Tips for Identifying Common Signs of Foundation Problems

Your foundation probably isn’t something you think about very much, but it’s literally supporting your house 24 hours a day. It does a lot of work, but doesn’t get much recognition! It is, however, necessary to pay attention to the foundation from time to time. Evaluating the foundation regularly could be the difference between small repairs and a major home renovation. After all, your home is the most significant investment you’ll make in your lifetime and the foundation is, well, foundational!

If you do think there are problems, then you need to find a contractor specializing in foundation repairs in Wisconsin. There are plenty of ways to spot problems when they’re happening early on, before they damage your basement and the structural integrity of your home. Let’s take a look at the most common issues with building foundations, and what to do about them:

• Cracks: Soil movement and harsh weather conditions can cause the foundation to shift. This may result in wall and ceiling cracks. Certain kinds of cracks, especially those at a 45 degree angle, may indicate that the problem is severe and could rip the sheetrock. A broken chimney or gaps in the foundation may also be indicative of this problem.
• Upheaval: When the foundation slab has moved up, that means upheaval is occurring. This is the direct opposite of when the foundation settles too much. Exterior garage walls may be pushed up and this can affect other interior areas such as hallways. Moisture is the biggest contributor to upheaval, either from non-absorbent soils, such as clay, or plumbing leaks flooding the foundation.
• Settling: When the house is lower on one side than the other, then you’re experiencing settling. While some settling is normal with a new foundation, it should even out after a couple of years. It might begin as a small problem, but major gaps can appear quickly and be very costly to correct.
• Sagging floors: This is a result of foundation movement. It may not appear to be a big deal at first if the floor is only uneven by half an inch. But over time, it’s likely to become more than that, potentially exceeding two inches. This is an extreme hazard especially for young children and the elderly. Reversing sagging floors early on is the safe way to go.

When you’re looking to hire a contractor specializing in foundation repairs in Wisconsin, it’s vital to pick someone who knows what they’re doing. You want a contractor who plans well and has a high level of expertise. For more than 40 years, Kwiatkowski Construction Co., Inc. has delivered to residential and business customers throughout the region. Whether you need a new patio, foundation maintenance or any other project, we’ll get the job done.

We specialize in both decorative and functional concrete installations across residential and commercial projects of all sizes. We even offer special services like stamped concrete. We are also a fully insured and licensed concrete contractor. Contact us right now to learn more and receive a free estimate.

Categorised in: Foundation Repairs

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