Most people panic when they hear others talk
about having foundation problems with their homes. Foundation problems can be a small issue that
never gets any worse, or they can escalate to the point of making your home
unsafe. If you see any signs of
foundation problems, it is critical that you contact a professional to inspect
your home and determine what kind of a problem you are facing.
In most cases, the earlier you take action,
the much easier (and cheaper) it will be to fix the issue. The problem is that most people don't really
know what to look for to see if their foundation is stable. Here are some items you can look for to
identify potential problems with the foundation of your home.
Cracks in the Foundation
This is an easy one to recognize, because cracks
in the foundation are easy to see with a simple walk around the outside of your
home.
Basement Walls
Cracks or bulges in a basement wall can also
be the sign of a potential foundation problem.
The problem with this one is that most people only see part of their
basement wall because it's covered up by all the items that people store in
their basement. Some people don't ever
go in their basement which means they won't see these problems unless they look
for them.
Windows That Don't Lock
This is an issue that most people don't
relate to foundation problems, but it can be a big sign. If your windows don't lock (and they used
to), it could mean the foundation has shifted and it could be a problem.
Cracks in Bricks
You can also look
at any brick walls in or around your home to look for foundation problems. The early signs will likely show up in the
mortar around the bricks.