Foundation issues can be a significant problem for homeowners and the structure of homes in general. However, in order for a homeowner to know when it is necessary to contact Residential Foundation Contractors, they will first need to be alerted to the issues that could indicate a foundation problem.
Different Foundations, Different Warning Signs
The first thing that needs to be taken into consideration is the type of foundation that a home uses. Different types of foundations will exhibit different warning signs that can alert a homeowner to a foundation problem. Typically, when a home has a basement, the basement boundary walls generally act as the foundation for the home. However, for homes that don’t have a basement, the foundation is typically a concrete slab that the home sits on.
Slab Foundation Issues
The possible foundation problems will vary a great deal. For example, for a slab foundation, cracking along the interior or exterior walls, the ceilings, and the floors of the home can typically indicate a problematic foundation. If doorways inside of the home don’t have enough clearance to properly open and close, this can also indicate a foundation that is shifting, dipping or that has become cracked and damaged.
Problematic Basement Walls
For basements, it can be a bit more problematic. Typically, the presence of high levels of moisture or a basement that is extremely drafty can mean that there are cracks in the basement walls. This can indicate foundation problems. However, as a basement settles, cracks will appear in the walls, and this may have nothing to do with the structural integrity of the home.
Regardless of whether it’s a slab foundation or basement walls, if you suspect that there is a problem with the foundation of your home, it will be important to contact Residential Foundation Contractors. These professional contractors can come out and inspect some of the signs of a faulty foundation. They can even investigate basement walls or, to a lesser extent, a slab foundation to determine if the home is experiencing foundation issues and to what degree those issues are in play.
