Do an At-Home Check of Your Foundation: What to Look For

When it comes to being a homeowner, you have a lot on your plate. You must maintain the integrity of your home, from the interior to the exterior. You take great care to ensure you protect your investment, including inspecting the foundation of your home. It is recommended that anyone who owns a home complete a check of the foundation. Look for any issues at least once a year to ensure that your home is not susceptible to such issues as water damage or cracking.

Planning Your Inspection

The best seasons to inspect your foundation is the spring and fall. During these months, the weather can be mild, making it easy for you to check the exterior of your foundation. In areas where you have a crawlspace, the weather allows you to easily review the interior of your foundation when it can be reached. With this inspection, you can find any issues and receive concrete assistance as needed.

Flaking and Cracks

Issues that are common involving foundations includes flaking and cracks. With flaking, this is where the foundation is starting to flake off. This can be due to water issues or other problems. With cracks, this can be natural due to the foundation settling or a bigger issue. When you find large cracks within your foundation, then they must be addressed.

You could have a shifting issue of the ground under your foundation that may lead to major movement which could damage the walls, flooring and ceiling of your home. If cracks are left unchecked, your home may face serious repair issues that can be quite costly.

Water Damage

There are several signs regarding water damage that can be present within the foundation. Standing water is a major issue. This can be due to incorrect grading of your yard. After a heavy rainstorm, check for standing water. If you have standing water that does not drain drown even after a few hours, then you will have water damage in the future.

The water will start to seep into the foundation and lead to the issues such as shifting or bulging. Water damage can also result in mold and mildew growth. Think about how dark it can be underneath your home. Add in water and you create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.

This issue can lead to health issues if not removed. Taking care of a major mold issue takes time as well as money. By checking for water damage on a regular basis, you can catch such problems early and remove them before you start to see major repair and removal costs.

Be sure to check your foundation once to twice a year. If you have major weather events, such as flooding, inspect your foundation soon after. This will ensure that you can catch any issues that could become a water damage problem.

By being proactive, you can better protect your home as well as your family. Set a calendar date on your mobile phone for a simple reminder to ensure you check your foundation each year as needed.