Are you tired of this winter yet? I know we are, it seems to be a non-stop cycle of cold, ice, and snow. Let’s set all that aside and daydream about green grass, sunny skies, and warm temperatures.
Now is the time to think about getting ready for spring cleaning and repairs. Take some time now to plan and make sure your home is strong, stable, and dry. With a few small tasks, you can determine if your home is in need of foundation repair. Or if it is something that you can handle yourself.
Fix Cracks
One of the clearest signs of foundation damage is discovering cracks. Walk around the outside and inside of your home checking for cracks. Save yourself a bigger problem later. Also, make sure to check walls, windows, and doors where there are joints in the walls. There are many kinds and locations of cracks, and not all of them are serious. If you do find a crack, contact a professional (like AMC911 Crawl Space & Foundation Repair) to determine if something needs to be repaired.
Another area to check is your floor, whether you have a basement, crawl space, or slab. Floor cracks in concrete or tiling are usually a big indicator of some foundation issues.
Are Doors or Windows Sticking?
A common sign of foundation problems is usually ignored: sticking doors or windows. Some people fix the symptom by shaving window or door frames or making other superficial adjustments. If doors and windows are tough to open, or seem to close on their own, your foundation may be off-kilter. Some settling occurs over the years in every home, but an expert can tell you if it is something that is not only serious, but also fixable.
Flowing Gutters Save Foundations
If the water coming off your roof doesn’t drain well away from your foundation, you’re going to have a bad time. The water should flow cleanly through the gutters, through the downspouts, and well away from the house. If your gutters are clogged, the water may spill over the sides, running down the foundation walls or pooling alongside the house.
Downspouts should also flow freely and empty around 5-10 feet away from the foundation. Make sure your gutters and also downspouts aren’t clogged and are big enough to handle the water coming off of your roof. This is a pretty easy step that also gets overlooked, but can save you a lot of stress down the road.
Be Inclined to Have the Right Slope
Even if your home was originally built with the right slope and grade, there are factors that can change the angle of the land. Vehicles, erosion, and landscaping can all impact your property’s grade. Make sure that land slopes away from your foundation, allowing rain and melting snow to flow away from your house.
Check Your Sump Pump
To prevent water damage caused by snowmelt and rainfall, ensure your sump pump is functioning effectively and able to pump collected water away from your foundation. Inspect the pump for any damage, debris, or blockages that might prevent it from working correctly. Replacing the pump’s battery is also crucial to prevent power outages from affecting the sump pump’s performance.
Inspect the Chimney Or Porch
While a chimney or porch that’s leaning away from the house can be a sign there’s a problem with the foundation under the chimney or porch, it can also indicate a possible problem with the house’s foundation. Therefore, any separation, no matter how slight, should be inspected by a pro.
Still Need Help?
If you also have signs of foundation problems or aren’t sure what is going on with your foundation, give the pros at AMC911 Crawl Space & Foundation Repair a call. We’ll check out your property and, if there is a need, we’ll also give you an estimate for any repairs. Contact us today to learn about foundation repair and also more from Virginia’s best foundation repair company, AMC911 Crawl Space & Foundation Repair.
