Keep an Eye Out for Foundation Problems
If you notice cracks or discolored spots in your home's foundation, call on the professional repair technicians at Beyond Waterproofing and Foundation Repair. A well-maintained foundation is crucial to the health of your entire home so you want to look out for problems that can grow and become something more troublesome. There are certain things to look out for on both the inside and outside of your foundation and basement. If you notice any of the following issues below, reach out to our licensed contractors to take a closer look.
Cracks on the outside of the foundation.
External cracks can cause leaks, which will only get worse over time.
Moisture or mildew problems
A moldy smell in the basement or visible signs of mold and fungus can be indications that the waterproof membrane barriers covering the inside and outside of the foundation have been breached. This problem will only get worse if the materials are not replaced.
Any crumbling spots on the foundation walls
Crumbling concrete is no longer strong enough to withstand hydrostatic pressure from the outside and concrete that has been weakened creates a safety threat to the entire structure of your home.
Interior sheetrock and drywall cracks
These cracks may have started on the outside and worked their way in. They can also indicate a weakening of the concrete due to expansion and contraction from extreme temperatures or shifting of the backfill. Once moisture gets past the foundation walls, it spreads inside and causes cracks and leaks.
Water stains by the baseboards or by the ceiling
This type of leak may indicate a space in the foundation between the basement footings and the foundation wall or the foundation wall and the basement wall. Any of these scenarios allow moisture to collect on the inside of the foundation.
Changes in the level of the basement floor
Any areas that dip where they didn’t before or floors that now slope can be symptomatic of a bigger problem with the concrete slab under the floor. Any issue with the slab will affect all connected walls and footings surrounding it.
Push piers
Foundation piers are critical structural components installed deep in the ground to access steady soil or rock layers, thus offering the support your foundation needs. These piers serve as stable pillars, transferring the weight of the home down to more stable soil, averting future settling and, in some cases, offering the chance to elevate the house back to its original stance. Engaging in a detailed strategy for holistic solutions is instrumental in upholding your home’s structural health.
