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5 Tell-Tale Signs That Your Home Has Foundation Issues
One of the most expensive investments you’ll ever make in this lifetime is a house, which is why it only makes sense to protect it. There are many ways to protect your home, and one of the most important ones is to ensure its foundation is as solid as a rock; otherwise, what you’ve worked hard for can crumble down easily. An effective way to stay on top of this is to know how to recognize the signs of foundational issues.
Before that, know that your foundation issues may be caused by various factors, such as plumbing issues, climate, soil, and inadequate drainage. With so many factors to consider, it’s best to be on the lookout for these five tell-tale signs of foundation problems:
1. Cracks On The Foundation Or Exterior
Have you noticed cracks or gaps in your foundation or on the exterior of your property, such as the walls? These are strong indicators that you may have an infrastructure problem. Over time, your structure’s foundation may experience movement due to several reasons; when that happens, it can easily shift and create gaps in the process.
While it’s normal for foundations to sink and develop tiny cracks in the first two to three years following construction, horizontal cracks in your exterior can indicate that your house is experiencing more than the “normal” amount of settling.
2. Sagging Floors Or Ceilings
Does your ceiling look like it’s about to cave in? Or, are your floors warped? When the foundation moves, know that it pulls apart or compacts walls and support beams, which can cause the property’s weight to sit unevenly in certain areas. When this happens, it usually results in sagging floors and ceilings. Monitor your home’s slope by using a level from time to time. If it shows a continuous change in one direction, it may be time to seek professional help.
3. Musty Odors In the Basement or Crawl Space
Keep in mind that musty odors coming from the basement is usually due to mildew growth and leaky basement walls. This may be due to plumbing, but in some cases, it can be caused by outside moisture seeping in through cracks in your foundation.
3. Shifting Chimneys
If you have an older house here in the Treasure Valley, another telltale sign of foundational issues is if your chimney shifts too much. When it does, there’s a huge possibility of collapse that can pose a serious threat to your family and your house. For this reason, if you notice your chimney shifting significantly, have it repaired and stabilized immediately by a professional.
4. Popping Nails Out Of Drywall
Did you know that nails can pop out due to wall movement? This can actually indicate a bigger foundation problem. This is why you must be on the lookout for nails popping out of your drywall. Instead of nailing them back to place, it’s best to call a professional to address the main problem, which is your property’s foundation.
Conclusion
When it comes to the integrity of your property’s foundation, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t put off any repairs for too long because an unstable foundation can become a huge expense that you don’t want to deal with. If you see any of the five signs mentioned above, it’s best to call a professional to put your mind at ease.
Are you looking for a reliable damage restoration company in Boise, ID? We are an expert in restoring properties, and we will help make your house stabilized again to ensure your household’s well-being. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!