How to Check Your Home for Foundation Issues in Houston
Check your foundations in Houston
When buying a home you will need to inspect your foundations for any potential problems before you sign your purchase papersBy being able to recognize signs of trouble in foundations you will save yourself thousands by spotting the signs.
Here are some tips on how to spot the warning signs in foundations
Look for a level floor, if the floor is not level there may be a possible issue with the foundation that will need investigating.Look for cracks in the walls, especially over doorways or windows. If doors start to jam or windows fail to close completely, you may have foundation problems.If you can afford it, get a structural engineer to inspect the property. They will be able to detect problems and offer solutions with associated costs.You can also check your foundation from the outside, by looking down the length of your foundation walls.
A good foundation will show a straight line. If you see a bulge or a divot in the foundation wall, it could be a sign that the foundation has moved.Check the walls with a level to make sure they are straight and not leaning. If it is the foundation wall may have tipped and will need remedial work to put it right.If your foundation is shedding sand, poke it in a few places with a screwdriver.
The concrete should be able to deal with a few small holes, but you need to check to see if the foundation is deterioratingIn crawl spaces look at the posts and check with a level that they are straight and also check that they are still firmly planted into the ground.Check for puddles and wet patches, check for rot by checking over wooden posts with a screwdriverThe puddles are a sign of poor drainage around the foundation, check that the gutters are not clogged.
Check for cracks, most foundations will have a few but you are looking for some specific ones.
As Concrete dries it will crack, that is inevitable. Hairline cracks can be filled and are not worth the worryIf you find small cracks that are larger than a hairline crack, paint them with concrete waterproofing paint. If the gap continues to open then there is an issue.If you find a crack in a masonry joint, you may have a major issue. You will need to speak to a structural engineer on how to deal with this.
If in doubt speak to a foundation engineer houston to check over your foundations. It is worth the inspection before you make any purchase.