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Three Self-Inspection Measures to Take For Your Foundation

Do's and Don't's 04.18.2018
Cbi foundation self inspection tips

Homeowners and property owners can find themselves set back by large fees thanks to damaged or unstable foundations — which can lead to costly and lengthy repairs.

Keeping an eye out for the early warning signs can save you your valuable time and thousands of dollars.

Regular checkups can prevent a tiny crack from causing major issues down the road.

If you’re concerned about your foundation we have a quick list of problems that you should keep an eye out for:

Four Signs of Foundation Problems

  • Sticking or jammed doors
  • Cracks have formed in the wall, particularly above the windows, doorways and where the ceiling meets the wall
  • Windows stick or are difficult to close
  • Cracks appear in vinyl or ceramic tiles
  • Normal wear and tear is nothing to have a meltdown over, but being aware and on the lookout for potential symptoms never hurts. It’s natural for homes to settle and start to crack.

So how can you tell apart “normal” cracks from the problematic ones?

Once you’ve spotted a potential problem, there are a few self-inspection measures you can take before calling in a professional.

If you see cracks in the bricks in the exterior of your home, call a professional foundation repair service right away!

You also schedule an inspection with Chicago Building Inspections. We’ll get back to you ASAP and help you asses your foundation needs.

1. Take a Look Outside

Step outside and have a look if your foundation is properly supporting your walls. From corner to corner, every wall should be straight, vertically and horizontally.

Master tip: If you can’t find the leaning wall with the naked eye, try a level.

Bulging or curves may be signs of a shifting foundation, possibly due to soil or cycles of expansion and contraction from the climate. This leads to additional pressure on your walls which can cause cracks or sticking doors.

2. Give Your Concrete a Test

In a perfect world, your concrete will be too hard to get damaged. However it’s still a good idea to check it out. So, take a screwdriver and attempt to break off a piece. If it’s flaky or breaks easily you’ll want to call in the professionals.

This is common for older homes, especially built in the early 1900s as the concrete was typically mixed with dirt and sand or excess water. Unfortunately, if this is the case a new foundation may be the only answer.

3. Check Your Basement

Do your basement concrete support posts look sturdy and vertical?

If they are adequately supporting the weight of the beams above, there will be no curvature.

Signs of moisture in the basement, like puddles or excessive water could be signs of larger issues like: rotting wood or mold caused by water damage, poor drainage, or a crack in the foundation, allowing the moisture in.

Be Sure It’s Not Serious

Get a professional opinion to put your mind at ease with a reliable home evaluation. Check out our online scheduling system for an easy booking.

Request an Inspection Online

This is the best way to start the process, ensuring a text, email, or voicemail doesn’t get lost in today’s digital traffic. For more complex projects, feel free to contact us and we will respond quickly regarding your needs.

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