Keeping an eye out on potential issues with our household is the best way to prevent potentially disastrous issues that may form and increase in severity if we aren’t vigilant. The issues we may face can all be taken care of by professionals but it’s on us to recognize their appearance. It’s always helpful to know what to look for so take a look at the below examples and do a quick scan of the area.
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Cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors
The clearest way to discern a problem with the foundation is by checking for cracks and gaps around the exterior of the building. Their appearance indicates that there are some issues with the foundation itself. If these cracks start appearing on your floors and walls the issue has already gotten out of hand. These various cracks may even cause your foundation to move around in certain situations. This shift can cause gaps to become bigger and cause even more dangerous issues.
When inspecting keep in mind that small cracks are normal. They occur as the foundation simmers down and the materials settle on the soil. However, these cracks shouldn’t be more than 1/16” wide. If you note those of bigger width it may be the right time to contact a professional and deal with the issue. For foundation repairs, Foundation Repair Athens TX is the right choice. They are a team of professionals with experience in their craft who will take care of your foundation issues.
If you are living in an older house your foundation may be long overdue for a foundation check so get on it as soon as possible. While the initial fracturing may not immediately reflect that there’s damage on the foundation every time, they should be checked as soon as possible. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our building’s fortitude.
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Foundation sinking
Another thing to keep in mind is your foundation sinking into the ground. The sinkage may happen over time and cause the whole foundation to become uneven, giving the building a slightly angled floor. This issue may seem inconsequential at first but the slight tilt may become more prominent as time goes on, making the building more dangerous to be in due to the dangers posed by the slant. Some heavier items may tip over due to lack of stability and cause injury which is why it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The whole foundation is guaranteed to sink a bit during its first few years but the sinking should be mostly symmetrical, leaving very little disparity between the sides. The uneven slant is something you should consult the professionals on. Usual solutions include foundation piers that raise up the foundation to a proper level.
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Doors closing and opening improperly
The doors of your household may stick or have issues with opening and closing. In this case, there is a chance your foundation has issues. This issue affects both interior and exterior doors, usually making the internal ones stick and drag on the top while making external ones drag at the threshold and hang at the top. This gives the exterior doors an uneven appearance but also risks damage to your threshold making repairs decently important.
This issue may stem from humidity or improper installation but it’s always good to keep an eye out on potential foundation issues. If they aren’t identified, the issues can easily spread and cause more serious problems.