4 Signs You Need a Home Foundation Inspection

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4 Signs You Need a Home Foundation Inspection

Whether you are selling your home or settling into your 15th year as a homeowner, it is essential to have a home foundation inspection. Know the signs that your home needs a professional foundation inspection with this short guide to DIY foundation inspections.

As a homeowner in the Dallas, Fort Worth area, it is essential to watch for signs of foundation problems. One of the most common foundations in this area is the concrete slab foundation, which is prone to foundation issues due to shifting soil and moisture changes.

Some signs of foundation problems include cracks in the walls or floors, sloping floors, sticking windows or doors, and large cracks in the foundation. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to call a foundation repair service to have your home’s foundation evaluated. Here is how to look for these signs:

 

1. Walk the Exterior Perimeter of your Home

To start, head outside. Go to a corner of the home. Site down your home’s exterior walls. Specifically, seek to discover areas on your walls that bulge. Bulging can indicate that there is an uneven load on the foundation. Foundation walls should be even—not bulging.

Another thing to spot when inspecting your home’s perimeter is large cracks in your concrete. Standing water causes soil around your home to shift. It also creates a risk for uneven slab movement.

But how do you know what a significant crack in the foundation is? Cracks less than ¼ of an inch are not detrimental to your home’s foundation. Keep your eyes peeled for any cracks greater than ¼ of an inch. Large cracks may indicate a foundation problem.

If you want to test the seriousness of the crack, apply waterproof paint over the crack. As time passes, check to see if the paint cracks or chips. If this happens, it can indicate the foundation is moving or that the crack is growing and will require a professional home foundation inspection.

 

2. Sloping Floors

As a homeowner, noticing things like sloping floors can be difficult.

By doing a quick ball test, you can get a reasonable idea of how the level of your foundation is. Place a ball on the floor. If it rolls across the room, your foundation likely slopes and needs an inspection. If it doesn’t move, then you’re probably in the clear.

 

3. Sticking Windows/Doors

Often, before your walls or floors show symptoms of problems, your windows and doors will be early indicators of a problem. Nothing is more annoying than having doors that won’t close or windows that stick. More than that, these somewhat innocent irritations are often signs of a serious foundation problem.

Your doors should open and close smoothly. If they stick, then you may need foundation repairs. Do your windows stick and warp? If the answer is “Yes,” it is another sign that you might have some foundational sloping issues with the need for an inspection.

 

4. Foundation Cracks

One of the most obvious signs that your home needs a home foundation inspection is cracking. When your walls and ceiling crack, the odds are high that your foundation is moving.

But how can you tell when a crack is major or minor? This is an issue when you have cracks in your sheetrock or brick. However, some cracks are standard and not necessarily a cause for panic. If you notice cracks that are about 1/8” or larger, it’s time to be concerned. However, a few hairline cracks are not the end of the world.

When looking for foundation repair companies in the Dallas, TX area, choose one that offers a lifetime transferable warranty for their work. Additionally, consider companies that provide root barriers to prevent future foundation damage.

To get started, many companies offer a free estimate for foundation evaluations. Don’t wait until it’s too late to have your foundation repaired – take action as soon as you notice a sign of foundation problems. Remember, a healthy foundation is essential for a healthy home.

We hope you have found this article on foundation warning signs helpful. If you notice symptoms that your home needs foundation repair, call Arch Foundation Repair at 214-467-9700 or contact us.