Every homeowner should invest in a foundation inspection for an Atlanta GA property! Inspections spot damage as it develops, allowing you to schedule prompt repairs. In turn, you can prevent that damage from getting more extensive and costly to address. Additionally, an inspection can often spot risks to a foundation such as excessive moisture in the soil.
Unfortunately, some homeowners put off a foundation inspection in Atlanta GA simply because they don’t appreciate its value! Understanding what’s included in such an inspection can help you better understand why it’s needed. Check out some details about foundation inspections and discuss this information with a repair contractor near you as needed. For further resources, please visit atlantafoundationrepairpros.com.
What Does a Foundation Inspection in Atlanta GA Include?
- A foundation inspection for an Atlanta GA property includes more than just glancing at exposed concrete! Note some steps most foundation repair contractors take when inspecting a home’s foundation and why each is so vital.
- Foundation repair contractors check for signs of water infestation or dampness inside a home. This can include water stains, condensation, and standing water in rooms with concrete floors. Foundation cracks let in dampness, so condensation and stains often indicate concrete damage.
- Foundation cracks letting in moisture also risk mold and fungus growth. In turn, a repair contractor will often check for mold behind walls and fungus or mildew underneath carpeting. He or she might also ask to check along the backside of items stored against walls such as furniture or storage bins.
- On properties with pier and beam foundations, an inspector will check the foundation components as well as the home’s underside. Cracks, damaged plumbing pipes, rusted connectors, and other issues can signal a sinking foundation.
- Excess moisture from foundation cracks often attracts insects and rodents! Consequently, a foundation repair inspector will check for signs of infestation.
- Vapor barriers need checking during a foundation inspection. This includes overlapping and sealing, and if the material itself is still durable and in good condition.
- As a foundation weakens and a home then sinks and settles, cracks often form across interior and exterior walls and other surfaces. Door and window frames get pulled out of position. In turn, a foundation inspector will check for developing cracks, sticking windows, doors that hang open, and other signs of foundation damage.
- Lastly, a foundation repair contractor will often check for risks of future foundation damage. This can include a poorly graded lot, clogged gutters, excess moisture in the soil, and other issues.
What Are the Signs of Foundation Issues?
Knowing signs of potential foundation damage can alert a homeowner to needed repairs. While an inspection is your best choice for evaluating a foundation condition, note when your home might need a repair contractor:
- Cracks along interior and exterior walls often signal a sinking, settling foundation. These cracks are especially common around window and door frames, where drywall is weak.
- As a sinking foundation pulls window and door frames out of position, you might then struggle to close them properly! Locks and latches also might stick or become difficult to operate.
- Those cracks and doors and windows that don’t close securely can mean drafts inside the home. In turn, you might notice a colder interior during wintertime and a stuffy space during summer months.
- Foundation cracks let moisture into the home. Consequently, be on the lookout for any signs of undue moisture! This can include mold and mildew, standing water in the basement or laundry room, rusted home appliances, and musty smells.
- A sinking foundation means a home that’s no longer level. In turn, you might notice buckled or uneven floors, cracks along exterior patios, or connectors to outside decks pulling away from the house.
How Often Should You Inspect a Foundation?
While age can affect foundation materials, poor-quality piers and beams or concrete can degrade not long after installation! Additionally, a contractor cutting corners during foundation installation can also mean premature damage.
Consequently, a homeowner should never assume that a new foundation doesn’t need inspecting. Instead, schedule a foundation inspection for an Atlanta GA property no more than five years after installation. Then, schedule an inspection every three years after that.
Also, it’s good to schedule a foundation inspection after any event that puts your property’s foundation at risk. This might include a flood, fire, vandalism, or catastrophic event such as a tree falling onto a home. Above all, schedule a foundation inspection if you notice signs of potential damage such as wall and ceiling cracks or mold growth throughout the home.
Are Cracks In a Foundation Normal?
It’s not unusual for a concrete foundation to develop hairline cracks over time, especially as the material settles and cures. These are not always dangerous; for example, small vertical cracks often appear in fresh concrete.
However, not all cracks are safe for concrete! Horizontal cracks from wall to wall might indicate excess water around the foundation, and risk walls bowing inward eventually. Stair step or diagonal cracks also indicate a home is settling on a weak foundation. If left unchecked, these might need eventual underpinning and house leveling.
Also, note that foundation cracks let in moisture which can risk secondary damage. This includes mold and mildew growth, insect infestation, water stains, wood rot, and more. To avoid these issues, consider patching for any foundation crack no matter how small. Also, it’s good to schedule a foundation inspection for an Atlanta GA when you notice any crack, to note the foundation’s overall condition.
How Long Does Foundation Repair Last?
If a foundation inspection for an Atlanta GA property notes damage, the good news is that many fixes last for decades if not permanently. For example, underpinning uses steel pins or concrete cylinders to lift and level the home, and keep it stable. Those pins or cylinders should last indefinitely.
Additionally, preventative maintenance such as waterproofing or a French drain installation can also keep a home’s foundation in good repair over the years. In turn, you might not need to invest in foundation fixes repeatedly. To find out more, contact a foundation repair contractor and schedule an inspection today!
