Cracks on floors, walls, and ceilings are huge indicators that there’s a serious structural problem. The foundation supports the entire weight of the house so it’s expected that it’ll be under a lot of pressure. These repairs are not easy to carry out as simple DIY projects. Homeowners whose homes have foundation problems need to consult professionals dealing in foundation repair in Plano.

Foundation cracks…

The good news is that most foundation cracks aren’t serious enough to warrant concern. On the other hand, large cracks if left unattended threaten the structural integrity of the house. Here are some rules and tips to tell you what to do depending on how large or small the crack is:

• If the cracks are the size of a string of hair, there’s no cause for alarm
• If the crack is narrow, monitor it to see if it expands
• Seal the crack if its larger than 1/8 inches
• Cracks accompanied by a bulge on the wall indicate a structural problem
• If the water is seeping through a crack, seal the crack and divert the water
• Horizontal cracks present more risk as compared to vertical or diagonal cracks
• Horizontal cracks on the foundation wall that meet the basement floor are not a structural problem but should be sealed

How to maintain a house’s foundation

Many homeowners overlook their homes’ foundation and by the time they realize that there’s a problem, it’s usually a little too late. If the house doesn’t already have cracks, there are several measures that you can put in place to ensure that the foundation retains its integrity.

It’s possible to avoid a lot of foundation problems by following these three simple yet effective methods:

1.Conduct regular plumbing checks

Inspect the plumbing system at least once every year. If in the unfortunate event there is a leakage, the water will get under the floors and this is harmful to the foundation. What’s worse is that the water bill also increases forcing the homeowner to pay a fortune.

While some leaks are quite inconspicuous, some obvious indicators you should look out for include pooling water and moldy walls.

2.Ensure there is a proper drainage system in place

Water can wreak havoc on any foundation regardless of how strong the materials used in the construction are. A lot of times when there’s a problem with foundations, water is often the culprit. Water causes the surrounding soil to expand when wet and to shrink when dry. These changes cause the foundation to crack.

Avoid all these problems by installing a proper drainage system. During the dry season, use a sprinkler or garden hose to water the soil around the foundation. During the rainy season, install gutters and downspouts that redirect water from the foundation.

3.Take care of minor cracks

Fill out a crack as soon as you spot it on the floor, ceiling, or wall. While in some cases these minor cracks aren’t cause for alarm, they also have the potential of expanding and causing unthinkable damage.

Conclusion

Foundation repairs can cost homeowners hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs. However, all this expenditure can be avoided by proper maintenance. Following the methods we have given you will keep your foundation safe so that you won’t have to spend a dime on foundation repairs anymore.