Any contractor who works in inspecting and repairing homes or businesses needs to know about the dangers of structural damage. Familiarize yourself with these common building foundation issues and how to fix them for your next home inspection or repair.
Water Runoff
Water runoff is a common home issue that many contractors encounter. Water runoff occurs when a home lacks the drainage and gutter systems it needs, and water starts to pool near the home’s foundation. You will need to check near the foundation of the home for any sagging or areas of land that have been eroded. Often, homes that lack proper drainage suffer from mold issues too, which is another thing a contractor may have to search for during an inspection. Once remediation takes place, homes like these may need additional support if an inspection detects an issue.
Cracks in Concrete Foundation
Cracks in concrete foundation don’t always indicate a structural issue. However, pay attention to the size and position of the cracks in place. Moderate to large cracks in the foundation range from 5 to 15mm or more in width. Depending on the severity, you may be able to fill in the cracks as long as you determine that they aren’t worsening or show any greater shifting in the foundation.
Doors That Get Stuck or Don’t Close
When the doors in a house stick or don’t fully close, this could be due to uneven flooring. The door may be dragging against the floor and unable to close. This is usually a sign of structural damage from the foundation settling. Most new homebuyers should expect these conditions in older homes; however, if they desire to have this fixed, the contractor will need to level the floor. Depending on the type of flooring, this process can be performed in several ways. For example, when leveling a concrete floor, the contractor will use specialty concrete slab lifting equipment and foam.
If you’re a contractor who works in home inspections and restorations, you’ll need to be familiar with these common building foundation issues and how to fix them. It’s helpful to know how to spot structural damages in advance to inform potential new home or business owners of these safety issues and the repairs they’ll need.
