9 SIGNS YOUR CHARLOTTE HOME’S FOUNDATION NEEDS BETTER SUPPORT

Buying a home in Charlotte is likely one of the largest investments you will ever make. As a result, you should do your part to see that it will last...

Buying a home in Charlotte is likely one of the largest investments you will ever make. As a result, you should do your part to see that it will last as long as possible. One of the best things you can do to ensure the longevity of your home is to be sure that the foundation is strong and secure. You can do this by repairing the foundation after there’s damage, or by proactively inspect for indications that there is a problem. The latter can quite often save you a lot of cost and headache, as repairing a foundation is typically more expensive than keeping them properly maintained.

When it comes to issues with your home’s foundation, there are a number of signs that indicate there could be some foundation repairs that need to made. Failing to acknowledge these “hints” can have detrimental results at a later date.

 

LIVE IN CHARLOTTE, NC? SIGNS THAT YOUR HOME’S FOUNDATION MAY NEED REPAIR

Your home’s foundation is placed on a platform referred to as footings. If footings begin to weaken, crack or break because they are not supported properly, your house will begin to settle. That in itself may not be disastrous, but it does mean you need to have a structural support and repair team assess your home and determine what needs to be repaired. Here are some common signs that your foundation needs better support.

  1. Slanted mortar joints – This is determined by measuring the joints and noting any discrepancies.

  2. Cracks – If you can already see cracks in the mortar or brickwork of your home, it’s a good indicator that the foundation has been compromised. The cracks might also be inside the home in the drywall, plaster or even wood.

  3. Major repairs – If you are the “new owner” (or perhaps potential buyer) of an older home and notice that there has already been extensive repair work done to areas of the interior walls or exterior repairs, you should have the repairs assessed to determine what the cause was.

  4. Floors are uneven – This can be caused by several things, so does not necessarily mean a shift or weakening of the foundation. Learning the cause is a wise move and can save you money and time in the long run.

  5. Cabinets shifting – If your cabinets or countertops seem to be pulling away from the walls – even a tiny bit- then it is often the result of a weakening foundation.

  6. Doors and windows sticking – if a door or window that once opened/closed easily begins to stick, jam, or not latch, this can be a warning that the foundation needs repair work.

  7. Puddles – If you see water puddling at corners or around your home’s perimeter, it could be a sign that your home’s foundation is need of repair.

  8. Smell – Noticing an odd smell in the basement or crawlspace? This often indicates cracks in the foundation. 

  9. Bugs – If you have begun to notice critters such as pill bugs, silverfish, earwigs, roaches or other bugs in the basement, it could be a sign of cracks in the foundation. This is because bugs are being drawn to the dampness that has seeped through the cracks.

If you are noticing any of these signs around your home, then don’t wait to see what happens next. Contact the Sherrill Structural Repairs team today for a consultation. We want to see your home last for decades – and that starts with a solid foundation.