The Problems with Waiting Too Long to Repair Your Home’s Foundation
Like any problem, it’s never a good idea to wait too long to address it. That goes for your home’s foundation as well.
Oftentimes, homeowners are simply unaware of the signs of foundation problems. Some homeowners may also be concerned about costs when it comes to foundation repair. This is an understandable concern, but as with most issues, costs can increase the longer you let the problem linger.
If you notice that your home is experiencing foundation issues, the first step is to have a foundation inspection done by a reputable foundation repair company. The second step is to move forward and have the problems with your foundation fixed, as early in the process as you can. If cost is a concern, you may want to look into ways to finance your foundation repair.
Here’s a look at some things that could happen if you decide not to make foundation repairs.
1. Your Foundation Could Settle and Sink
Depending on the cause and the severity of your foundation damage, your foundation can actually move and slowly start to sink. This will cause the floors in your home to become uneven, doors may not seamlessly fit when they close, and cracks may slowly start to form in your walls, window joints and other places.
Some settling is normal, but settling can also lead to bigger issues depending on the circ*mstances. Settling can be caused by age, as well as excessive moisture and soil issues. Over time the soil around your house can change, causing your house to settle and eventually sink. In some cases, you may need to have house leveling performed.
2. Rodents and Insects Can Make an Unexpected Appearance
Once your home’s foundation begins to deteriorate, you may find you have some unwanted guests: insects, rodents and other critters can make their way into your home through the small spaces that allow for cracks in your foundation.
If your home has a pier and beam foundation, in which there are crawl spaces, you run a greater risk of attracting rodents.
Once they get into the foundation, they can make their way into your home, where they can breed and multiply, in some cases leading to a major infestation. If rodents, such as mice get into your home, they can burrow into your walls and chew electrical wires, causing additional problems.
Though an exterminator can temporarily stop the infestation, if it is due to foundation issues, those issues need to be addressed in order to end the problem completely.
3. Your Plumbing Could Be Damaged
Foundation problems can cause serious issues with your home’s plumbing. If you have a pier and beam home, your pipes will more than likely be fused with the foundation and traverse into your home. If you have a slab foundation, the pipes would be situated underneath the slab; you may have had a leak for several years and not even know it existed, leading to the need for under slab plumbing repair.
Once the foundation starts to shift, the pipes can also start to move, crack, and break, resulting in serious water problems. If you notice that you have problems with your pipes, or even if you notice an escalation in your water bill, reach out to a plumber to check for any leaks and contact a foundation repair expert to assess any possible damage.
4. Moisture, Mold and Mildew
With water leaks and broken pipes, come moisture issues. Excessive dampness can impact the beams in your home (and is a particular cause for concern if you have a pier and beam foundation).
Once the wood gets damp, it can start to rot and spread mold and mildew, which can affect underneath your house, as well as the interior walls. Check your foundation for cracks to make sure that no moisture is present and that your crawl space is dry.
With the onset of mold, you may have to contact a mold remediation specialist. In some cases, this can involve removing the drywall in your home and replacing any damaged beams, once the foundation has been repaired.
Mold is extremely toxic, and it’s also microscopic, so you may not see it at first. If you or anyone if your family has respiratory issues, mold and mildew can seriously aggravate them. Even if you can’t see it, if you suspect mold, it’s a good idea to reach out to a mold specialist immediately.
About Done Right Foundation Repair
Locally Owned, Texas Proud
Done Right Foundation Repair was created over 20 years ago by Chris Felsing with the support of his family. He started with a small team and a big dream, learning the ins and outs of foundation repair as he went. He and his team looked for ways to provide a complete solution to all foundation issues and have worked tirelessly for the past 20 years to master their craft.Our Central Texas locations:Done Right Foundation Repair in Austin,Done Right Foundation Repair in New Braunfels,Done Right Foundation Repair in San Marcos
