Why is fixing your foundation so important?

Owning a home takes a lot of work and it feels like there is always something to fix. Your roof needs to be repaired or the storm broke a window; the repairs are endless but your money is not. So why should fixing your foundation be a priority? Your home’s base is its foundation; this is where it gets the strength and stability to support you and your family. Issues with a home’s foundation can vary, but some of the most common (and costly) problems are:

Water Damage: Foundations that are crumbling expose the homes that sit on them extremely vulnerable to moisture penetration; this increases your chances of mold and mildew, which can cause long-term respiratory issues. This is because of the ability of water to penetrate through those cracks, slowly seeping into your home. In addition, failing foundations increase the likelihood of your home being flooded; outside flooding can expedite the deterioration of an already damaged foundation, leaving your home susceptible to that same flood.

Plumbing Issues: How a crumbling foundation affects your plumbing system is dependent on what kind of plumbing your home has, but it can still affect the system. Pipes in homes with pier and beam foundations can become interwoven with the foundation; concrete slab foundations can be dislocated due to the lifting and dropping that happens when the soil underneath contracts and expands. This dropping breaks the piping below. Without professional evaluation, this can often go undiagnosed and become costly to fix. Above-ground piping is also susceptible to damage because of structural displacement throughout the house.

Extensive Structural Damage:  Cracking walls, uneven floors, and sticking windows are all signs of structural damage and some of the first signs of a degrading foundation. As you allow degradation to continue, you continue to allow parts of your home to move. This can cause supporting beams, attached garages, and so much more of your home to become unsteady.

            Setting your foundation on solid rock is not something that can be put off. If your home has any cracking walls or sticking windows, give us a call today for your free inspection!