Every home needs a proper foundation, which is commonly made of poured concrete. Structural issues, however, are bound to happen and they could jeopardize the safety of your home. Before everything becomes worse, you have to know what kind of signs indicate foundation problems.
The Signs
A reputable foundation company in Denver can tell you whether your home is safe. The service will use the right equipment to determine problems with certainty. But you can still look for visible cues of structural issues, so you’ll know when to call an expert.
Here are the telltale signs to observe:
- Drywall cracks on floors, walls, columns, and window and door openings
- Windows and doors that do not latch properly
- Bowing basement walls or walls that bend inward
- Sinking stoops and front porches
- Sagging floors in crawl spaces
- Overall water damage or intrusion
- Leaning chimneys
Foundation issues are more common in old houses. But even a new house can show such problems. Watch out for these less obvious signs before they cause more damage.
The Causes
What’s causes foundation problems if issues can still arise in new homes? There are three culprits for foundation issues:
- Stem walls deteriorate: A stem wall is the base structure, which stands on top of your concrete slab. Other walls and floors of the house are attached to it.
- Foundation heave: This happens when the soil under the foundation surges up as time passes. It can happen to make up for other areas that settle, which is another reason for foundation issues.
- Foundation settlement: Time and weather affect the foundation. Both factors can cause the soil underneath the foundation to sink.
Different kinds of foundations, like concrete, wood, and masonry, can give way easily when your contractors didn’t prepare the ground well. The soil may not have been adequately compacted or poor method was used; cut and fill typically lead to foundation problems. New homes may also be unsafe if insufficient steel or poor concrete were used to build it.
The Costs
There’s no easy way to resolve foundation problems. And it will cost money. On average, HomeAdvisor.com says, the repairs can cost about $4,501. But the costs can vary, depending on the kind of foundation problem you have and the gravity of the issue.
Here are other costs you might have to spend.
- Major repairs typically range from $1,848 to $6,400
- Fixing cracks can cost you from $250 to $800
- Repairs for leaks, on the other hand, can amount to about $2,000 to $6,000
- Setting or sinking costs vary. For pier or pile, repairs can reach about $1,000 to $3,000 per unit, while mudjacking can cost you from $500 to $1,300.
- Bowing basement walls charge an average of $350 to $1,000 per reinforcement strip
- A brand new foundation can amount to about $40,000
A home’s foundation is essential to its safety. A mere movement in the slab over time or improper drainage that’s left unchecked can cause an entire foundation to give way. Don’t let the small issues jeopardize your property. And get the problems fixed right away.
