Regardless of how beautiful a home may be, it is only as strong as the footings and foundations below it. There are several issues that may impact foundations, from water seeping into the cracks to walls crumbling or bowing. If the issue is more severe, it may cause the entire structure of the home to sink. Knowing the signs of a problem with a home’s foundation will let a homeowner know when it is time to call for help from a foundation contractor in Fairfax VA.
Slanted Mortar Joints
One of the best and easiest ways to identify foundation settlement is to measure off the mortar joints. If a person ever watches a mason work, they will notice they are constantly using a level. Any block or brick work has to be extremely precise, or this could lead to issues down the road. If a homeowner has to call a Professional Foundation Contractor in Fairfax VA in the future, they will likely check the mortar joints with a laser line. If there is something out of place, then it is safe to make the assumption that something is shifting below.
Visible Cracks
If there are any visible cracks on the exterior or interior of the home, then these are also clear signs of a foundation issue. If the brick work on the home looks similar to stair-step cracks or there are horizontal cracks, then this is an issue. If a vertical crack appears to be getting wider, then this is an indication the wall has begun to rotate.
Suspicious Repairs and Patches
If a homeowner purchased the house from a previous owner, they should look for any signs of past repairs. Many settlement issues lead to visible cracks in the walls. If there are signs of repair work, then it may mean the previous owners were trying to hide a problem.
The idea of a home’s foundation being faulty or not supporting the structure as it should, can be scary. However, calling a professional is a must to determine how serious the damage is. More information about foundation repair and when it is needed can be found by contacting the staff at Business Name.
