Your home’s foundation is quite useful. It helps support the entire structure and keeps everything properly aligned. On top of this, it acts as the first line of defense against different kinds of elements.
Some of these include soil movement and water damage. However, it’s only able to offer you such benefits if the foundation is in great condition. Issues like settling, cracks, or weakened footings can quickly compromise its ability to protect your home.
As a homeowner, you definitely don’t want to experience such issues. That’s why you want to come up with proper techniques to prevent them in the first place. This article gives tips to stop settling before it’s too late.
Why do Foundation Footings Matter?
They act as the primary support that keeps everything stable and secure. They help distribute the building’s weight evenly into the soil. Through this, they are able to prevent uneven settling. This means that you don’t have to experience issues like cracks or tilting. When properly installed, they do an amazing job of preventing structural damage over time.
As a property owner, you want to ensure your foundation footings are properly constructed and maintained. Failure to do this may result in minor shifts in the ground structure. This is a problem that can lead to costly repairs down the road.
Common Causes of Foundation Footing Problems
Foundation Footing Repair Before Its Too Late
A major cause is soil movement. It usually happens when the ground beneath a structure expands or shifts. This is usually caused by changes in moisture levels or poor compaction. Another potential cause is natural setting, which usually happens as a building gradually compresses on its own. The way this movement affects is that it places uneven pressure on the footings. This can eventually cause cracks or sinking.
Another common cause is water intrusion. This can come from flooding or excessive rain. Having too much water on the foundation can erode the soil. This ends up reducing stability and increasing the risk of damage.
Early Signs of Foundation Settling to Watch Out For
Cracks in Walls, Floors, and Ceilings
You may notice cracks appearing in these surfaces. Such an issue usually signals that the structure beneath is settling. You may ignore the small hairline cracks. However, this isn’t a very good idea. The main reason behind this is that they can widen or even compromise the integrity of your building.
These cracks are usually accompanied by other signs. Some of these include gaps along baseboards and cracks that follow stair-step patterns in brick or drywall. It’s hence also crucial to be on the lookout for such problems.
If you notice any shortcomings, consider taking immediate action. This is crucial because if left unaddressed, these issues can worsen over time.
Doors and Windows That Stick or Don’t Close Properly
These signs usually come about as a result of uneven settling. Such a scenario usually ends up causing frames to become misaligned. Due to this, you may find that your doors scrape against the floor or jam in the frame. Your windows might also fail to latch or close properly. These issues might look small at first. However, they can end up resulting in other problems. Some of these include drafts, water damage, and even hardware deterioration. Such outcomes end up making repairs complicated and costly.
To avoid such challenges, consider catching the problem early enough. This will help restore proper function and prevent further complications.
Uneven or Sloping Floors
Your floors may tilt or sag. This can cause furniture to wobble and even doors to stick. You may also find it hard to close your cabinets properly. Such shortcomings can end up creating daily frustrations and potential safety hazards.
These challenges usually indicate that the foundation has shifted. This ends up causing the flooring to lose its original alignment.
You don’t want to ignore such early signs. This is because you’ll be creating room for more issues in the future.
Foundation footing issues can be quite detrimental. Therefore, it’s important that you address them early. This is crucial for protecting the safety, stability and value of your NJ home. For this reason, always be on the lookout for the aforementioned signs and take the proper action. Failure to do this can lead to costly repairs and structural risks.
Think you have issues with your foundation footing in New Jersey? Let’s help you out. At Dry Master Waterproofing, we do professional foundation footing repair. Courtesy of our exceptional service, you’ll be able to enjoy a strong and secure home for many years to come.
