A structural inspection in Pearland is a crucial step to take to prevent costly repairs. It can also identify underlying problems, such as foundation damage.
Home inspectors perform thorough technical evaluations of residential spaces, including single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and apartments. They provide comprehensive reports and can help you make an informed buying decision.
Signs of Foundation Damage
Your home’s foundation can give you clues about its condition. Some signs are obvious, such as cracks in walls, crooked door frames, and windows that no longer close properly. Other signs include gaps in exterior bricks and mortar, a damp crawl space, and sinking floors. The earlier you detect a foundation problem, the easier it is to fix the damage and reduce the risk of further damage. Discover more at Pearland foundation inspection.
It is common for homes to settle over time, and construction materials are designed to accommodate small settlement movements without affecting the foundation. Hairline cracks in drywall and concrete walls are usually not cause for alarm, but larger cracks that follow a zig-zagging pattern, are diagonal or wider at one end than the other, or extend across entire wall surfaces should prompt a call to a foundation contractor.
Other signs that your foundation may be shifting or sinking are gaps in exterior bricks and mortar, buckling or rupturing of floorboards, doors or windows that no longer close properly, or a damp crawl space. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a Pearland foundation inspection with an expert.
Identifying the Problems
When a homeowner notices any problems with their home foundation, it’s important to contact a professional. Putting off a structural repair only increases the damage and leads to more expensive fixes. Fortunately, the experts at Pear Trees Foundation Repair can spot and fix most issues with ease.
An expert starts with a visual inspection of the entire house and yard. They look for signs of shifting or movement of the foundation. They also check for any leaks that could have an effect on the foundation.
It’s normal for houses to settle over time, but some cracks are more serious than others. For example, hairline cracks are usually not an emergency, but horizontal cracks wider than a pencil should be taken seriously. Also, a gap between the floor and the foundation is a serious concern.
Preventing Further Damage
Getting your Pearland home foundation inspected on a regular basis prevents further damage and saves you money. This is especially true if you live in an area where soil shifts are common. These problems can lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs if left unattended.
Our team is skilled in identifying warning signs of structural movement that many homeowners miss. We are also trained to assess the adequacy of your foundation, and can recommend appropriate steps.
Our expert foundation contractors examine slab foundations by walking around the exterior and looking for signs of movement. We also check for signs of brick cracking, separation from doors and windows and gaps in window casings. In pier and beam foundations, our team looks at the adequacy of support joists, wood framing and bracing. We also look at the adequacy of piers and lateral anchor rods. We also inspect the crawl space for adequacy and identify any deteriorated wood components that require repairs or replacement.
Repairing the Damage
Once the foundation problem is identified, the home and property owner will be able to schedule repairs. Taking care of a foundation issue promptly will help to save money on costly structural damage and improve the overall safety and value of the home.
It is also a good idea to have a professional reinspect the structure after the completion of foundation repairs. This will ensure that the repairs were made correctly and effectively, and will help to prevent future issues.
Keeping the soil around your home properly moist will help to minimize erosion which is another cause of foundation problems. An inspector can recommend a variety of methods for doing so, such as the use of soaker hoses buried in the ground. This method is much more effective than simply spraying water in the yard because it allows for more even moisture and prevents puddles. You may also want to consider a French drain, which is a system that manages water flow away from the foundation.
