A good foundation is the key stability in all aspects of life. However, the foundations that hold us up in our homes are even more important in order to secure our physical safety! The signs of a bad foundation job show relatively early and can put the home’s inhabitants in danger. To get rid of the risks, it is important to note the signs, or do a consultation with professionals in order to outline the problems you are encountering due to the poor foundation used to build your home.
Here are some of the problems that can be caused due to a bad foundation:
CRACKS AND FRACTURES
Most people get confused about whether the foundation is settling and sinking slightly (which is normal) or that it is at a great risk of falling apart when discovering new cracks and fractures. New construction will start showing cracks on the foundation after 2-3 years. Horizontal hairline fractures that are 1/16th of an inch in size are a common and normal sign of foundation settling. However, anything more than that may need foundation repairs. Vertical cracks are not a warrant for worry, as that is the direction in which paint and cement dry. Moreover, if you are concerned about growing gaps and cracks, you should definitely consult with a professional.
INADEQUATELY FUNCTIONING DOORS
Another telltale sign that you need to get your foundation repaired is if you notice that your doors are not opening and closing properly, or are sticking out. This can also happen due to humidity, so give it 3-4 days before calling a professional. If you have also been noticing cracks alongside this, then it might be evident that your foundation needs to be repaired.
GAPS AROUND EXTERIOR DOORS AND/OR WINDOW FRAMES
If the foundation has not been built properly, then you are bound to see exterior doors and/or window frames showing gaps around the frames. Often times they do not even latch properly. If such a problem arises, be sure to call experts to have a look at your foundation and to let you know the damage costs.
CABINETS AND COUNTERS STARTING TO SEPARATE FROM WALLS
It might be hard to notice at first, but look closely and see your cabinet and/or counters pulled away from the wall. If the gap exceeds ½ or even 1/8th of an inch, you should be aware that you may have a bad foundation job that needs fixing. A bad foundation will cause unleveled walls, which in turn will cause things such as cabinets and counters to start to fall off. If you notice any of these signs, you should deeply consider getting your foundation repaired. To get a free consultation, contact Built Strong, experts in foundation repair and home construction.