Foundation issues are one of the most costly issues that can plague any home or commercial property. Without proper foundation inspections and maintenance, foundation issues can grow over time, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs and property damage. Luckily, foundation problems are almost always preventable if they’re addressed early on, which makes regular foundation inspections crucial.
Here’s how to choose the right company to inspect your home or business’s foundation and make sure you’re making smart decisions about any repairs or other maintenance necessary to keep your foundation solid and stable over time.
Why Do I Need A Foundation Inspection?
Excessive moisture in soil can cause foundations to deteriorate. The damage is usually gradual so you might not notice a problem until your foundation starts shifting or cracking. Signs that you may need a foundation inspection include cracks in walls, sunken spots around doors and windows, and unstable window frames or floors. If your home has a musty smell or shows water intrusion, foundation problems could be present.
What Does a Typical Home Inspection Include?
A home inspection is generally a combination of both visual inspections, such as looking at gutters and roofing, and checking systems, like plumbing. Many times, foundation inspectors also check other structural components. These include stairs, walls, floors and ceilings. In addition to major system components—like heating or cooling equipment—inspectors may check less obvious items like attic insulation quality or water pressure in faucets. They’ll also take note of paint quality around electrical outlets or mold under sinks.
How Often Should I Have My Foundations Inspected?
The short answer is that there’s no perfect timeframe for foundation inspections. It depends on a number of factors—including where you live and what your home is made out of. Metal frames may need to be inspected less frequently, for example, than wood structures (depending on how long it’s been since they were built). If you have an older home or if your home has suffered any damage, foundations are something to keep an eye on more closely.
What are the Precautionary Measures For in Order to Prevent Further Damage To My Property’s Foundation?
When you’re in possession of a bad foundation, it’s important to take precautionary measures that keep your house from further damage. For example, when there’s a large hole in your foundation, prevent any further water from entering by placing a tarp or other waterproof covering over the area. Keep an eye out for exterior leaks as well – be sure to address those quickly so that you can fix them before they cause any more structural damage to your property.
What Are Common Signs That My Building May Have Incurred Structural Damage?
Your building’s structural integrity should always be your number one concern. The key to avoiding structural damage is performing regular maintenance, inspecting your building regularly for potential problems, and—if need be—contracting a foundation repair company as soon as possible after discovering an issue. Here are some common signs that your building may have incurred structural damage
Why should you choose MP Foundation Solutions to inspect your foundation?
1) No pushy sales of pilings or piers, just an unbiased foundation evaluation.
2) Home inspectors’ overlook foundation issues and usually no elevations are recorded.
3) Base line elevations of new home as a guide for any future settlement of the foundation.
4) If needed an unbiased recommended repair plan to use to shop for a contractor.
5) Avoid confusion of multiple contractors giving contradicting estimates.
6) Recommend alternatives for preventing foundation issues.
7) Evaluate foundation before a costly remodel is started.
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