Foundation repair in Peoria is definitely something that homeowners may eventually have to deal with. Foundation repairs can cause a lot of stress to homeowners who notice problems within their foundation. Cracks are ultimately the most common foundation problem and it is typically the first thing that homeowners notice when they are looking for foundation issues. There are a lot of warning signs to watch out for when it comes to foundation problems and cracks are one of the most common signs.
There are also different types of cracks which can indicate different problems. Some types of cracks can be more of a problem than others or might signal worse foundation problems. We’re going to go through all of the warning signs of foundation problems and what the foundation crack might mean. Get in touch with our Peoria foundation repair company for additional information.
What Are The First Signs Of Foundation Problems?
Foundation problems can be a pain to deal with, but luckily there are many different early signs that you can watch out for that may indicate a foundation problem. These signs are great for homeowners to look for so that they can make a quick decision on getting a professional to inspect their foundation. These are not all of the signs that you should look for but typically these are some of the first signs to watch for. Here are some signs that you should watch out for that can indicate the first signs of foundation issues.
Interior/Exterior cracks: Cracks are one of the first foundation issues that is usually spotted by homeowners. Cracks don’t always mean that there are foundation problems, but they should be checked out just to be sure.
Uneven floors: Uneven floors can be a sure sign of foundation issues. Whether it be bubbled flooring or slanted flooring there is still a possibility of foundation issues. Slanted flooring is typically caused from the foundation moving the floor either upwards or downwards. Bubbled flooring can unfortunately indicate foundation problems that have caused water damage.
Bowed walls: Bowed walls are extremely important to look out for because that is a sure sign of foundation issues. Sometimes a bowed wall might not be noticeable until it starts to really bow in which can be worse.
When should I be concerned about foundation problems?
Foundation problems or possible foundation problems should not be swept under the rug. Homeowners should always pay attention to foundation issues and take them very seriously. Hairline cracks are the least of your worries, but if there are cracks visible that are wider than ¼ inch then they should be looked at by a professional. Cracks are some of the first signs that a homeowner will notice.
Bowed walls, uneven flooring, bubbled ceilings, sticking doors, and sticking windows are all signs of foundation issues as well. These signs are a bit more important to pay attention to because they are caused by foundation issues that may have already been sitting for a little bit. With that being said it is best to be as cautious as possible with foundation issues because they can definitely get worse if left unseen.
When should I get my foundation checked?
Getting your foundation checked is something that a lot of homeowners forget about until there is a problem. Foundation inspections are extremely important to maintain your foundation and the stability of your home. Experts say that you should get your foundation inspected at least twice a year. You should get your foundation inspected even if you don’t see any signs of foundation problems yourself.
Foundation inspections are important so that you can catch any foundation issues early on. Catching these problems earlier rather than later will help both the homeowner and the foundation repair company because the repairs will not be as extensive. For example, it’s much easier and less expensive to fix a foundation crack rather than a foundation that needs piers installed to fix it.
If you live in a climate where the weather tends to have a lot of precipitation or very high winds then you may want to consider getting your foundation checked every quarter. This is because foundations that are in climates where large storms or high winds pass through take more of a hit than foundations located where this isn’t the case. You may also want to check your foundation if you did have a large storm, tornado, or hurricane in your area that may have caused damages.
What happens if you don’t fix foundation problems?
Homeowners might not want to go through the process of getting their foundation fixed, but it is recommended to get foundations fixed as soon as you notice a problem. This is because foundation problems are guaranteed to get worse if they are left untreated. If your foundation has any problems this is usually caused by a larger issue, which unfortunately will cause more problems.
Getting your foundation repaired as soon as you notice a problem will allow the foundation repair company to repair the crack, bowed wall, or other damage but also they will repair what caused these issues in the first place which will ensure that it doesn’t happen again or get any worse. Leaving foundation problems can cause other foundation problems which can eventually lead to a collapsed foundation. Not to mention, leaving foundation problems to get worse is also dangerous to anyone living there.
The Bottom Line
There are a lot of signs that you might have foundation problems, but cracking is one of the first signs that most homeowners and foundation repair companies notice. This is because typically you will see the stress put on the foundation in the walls and corners. This isn’t the only sign of foundation issues though and all of these signs should be taken into consideration.
It’s best to have your foundation inspected so that you can ensure that all your foundation problems get fixed. Foundation inspections are a very important part of home maintenance especially for those that live in cold climates or climates that tend to have a lot of storms and high winds. This is because those foundations take a harder hit than foundations that are in calmer climates.
If you notice any signs of foundation problems be sure to call a foundation repair company as soon as possible. It’s important to get whatever foundation problems you have fixed as soon as possible because they will cause more problems down the road. A home’s foundation is an important part of the structure and leaving any cracks, bowed walls, uneven flooring, or any other foundation problem unrepaired will most definitely cause more damage. A foundation is going to get worse if left unrepaired and this can be very dangerous to anyone living in the home. Remember to always contact a Peoria foundation repair company to get annual foundation inspections or if you notice any signs of foundation problems.