Foundation Repair: Do You Need It?

The best way to determine if you need foundation repair is to call a company experienced in such matters to come out and perform a full inspection. Of course, you aren't going to do that unless you have some reason to suspect you might have a problem to begin with. This can be difficult for homeowners to assess by themselves. Many common symptoms can be mistaken for other causes and problems, thus leading homeowners to address the symptoms instead of working at the root of the problem. Here are some of the signs that you might have a problem. If you experience any of the following issues, you might want to consider an inspection.

Basement Flooding
Have you noticed pools of water forming in your basement after rain? If so, this is a major problem and should not be something you metaphorically sweep under the rug. While it may only require some extra sealing around the basement walls, it could be a sign that you need foundation repair. Your best bet is to have a professional come out and look at the problem. Preferably, choose someone who isn't affiliated with a company also interested in getting your business, which presents a conflict of interest.

Doors and Windows
Doors and windows can give you very clear telltale signs that you are in need of foundation repair. Take notice if your doors are no longer closing properly or are getting stuck when you try to open them. This goes for your windows also. Are you able to pull them down all the way and lock them? As with basement flooding, having some problems with an individual window or door is not a signal that you have foundational problems to the exclusion of any other issues. However, it does bear further investigation and you shouldn't simply assume that it is warping from the humidity or some other minor problem.

Additional Signs
Merely taking a close tour of your home can reveal many of the signs that foundation repair might be in your future. Look carefully at the sheetrock. Cracks around the corners of your doorframes are a common sign that there is a problem. Look at your wallpaper, if you have it, and see if it has wrinkled recently. This can happen when the walls shift, even slightly. Look at the moldings. Are there gaps between them and the walls they are attached to? Some of this could be shoddy construction, but if they are problems you have never noticed before, it could be a sign of foundational problems.