ceiling, another sign that you may need foundation repair.
4. Foundation Wall Inspection
Once you have inspected the interior walls in your home, check your foundation walls. You should be on the lookout for both basement cracks and foundation cracks in the exterior of your home. Watch for cracks in the interior foundation walls in your basement that are larger than ¼ inch in width. Horizontal cracks are generally more dangerous than vertical cracks, as they imply that your foundation is buckling to outside pressure. Hairline cracks in your foundation, which are very thin and small, are generally the result of normal concrete shrinkage and are not cause for concern.
5. Exterior Ground Inspection
Last but not least, the exterior ground of your home should also be checked as a part of your foundation inspection. One indicator of a problem is any shifting or movement in the exterior ground that surrounds your foundation. You should also watch for shrinkage of the surrounding soil. As this contracted soil expands, it may cause damage to your foundation and ultimately lead to a foundation collapse.
We’re happy to assist you in performing a professional foundation inspection for the upcoming winter season.
If you think you may be in need of foundation repair, contact Intech Anchoring Systems today at 888-458-8904.