Contractor Tips Blog

Oct
4

Common Problems Homeowners Mistake as No Big Deal

When you own an older home, you expect that some things won’t work perfectly. Decades of time can settle a home and cause slight changes in the structure. However, there is a big difference between floors that creak and a home that has a foundation that is sinking. Some common problems that homeowners write off as no big deal can often be signs of a foundation issue. Here are some issues that deserve a second look and inspection by a foundation specialist.

Door and Window Issues

Windows that won’t open or doors that won’t close can be more serious that just settling in the door jams or stuck window paint. If the foundation is settling, these openings in the structure may be the first places that show signs of distress. One problem window may be just an old home oddity, but if you have having trouble with a few doors or windows, you should get a foundation inspection.

Walls Cracks

Interior or exterior wall cracks are not “wrinkles” on an old home. They are signs of a foundation that is unlevel or settling. If not fixed, these cracks will become larger and more frequent. Eventually, the home may no longer be safe.

Floor Issues

Your floors are another area that may be overlooked when it comes to old homes. Unlevel or sloping floors; cracks between the floors and walls; cracks in the floor tiles; these can all be signs of a foundation issue.

Even if a problem seems in significant and is only a nuisance, it can be a sign of a larger issue in your home. Call in a foundation expert to have your home inspected to determine whether your common old home problems are due to an issue with your foundation.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924

Sep
9

Inspecting Your Home for Structural Issues

Foundation and structural damage rarely happen overnight. Unless caused by a natural disaster, most changes in the structural integrity happen slowly over time. When you see your home day in and day out, year after year, you may not notice the small signs that your structure may be beginning to have problems. The quicker you address structural issues, the less expensive they tend to be, making it easier on your budget. A quick inspection of your home a few times per year can help you catch these small issues and have them repaired before they cause major and expensive damage to your home. Here are some signs to look for inside and outside your home:

  • Walls. Check for cracks in drywall in the interior that could be caused from structural damage or foundation shifts. On the exterior, uneven siding or shingles and step cracks in brick could be caused by foundation issues.
  • Chimney. Look for cracks in brick chimneys or for leaning in the structure. It may be only the chimney that needs masonry work, but it should be inspected by a masonry expert.
  • Doors and windows. Doors and windows that stick can be signs of foundation issues. Also, doors that swing open may be caused by structural shifts. Gaps around doors and windows are another sign of possible structural problems.
  • Use a level. Check the level of the floors in all rooms of the home on the ground level.

Keeping an eye out for these small changes in your home can alert you to issues before they become a major expense. At the first sign, contact a reputable contractor that specializes in structural and foundation repair to have a professional inspection.

Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924

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