By Gordon Lee
The foundation of your home is one of the most important parts of your structure—when it fails, so does your home. Unfortunately, a bad foundation can be hard to see from the outside, and you may only realize that something’s wrong when water damage starts seeping into your living room or you notice cracks in the walls. If you suspect that your home’s foundation needs repair, here are some factors to look out for that could point to hidden structural issues beneath the surface of your foundation. For more resources, be sure to contact our team for foundation repair in Bowling Green KY.
What are the signs of foundation problems in Kentucky?
You don’t need an engineer or an architect to spot early warning signs of foundation problems. A little common sense and good eyes can prevent big problems down the road. Here are some signs that your home may have foundation issues. Cracks in interior and exterior walls appear when foundations settle, shift, or subside. Homeowners should investigate all cracks that form inside and outside their homes, especially if they see them spreading over time.
Any structural problems with your home’s foundation can also cause doors and windows to stick or close unevenly. Typically, when foundations are cracked, they also settle unevenly. Doors and windows on one side of your home may not be opening or closing properly because there is an uneven distribution of weight above them. In many cases, you can temporarily remedy sticking doors and windows by adding additional weights.
Water
It comes as no surprise that water causes many foundation problems and foundation repair in Kentucky. When water sits on your foundation’s surface too long, two things happen: The moisture seeps into cracks and fissures in your concrete or masonry; these tiny channels then become prime areas for mildew and mold growth.
The other problem is that water freezes, which can lead to cracking and breaking. This can happen when water seeps into your foundation or runs off of your roof and side walks. If you have an older home with a flat roof, then you might also be at risk for ice dams. Ice dams are caused by melting snow on top of your roof pushing against shingles and eventually leaking into your attic. To prevent these problems from happening to you, make sure you keep gutters clear of debris and make sure that any downspouts are directed away from your house’s foundation.
Tree Roots
Trees are important to your home’s foundation, and no doubt, you want your foundation—and trees—to stay strong. Tree roots will grow under foundations as they grow, causing cracks and causing other problems that can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. Make sure tree roots don’t compromise your home’s foundation with regular inspections.
No matter what kind of trees grow near your home, they can cause problems with your foundation. Trees will attempt to access any water source possible, which can mean sending their roots deep into other plants and soil. If your home’s foundation is close enough for their roots to reach it, you may need to take action. If your home was built on top of fill dirt, then there’s also a chance that tree roots could compromise your basement walls. A basement wall crack can leak water and eventually lead to structural damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair. If you suspect there are tree root issues near your home, call a professional right away so they can identify if there are indeed issues.
When should you call a professional foundation repair expert in Kentucky?
While there are many things that can cause your foundation to crack, bulge or sink, it’s important to know when you should call a professional for foundation repair in Kentucky. Here are a few reasons why you might need some expert repair work done.
If you notice any of these issues with your foundation, it’s time to call a professional. If your house is more than 20 years old and you’re starting to see signs of deterioration, that’s another sign that it might be time for expert repairs. It’s also important to know if there has been recent construction on your property—such as adding an addition or building a deck—as these types of projects can sometimes cause damage to foundations. It’s also important to keep an eye out for cracks in interior walls or ceilings, especially if they appear around windows or doors.
How much does foundation repair cost?
Most homeowners will pay around $4,729 to repair foundation issues depending on how much needs to be fixed. If your foundation is damaged and you aren’t sure whether it’s necessary to have it repaired or not, contact a professional today. A small crack can turn into a huge problem if left alone for too long. It may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, but it could end up saving you thousands of dollars down the road if you fix your Kentucky foundation early enough.
Is it worth repairing an older home’s foundation?
Your foundation is a crucial part of your house. Ultimately if you have any desire for it to be livable, you’ll want to repair the foundation. If your end game is to sell as is, then a repair may not be necessary. However, if you are looking to make an older home inhabitable again, then repairs will most likely be required. The next question becomes whether or not it’s worth doing repairs on an older home with a poor foundation. While there are many factors that go into answering that question, there are some things that can help give you a better idea of what to do with your particular situation. If there is any doubt, contact a professional today.
How do I prevent my foundation from needing repairs in the future?
The best way to avoid foundation repairs in Kentucky is by addressing potential issues as soon as they arise. If you spot any of these symptoms, contact your local home improvement company for an inspection. A crack greater than 1/4 inch wide on your concrete foundation. Cracks that are shallow but wider than 1/4 inch are more problematic and might require additional reinforcement and sealing. Additionally, vertical cracks often lead to horizontal cracks later on. Sagging floors or doors. This could be caused by water damage or shifting soil. Check your basement regularly for signs of moisture or flooding, and make sure your sump pump works properly during heavy rainstorms. Swelling or bulging walls could be caused by excess moisture or shifting soil, both of which can damage drywall and wood framing over time.
