Ultimate House Foundation Inspection Checklist
Every year your residence requires a reevaluation of the condition of its foundation. The foundation of any home is the element that is responsible for supporting the structure of the building. So, it is crucial to have some maintenance routines scheduled on a yearly basis so that your residence stays in the best possible condition. Below we have put forward a simple checklist to ensure that your home stays protected with a residential foundation inspection.
1. Examine the Floors During House Foundation Inspection
Take a close look at your home, starting from the first floor. Pay special attention to any possible signs of cracks, bowing, or sagging. Look for gaps or in other words spacing between walls, floor, and ceiling. You have the option to use a tennis ball or a laser level for a thorough examination of flooring. If the tennis ball starts rolling it shows that the floor is uneven. It is also important to look if the tennis ball’s pace is slow or fast. A fast-rolling rate presents that the foundation is badly damaged.
2. Doors & Windows Inspection
A wall becomes weak when large gaps or cracks such as the doors or windows are created. These large spaces are normally the initial symptoms of a damaged foundation. Here is what you need to look for:
- Any possible gaps between doors and windows
- Cracks that appear and extend in the drywall from corners of doors or windows
- A window or a door separating an exterior finish
- Look out for Cracks
3. Look Out for Cracks – Free Foundation Inspection
Cracks may form over time and some of them could be more significant with time. Below are some factors to look out for while performing a thorough inspection of a home foundation.
- Diagonal – Appear when a building settles non-uniformly.
- Hairline – Contemplated as a cosmetic concern and it does not pose a threat to the structural support of any building
- Vertical – We often come across this when the natural foundation of a building undergoes erosion and leads towards seepage of a basement
- Horizontal – This one is the most problematic issue of any home’s foundation. These cracks jeopardize the overall structure of a building when found in the middle of lower walls.
4. Look Out for Mold, Moisture, and Also Poor Drainage
Are the floors of your home slopping or sagging? This may be an indication that moisture has seeped inside the floors. Long-lasting moisture may lead to the growth of bacteria, mold, or other microbes. Some microbes can destroy drywall, and wooden planks or may leave a nasty smell throughout your entire home. Improper drainage can cause water to stand around the foundation of a home. Water creates hydrostatic pressure which produces cracks and holes within the concrete of any foundation.
5. Damage Caused by Plumbing
Plumbing can cause multiple issues, one of them being moisture. Dampness is the major cause of a damaged foundation. If you notice any plumbing issues, consider getting immediate help from a plumber.
6. Check Exterior Foundation
While moving outside a residence towards an exterior foundation, make sure to check the chimneys and patios for any possible shifting or movement. A chimney is more prone to get separated from a building because of a weak foundation. You can rapidly determine these spaces from just a quick glance.
Why Get a WTX Foundation Repair
A yearly inspection is a good way to prevention of irreversible foundation damage. If any of the above mentioned problems are found during a DIY inspection, they should be immediately evaluated by a professional.
With an extensive experience of about 20 years, WTX is offering concrete house leveling, superior foundation, and also waterproofing services in Eastern New Mexico and West Texas. Give us a quick phone call to schedule a free foundation inspection and quick consultation for a house foundation inspection.
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