The Best Time to Fix Foundation Cracks

Foundation damage may only manifest as minor cracks in the foundation, usually in the basement

Foundation damage should be tackled as soon as it’s detected, as these problems worsen and become more challenging and expensive. Homeowners must be educated on the signs of foundation damage and when to address them. The following tips outline how to spot such damage so that homeowners can stay on top of the well-being of their homes.

Spotting the signs of foundation damage

Foundation damage exhibits some evident and distinct signs that homeowners should always have on their radars; even minor details must not be ignored. The most common signs include cracks in the walls and floor, sagging floors, moisture deeping inside walls, noticeable water damage, doors or windows not opening and closing smoothly, and basement flooding. Professional help should be contacted as soon as any of these issues arise.

When to repair foundation damage

Many homeowners are often unsure of when they have foundation repair, so keeping a routine checking schedule for these issues is beneficial. Spring is the best season for checking for foundation repairs, as this is a common time for many symptoms to come to fruition. The abundant rain showers can cause cracks to exude moisture, a clear indication of foundation damage, no matter how subtle. Ask a foundation inspector to look at evidence to confirm if repairs are necessary. Furthermore, spring cleaning is the perfect time to watch for mold or mildew that may go unnoticed. The sooner damage is detected, the easier and cheaper it is to repair.

Winter also provides conditions that make detecting and repairing foundation damage easier. The soil becomes cold, sometimes freezing, and stays cold until spring. Cold soil provides more stability, which makes analyzing foundation damage easier. Moreover, foundation damage doesn’t worsen as severely in the winter, so fixing cracks is comparatively more straightforward.

Take action as soon as possible

Foundation damage may only manifest as minor cracks in the foundation, usually in the basement. Still, it can worsen and allow moisture to seep in, causing a wet basement.

The moisture continues to seep into the building’s frame, causing water damage and, soon enough, mold—a severe health hazard that should be avoided at all costs.

While winter ensures soil stability and spring makes damage more noticeable, making them ideal times to do routine checks, the best time to repair foundation damage is as soon as it’s detected. Foundation repair experts are available year-round to diagnose and treat these issues, so do not hesitate. Otherwise, the problem can become more severe than it has to be.

Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.

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Types of Foundation Cracks That Need Repair

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How Soil Make-Up Affects Foundations