Basic remodeling projects are a good way to keep your home “healthy” and looking nice without costing you a fortune. Other remodeling projects you may do in your home are not as exciting or visible to the friends you invite over but, are necessary to your home. Foundation repairs are not something you can postpone till later. Being proactive and looking at the health of your foundation in your home is financially responsible. If you notice a crack in the foundation of your home and do not take measures to get it fixed, eventually the cost of fixing it can be a bit more than you anticipated. Call us with any questions you may have about foundation repairs and basement waterproofing in northeast Ohio.
Small cracks can mean big problems
Most homes have doors that stick or small cracks in the walls. Even though it’s common, cracks are not something to be ignored.
Homes and the soil underneath them move with the temperature and moisture of our Louisiana weather. Given the type of soil that makes up the Red River Valley and our Louisiana weather patterns offering river flooding and drought at the same time, we have dynamic soil. This can cause serious structural damage to our homes over time.
Soil and concrete slabs are subject to temperature change, which means a house will move and “settle” throughout the year. Foundation settlement issues are standard for our area, experts and homeowners agree, but when should a homeowner be concerned that a crack is more than just a crack?
“All structures and buildings move to some extent,” said Matt Wallace, a professional engineer, registered structural engineer and president at local firm Aillet, Fenner, Jolly, and McClelland, Inc.
Homeowners should be aware of warning signs for a possible cracked foundation, such as doors failing to latch, cracks in walls – over doorways, ceilings – cracks in the flooring, or windows failing to operate properly.
Cheryl Parson: Nine tips to protect your home
We’ve been very fortunate to have an amazingly gentle entrance to our winter season thus far, so many of us have put off (or forgotten) some vital tasks around our homes. Old Man Winter can take a huge toll on the value of your biggest investment.
Here are things you should do, while it is still relatively warm, to prepare your home against his attacks!
1. The most important thing to make sure is service yourheating system. Have a certified HVAC technician inspect your furnace or heat pump to make sure your system is clean and in good repair. The service tech can also check for damage to the system that could cause carbon-monoxide leaks.
2. Almost as important as your furnace is your roof. Check and repair loose, damaged or missing shingles. Also inspect the metal flashing in the valleys and aroundchimneys. Winter storms and melting snow can destroy and cause leaks leading to costly repairs and mold.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Foundation?
Foundation settlement can lead to major structural problems within your home. There are ways to repair a concrete foundation without having to tear it out and start from scratch. Repairing a foundation can be a costly job, but the better educated you are about types of foundations and how best to repair your foundation, the better you can work with your contractor to find a solution you can afford.
Foundation Problems
Foundations that have been built on expansive clay, compressible or improperly compacted fill soils, or have been poorly maintained can have serious damage as the foundation settles and moves.
