When your home is destroyed by a flood, termites, hail, or even a wildfire, you initially feel out of place and hopeless. The place that was once your sanctuary is now unsafe and unlivable, and you're not sure what to do first. Actually, your first call should be to a home restoration company. They have the equipment to dry out your home, assess the damage, and then make the necessary repairs to make it livable again. It may not be tomorrow, and it may not be next week — but you'll have your home back. Learn more about restoration and home repairs by reading the articles we've collected on this website.
Poor craftsmanship and the shifting of a home after it has been erected can result in foundation issues. Something as minor as a narrow crack can evolve and transform into a wide gap that will compromise the integrity of your home's foundation. If you are going to be seeking home insurance, it is important to have your home's foundation inspected. Many insurance companies will deny coverage for a structure that is deemed unsafe. You also can complete some minor work to prevent a small crack or mark in the interior or exterior foundation from becoming larger. Below are a couple of those methods you could try if you see that you need foundation repair.
A Lift And Secure Method
Excavating is necessary when a foundation needs to be readjusted. The foundation itself is lifted and metal piers are used to secure the foundation. This type of repair can be expensive and will temporarily disrupt your property. During the shifting of a foundation, your property will be assessed. Sometimes, poor drainage or erosion contributes to foundation damage. You may be advised to have new drainage lines installed or to have additional soil added to the surface of your property.
If wind and torrential downpours are common in the area that you live in, a new gutter system, an underground drainage system, and a retaining wall can assist with keeping the property around your home protected. You may be wondering how to determine if you should hire a contractor. If you notice that the floors inside of your home don't appear to be flat or if the brickwork that extends around the home's exterior is cracked, a major problem may be present.
Doors that stick, interior concrete in the basement that chips off and numerous cracks that are located near doorways and windows that are in the basement are additional indicators that your foundation problem is serious.
Minor Patchwork And A Waterproofing Barrier
You may be merely concerned about the possibility of damage to the foundation of your home or maybe you have heard a horror story from a close friend, who described a minor foundation issue that became monumental as the years passed. Take some precautions to preserve the condition of your home and to prevent the need for extensive repairs later.
Minor patchwork involves using a concrete filler to patch narrow cracks in the foundation. If you only see one or two cracks or if there is a shallow indentation in the concrete surface, patching it may be all that is necessary to stop the damage from growing. Apply a waterproof barrier over a dry clean interior wall. A waterproofing agent is designed for use on concrete and will prevent moisture from permeating the basement, which could weaken the concrete surface.