The foundation of your house is the structure that holds it in place, and if you have bad foundations, then there could be some severe problems. Good foundations are solid and long-lasting, but poor ones can result in cracks forming on walls or floors throughout the home. Not only this, they can cause water damage, issues with the foundation shifting and settling, or worse still – they can lead to your home becoming structurally unsound! This is why it’s so important to check you have good foundations. Here are some tips for how to go about doing this yourself.

Look At Photos Of The Outside

The foundation of your home should be level, not sinking in places. If your home is sagging in places, then the foundations might be poor, and you should get a professional to come out and take a look. Take some photos of the outside of your home with your phone. If there are any cracks or signs of movement on the walls, don’t hesitate to ask for help from an expert – it could save you serious money and time later on. Also, taking photos and videos of any damage is a good idea if you need to file an insurance claim.

Big Trees Are A Problem

Roots can cause cracks in foundations and driveways. Large trees should be monitored for signs of distress, such as cracking bark or leaning trunks, because they may uproot in a storm and damage the house’s foundation. Tree roots can also cause problems when you dig around them to install utilities like gas lines. They have been known to crack sewer pipes underground by pushing through weak points in the pipe.

Concrete Cracks

In cold climates, concrete can crack from expanding and contracting water in frozen ground. In hot weather regions, concrete slabs may also buckle due to expansive soil or improper installation that doesn’t allow for expansion and contraction of the foundation. The best way to know if your foundation is cracked or shifting is to call a professional home inspector. If cracks are found, you may have water damage from leaking windows and doors, as well as other problems that potentially shorten the life of your house. The inspection can also tell whether any structural elements like beams or posts need reinforcement for added support.

Water Damage

One of the leading causes of foundation issues. Leaking pipes or roof issues can result in water damage that penetrates the foundation, leading to expensive repairs down the road if caught early enough. Several tell-tale signs of a bad foundation include:

Cracks and bulging walls.
Uneven floors.
Gaps between exterior wall siding and the foundation.

A bad foundation can cause many problems. This is why it’s important to conduct home inspections to know what kind of work needs to be done on the house before purchase or if construction is required during the building process. A professional inspector will ensure that your new home doesn’t have any issues with its foundation and provide a list of things that the owner should focus on after moving in. The inspection process is necessary to make sure you are purchasing a home with no problems.

Home Inspection: How To Spot A Bad Foundation