How Often Should You Get a Foundation Inspection?
As a homeowner, you likely had a home foundation inspection upon moving into your home. This is common, and part of larger home inspections that occur for new homeowners. But how long ago did you move in, and have you had a foundation inspection since then?
Home foundation inspects aren’t discussed as commonly as gutter repairs or roof replacements. However, foundation inspections are important considerations for any homeowner. And this is especially true if you have signs of foundation damage.
Let’s take a closer look at the importance of a foundation inspection and determine the signs of damage to look for.
What is a Foundation Inspection
A home foundation inspection is like it sounds. It is an inspection of the home’s foundation that includes both the interior and exterior. But precisely what does a foundation inspection consist of?
When inspecting the home’s exterior, the walls, ground, siding, stairs, and even gutters are all thoroughly checked for foundation or structural damage. While the gutters aren’t part of the foundation, they can channel water iaway from the home. If there is water damage in your basement, the gutters could be failing at their job, and need to be looked at.
The home’s interior inspection includes the walls, windows, doors, and flooring. Typically the entire basement is checked over for noticeable signs (cracks, water, or bowed walls). The attic is usually checked as well, as this can be informative depending on your circumstances.
A home foundation inspection doesn’t have to take long. In most cases it takes about one to two hours. Obviously, the larger your home, the longer the foundation inspection lasts. And if there is damage or potential issues, it might take longer.
What are the Signs of Foundation Damage
There are many signs of foundation damage.
A big indicator is water damage. Water can get into your home from floor or wall cracks, as well as doors and windows. As your home settles over time, the slab foundation can shift. This can lead to cracks or other structural issues.
For instance, if doors and windows are no longer closing properly, this could be a structural integrity concern. Obviously, cracks or uneven floors (that weren’t uneven previously) are the most common. But there are other foundation signs to look out for as well.
Bugs are a little known indicator of foundational problems. This is especially true with pier and beam foundations. If you are noticing a growing number of pests, it might be worth calling the foundation repair contractors. This could signal cracks or gaps in the home’s foundation allowing for bugs to enter the home.
There are other indicators as well, such as a leaning or slanted chimney or nails protruding from drywall. These are all indicators of a settling foundation. However, you don’t have to wait for the warning signs to ask for a foundation inspection.
You should have your foundation inspected on a regular basis. Some professionals recommend twice a year to determine if any changes have been detected.
Your home is a massive investment, and it is no secret that the foundation is a crucial aspect. A foundation inspection doesn’t take long, and it is worth every minute.
Contact the Foundation Pros
Don’t waste time, or sacrifice your home’s safety, when it comes to your foundation. Contact the pros at PierMagic Foundation Specialists to come and take a look at your foundation. We offer free inspections to assess what, if anything, needs to be done. Our team is honest, thorough, and experienced.
Remember, home foundation issues are not something to mess around with. Get your home foundation inspection done today.
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