A great home is only as good as its foundations. Buying a home that has stood the test of time may not be able to stand its ground. It’s important to know that there can be problems with foundations and over time the grounds your home is built on can become unstable and move, which will weaken the structural integrity and cause the foundations to shift. This is why you need to know the signs of the poor house foundation.
Cracks
This is one of the first major examples. Many people look at cracks in the home and think it’s just part and parcel of wear and tear over time. However, cracks will indicate that the foundation is beginning to move and put pressure on the home. This is the result of your home’s structure not being able to accommodate the movement it is being subjected to. Cracks can appear in a number of places such as the interior walls, joints, floors and ceilings. These cracks can grow over time, so you’d need to keep an eye out for things like horizontal and vertical cracks and hairline fractures. Before it’s too late, you may want to address the foundations in the form of underpinning specialists like the CDaniels Foundation that can provide underpinning services to give your home more structure.
Sticking Doors or Windows
This is another key warning sign. Windows and doors that do not close properly or stick and jam indicates issues with the home’s foundations. Additionally, you may notice gaps in between the doors and windows and the frame or they don’t line up with the frame. When the foundation moves underneath, the walls will shift, which causes windows and the door frames to be misaligned, which makes it harder for them to open or close.
Sloping
You might be able to see your ceilings, walls, and floors sloping and this issue requires serious foundation repairs, such as underpinning. But it’s important to recognise the type of property you are living in. For example, if you are living in a period property, a sagging floor is par for the course because of how it was constructed. If you are living in a modern home, the sagging floor is something that needs to be checked out. You can start by using a spirit level to check if the walls and floors of the ceiling are buckling or sagging, but you can also inspect the joints, corners, and chimneys, as they should be straight.
Gaps or Spaces
When the foundations really start to change, there will be major gaps and ruptures in the frame. The gaps can appear in between windows and doors as the bricks start to separate from the frame. It’s important to deal with this issue instantly and find specialists that have an understanding of these problems because if they are left alone, the gaps will grow larger, resulting in water leakage or pest infestation.
Poor foundations will cause problems for you and your home, especially if you want to sell it further down the line. Recognising these warning signs can make a big difference.