5 Pro Tips for Inspecting a Home’s Foundation

(guest post by Ryan Bridges)

Inspecting a home’s foundation is an exercise which needs to be done very carefully and thoroughly. The knowledge in carrying out this inspection is essential as it guides you to carry out the inspection process confidently. Most people are usually doubtful while inspecting a home. Once you are in doubt of doing the activity by yourself, it is prudent to deal with a professional foundation Inspector who will inspect with ease and expertise. There is never a good substitute for a professional foundation inspection. The five pro tips for inspecting a home foundation are elaborated as follows:

Check the Drainage of the house and the areas around.
In the home, the sign of water pipe damage is a clear indication of foundation problems. Regions which have high rainfall may be susceptible to poor drainage. This can quickly be noticed by the standing puddles which do not drain water properly after it rains. Such occurrences may lead to foundation failure. Moreover, you may see extreme changes in the surrounding soil, water composition, and this may result in moisture and mold in the basement area.

Hydrostatic pressure forces water through this foundation wall, which indicates a drainage problem outside the home.

Check the state of the doors and windows.
Sometimes you may notice the unusual behavior of your doors and windows, such as difficulty opening or closing and staying that way. This is the time that you need to make your decision to get aid from an expert. The entries may no longer close as they used to close and the same happens to your windows. Why this drastic change? You may also notice the leaning and bulging of the walls around the door. This is a clear indication of the changes in the foundation.

Check the state of the Concrete.
In the event of inspecting your home and you notice that the concrete is crumbling and chipping then this is a clear indication of the damaged foundation. This might be due to seasonal contractions and expansions. In case you notice such changes don’t hesitate to contact an expert. The experts might have a direct and sustainable solution to your problem.

Check whether there are Cracks and Fissures.
When you notice cracks and/or fissures in your foundation, know that this is a visible sign of foundation damage. Sometimes it is difficult to interpret, but all you need to do is check the limit of the cracks. If the cracks are big, then an immediate action needs to be taken. Check whether the cracks are horizontal or vertical. In this case, you will be able to contact an expert with precise details of the cracks.

Check for Roof Leaks.
Roof leaks may trap or release moisture to your structure excessively. It is good to check if the roof leaks and in what specific location it is leaking. In cases where the leakages take place, you need to contact a specialist.

The foundation inspection of the home foundation is a process which can take place anytime and for many reasons. Many people practice this activity, however, it is most commonly and effectively done by a professional. It is crucial for a homeowner to check the foundation of the house regularly. It is sometimes difficult to conduct the exercise, but with these inspection tips, you may quickly look for and identify the problems in your foundation easily.

 

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