Home foundation issues can be caused by many things, including water damage, high humidity levels, and failure to install the foundation correctly. They can be very problematic for homeowners. The first step to preventing home foundation issues is to identify their causes.
What causes home foundation issues?
Home foundation problems are often caused by poor foundation design or poor construction. They can also be caused by heavy snow, strong winds, poor drainage, and extreme weather conditions.
Common causes leading to foundation problems are:
• Poor construction leading to cracks in the foundation and sagging floors.
• Old foundations that haven’t been updated for modern-day living standards.
• Heavy snow or flooding can cause structural damage to your home’s foundation.
If you find that your home is sinking, it is most likely because there is not enough support from underneath to hold up its weight. Holes in the floor can also lead to problems with shifting floors and settling walls.
4 Tips to Prevent Home Foundation Issues
Foundations are vulnerable to damage in certain circumstances. Many homeowners have learned this the hard way. These tips will help keep your home more resistant to foundation issues and in better shape for years to come. To prevent problems from occurring in your home’s foundation, follow these tips to help keep your foundation safe:
1. Fix Plumbing Issues
Leaks in your plumbing are an issue; they can leak into the foundation, cause mold and mildew, or even flood the basement or crawlspace. Unfortunately, homeowners often don’t know this problem is happening until serious structural issues come up. Therefore, routinely having your plumbing inspected for leaks can prevent this problem.
2. Improve Water Drainage
Water damage can destroy floors, walls, and ceilings. The culprit is often a drainage system that isn’t up to par. To avoid this problem and keep your home’s foundation dry and stable, improve water drainage away from your home by using gutters, downspouts, proper grading, and drains.
3. Keep Trees at a Safe Distance
Trees can be a beautiful part of any landscape, but they can also cause foundation issues. Tree roots can invade the soil under your home and cause serious problems to its foundation. Make sure trees aren’t planted too close to your home and remove them if they are.
4. Check for Cracks in the Foundation
Foundation issues can affect the structural integrity of your home and lead to serious safety hazards. A simple check for cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation is the first step to preventing further foundation damage.
Home foundations are one of the most important aspects of a home. A poorly designed foundation can make a house not structurally sound. So, it is important for homeowners to hire professionals who know how to spot and fix foundation problems.
Catawba Island Home Inspections serves Northwest Ohio. Contact us to schedule a home inspection.