The Dangers Of Foundation Cracks And Issues
Foundation problems mean expensive repairs. Here’s what to look for to stop a small crack from causing more damage down the line.
The 4 Indoor Warning Signs That You Should Look For
Houses change and settle over time, a little unevenness isn’t caused for panic, but you should still get it checked. Nevertheless, you need to keep in mind that these signs mean that more dramatic changes are on the way.
Look out for:
- A door begins to jam or fails to latch.
- Cracks appear in walls, especially over doorways, windows, or where walls meet ceilings.
- Cracks open in vinyl or ceramic tile over a concrete floor.
- Windows that used to open and close easily suddenly begin to stick or won’t close completely.
Here Are Some Of The Issues That These Warning Signs Bring
These changes to your home can bring a set of issues and troubles that will cost you more money than it would have if only you had checked it earlier.
Water Hazards
Cracks in your home’s foundation can cause your basement to become wet or even flood. In that case, the water could also damage the foundation by weakening the concrete and support structure. When the foundation of a home is left that way, it could lead to the deformation of the foundation walls or, in worse cases, the collapse of the home itself.
If water damage accumulates and your basement becomes wet, mould can also begin to form. Mould can be very hazardous to your health, especially your respiratory system. In addition to potential health hazards, mould can also do a great deal of damage to furniture, clothing, and food supplies.
Structural Hazards
Even if your foundation has cracked with no sign of water damage, the foundation may still have structural problems. Damaged foundations can lead to other problems in the home. If the cracks are not repaired, the concrete can begin to fracture and crumble around the affected area, leading to more costly repairs.
Another problem is pest invasions. Termites, for example, can squeeze through very small cracks and can cause damage to the interior of your walls, floors, and ceiling. These pests eat away plant material, meaning the wood inside your walls will become a target for these animals. The risk of pest invasions increases if there has been water damage and decay to the wooden supports.
Solutions
The best way to repair a crack in a home’s foundation is to fill the cracks. This will prevent water from entering the home and will help preserve the structural integrity of the home’s foundation. Additionally, the injection method for repairing a foundation is much cheaper than many of the more extensive repairs that might be needed if the foundation becomes even more damaged.
If your home needs foundation repair or any of the other services we offer, you can contact us via email at info@ostan.ca or give us a call.
