A home’s foundation is the substructure on which it stands. When it cracks or causes other parts of the house to become unaligned, it may be time to have it checked out by a Foundation Repair Contractor in Cedar Rapids IA. If the foundation has shifted or incurred any type of damage it should be repaired as soon as possible, since postponing it can lead to more costly and extensive repairs down the road.
Signs of Potential Foundation Problems
There are many signs that can indicate that a foundation has a problem. Some signs to be aware of include gaps or cracks that suddenly appear on exterior or interior walls, settling of the foundation or the appearance that it is sinking, movement of the foundation in an upward direction, doors and windows that no longer open properly, gaps and spaces around doors and windows, floors that sag or are uneven, and moisture that keeps building up in a crawlspace or basement. If any of these signs have been noticed, a Foundation Repair Contractor in Cedar Rapids IA should be contacted for advice on how to remedy the situation.
Causes of Foundation Issues
When a foundation has issues, it’s important to address the root of the problem at the same time. Failure to remedy what’s causing a foundation to fail may result in the foundation slipping again after repairs have been completed. Structural damage should never be ignored since doing so may lead to safety issues.
Water in the Basement
When water keeps building up in a basement or a crawlspace, it may be the result of seepage through a cracked foundation. In order to correct this problem, all foundation cracks should be sealed to prevent water from coming inside. A Basement Waterproofing Company has several solutions that can correct water seepage including installing a sump pump and injecting cracks with a polyurethane chemical grout to keep them from growing in size.
While there are many reasons for a foundation to fail, there are a few tips that can help to prevent foundation damage from occurring. Watering a foundation on a regular basis can keep the soil around it consistent which may prevent a foundation from moving. Properly grading a yard so that water doesn’t puddle around a foundation and planting trees and shrubs at a distance can also help. The key is to watch for and address any foundation changes.
