If you are concerned about your home’s foundation, you may need a house foundation inspection. What are some common causes of foundation problems? According to the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, many parts of Texas have clay soils. This type of soil is affected by changes in moisture content and will shrink and swell, causing the foundation to move. Other factors that affect your foundation include design practices, the deterioration of building materials, slope instability, or landscaping practices.
The inspection process typically begins by meeting with a foundation company representative. This meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions and express your concerns about the foundation. The contractor will then evaluate the exterior of your home. This includes checking your foundation elevations. The measurements of your foundation elevations will help the contractor determine whether the foundation is out of level. The contractor will also be looking for foundation cracks, damaged walls, doors or windows that are out of alignment, and any other signs of sinking or cracking.
If your home was built using piers and beams, the contractor will inspect the crawl space under your home. The contractor will examine your piers, beams and joists to see if they are wet or rotted. He will also be looking for signs that the crawl space is damp or musty. If so, you may have a foundation drainage problem, or a plumbing issue that needs attention.
The foundation inspection contractor will also check for damage inside of your home. He or she will be looking for cracks in ceilings, walls and floors. The contractor will also take measurements to determine if your foundation is out of level and to what degree. Once the inspection has been completed, the inspection contractor will discuss the findings with you and make recommendations about what, if any, foundation repairs are needed.
If you are concerned or have questions about your house’s foundation, contact us. We are here to help.