Your home’s foundation isn’t like curtains or paint. It is not easily replaced or repaired if issues are allowed to pile up. Today, we take a quick look at early warning signs of foundation damage and what you can do to prevent these seemingly small issues from becoming a major hassle.
Common Signs of Foundation Problems
There are several ways your home’s foundation can signal that it is in need of repair. You might notice nail pops, wall and floor gaps, uneven floors, or cracked drywall. Stuck doorways and windows that will not open are also telltale signs. From the outside, your chimney may begin to separate from your home, and you may notice sinking or settlement.
Small Problem, Big Consequences
While a popped nail here and there may not indicate a major structural breakdown, a combination of issues can. Structural concerns must be addressed quickly to keep your home’s foundation intact. Even small defects, such as hairline cracks, can progress and lead to water intrusion, which contributes to mold, wood rot, and damage to flooring, drywall, and insulation. Moisture can also cause concrete and steel to deteriorate.
Compounding Costs
Every day a home sits with foundation problems; the damage can increase. This can lead to significant costs, including pier systems and full wall replacement. If repairs are delayed, you may find that property value and marketability decrease. Importantly, water damage may be excluded from your homeowner’s insurance policy, meaning you could be responsible for the full cost of repairs.
What You Can Do
The first step in reducing damage is to document any issues. Do a quick interior and exterior check and look for cracks, especially those wider than 1/8 of an inch. Then, head outside and extend your downspouts six to 10 feet away from the home.
Barrier Waterproofing Can Help
Once you have documented the damage and extended your downspouts, contact Barrier Waterproofing. Our foundation repair services are open to all Nashville area homeowners. We offer a range of services, from cracked and bowed wall repair to the DynaPier foundation support system.
