When you’re a homeowner, it can feel like your to-do list is never-ending. From maintaining the landscape to repairing and replacing indoor fixtures, something must always be done. Foundation damage is one of those issues that can affect the integrity of your entire home. It would be best if you got it repaired to avoid several more significant problems down the line.
Structural Issues
In addition to the apparent signs of a foundation problem, such as visible cracks in your walls, if you notice that doors no longer open or shut correctly and cabinet door pulls no longer hang on their hinges, these are classic indications that your home’s foundation is shifting. This is a sign that you should have a basement foundation repair contractor come out to inspect the foundation of your house as soon as possible. It is also important to note that foundation problems can spread from your basement to your house, affecting the electrical system and plumbing. This is why catching any issues as they appear is so essential. Structural issues can be a dealbreaker when trying to sell your home. They can also be costly and extensive to repair if left untreated. Fortunately, you can avoid these expensive issues by repairing your foundation as soon as you notice any signs that it may be shifting.
Mold Infestations
Indoor Air Quality is a crucial aspect to consider when dealing with mold infestations. Mold not only affects surfaces but also releases airborne spores that can significantly impact the air you breathe indoors. Maintaining optimal indoor air quality is essential for preventing and mitigating mold-related health issues. Implementing proper ventilation, using dehumidifiers, and regular air quality assessments can contribute to a healthier living environment.
Mold and mildew love dark, damp environments, which makes your basement the perfect place for them to thrive. The spores of these growths can cause various health problems in humans, including irritated eyes and sinuses, itchy skin, and recurring lung issues. Some people may also experience severe reactions, like fever and shortness of breath. Detecting mold in your home is easy enough – look for it in places that tend to be damp or humid. Those include the mechanical rooms in your house, cold areas, and basements. Regular inspections will help you find the mold and address it immediately. If the mold grows in something soft or fibrous, such as carpet or ceiling tiles, it must be removed and replaced. You can do this yourself, but it is generally best to have a professional remove and replace the material affected by the mold. This can save you from spreading the spores around your living space and potentially infecting other parts of your home or family members. It is also essential to identify the source of the mold to prevent it from returning after you remove it. This could be a leak in the plumbing, condensation on pipes and fittings, leaks in the foundation, or high humidity levels.
Plumbing Issues
Basement foundations provide additional living space at a fraction of the cost of above-ground construction. They also add value to your home and allow easy access to your house’s underside for maintenance and inspections. However, this foundation style is prone to structural damage and must be repaired promptly. If not, you may notice doors and windows become misaligned, walls in upper floors begin to crack or bow, and flooring becomes uneven and sloping. Crawl spaces and basements need to be kept dry for various reasons. Water that seeps into your home can rot wooden construction materials, cause mold and mildew growth, and compromise indoor air quality. If you suspect unwanted water in your basement or crawl space, it is essential to have it removed immediately. This can be done by implementing simple drainage improvements or more advanced pumping or dehumidification options. Both crawl spaces and basements are prone to water intrusion from shifty soils. The expansive clay soils that characterize Illinois can shrink and swell with alternating wetting and drying cycles. These cyclical processes create hydrostatic pressure that can cause foundation settlement and heave. It is essential to remove foundation plantings and grade the yard along the foundation to make a 2 percent or more slope away from your home to prevent these conditions. This will ensure that water flows away from the foundation rather than toward it, reducing hydrostatic pressure and preventing water damage.
Flooding
Sagging Crawl Space Repair is another crucial aspect of flood damage restoration. Professionals can assess and repair any structural issues, ensuring that your crawl space remains intact and that your property is well-protected against future flood damage. It’s essential to hire experts who can address all aspects of flood recovery to maintain the long-term integrity of your home.
Besides the apparent damage to personal belongings, a flooded basement poses significant health and safety concerns. For example, damp walls, floors, and carpets are conducive to mold growth. This can cause respiratory problems, allergy symptoms, and other health issues. Additionally, moisture can erode the materials in your home’s structure, including wood, metal, and electrical wiring. Flooding issues often arise from rain, groundwater, and sewer backups. Rainwater can saturate the soil around your foundation, building up hydrostatic pressure that causes cracking. This allows water to find the path of least resistance, usually through your basement floor drain or toilet. If you have a sump pump, checking on its operation regularly is essential. The pump is designed to collect and pump out groundwater and floodwater that enters your basement. However, your basement can flood if the sump pump fails during a torrential downpour or loses power. It must be repaired if you notice a crack in your foundation wall. A crack 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch wide doesn’t pose a structural issue, but it should be sealed to keep out moisture, soil smells, and radon gas. You can do this by filling the crack with caulk and diverting rainwater away from your foundation. Proper yard grading, guttering, and downspouts will help keep water away from your foundation.
