Spring Foundation Checklist

Now that we’re firmly in spring and getting ready to enter that phase where there’s a chance of rain almost every day, it’s an important time to keep an eye on your foundation since most foundation damage can be attributed to problems caused by water and soil. Here’s a list of what to look out for.

New Cracks: Any new crack is a dangerous crack. Standard new construction settlement fissures will occur in the first few months of a build, so if your house isn’t brand new and you see a crack, it’s a sign that something is moving when it shouldn’t be. The earlier you have wall cracks inspected and addressed, the less complicated and expensive the repair will be, so it’s in your best interest to call and find out what’s going on.

Existing Cracks: Maybe there’s a crack in your wall that you’re avoiding, or that you’ve had looked at but were told it wasn’t a big deal. Spring is a huge time for movement, so if it’s going to expand, that’s likely to happen in the next few months. Mark the ends of the crack with tape or a marker and see if there’s expansion beyond your mark. This is also a good method for tracking any cracks around doorframes or windows that you may see upstairs.

Mystery Water: Do you have unexplained puddles in the middle of your basement floor? Hydrostatic pressure might be to blame. When soil is oversaturated, the water within will travel to a lower pressure area by any means necessary, even if it means traveling through concrete. It’s common for water to come up through the middle of the basement floor in these situations. Not only do you not want water in your basement, but it’s a sign that soil could be at risk of washing out, which can put your foundation in jeopardy.

Upstairs Changes: Watch for changes to the main living space in your house. Are there doors or windows that stick or suddenly seem difficult to open or close? Are there cracks in the caulk around your countertops? Does your desk chair try to roll across the room on its own? These are all signs that your home is sinking or settling and should not be ignored.

Spring has always signaled a time of change, and that holds true for the state of your home as well. Keep an eye on the above items and you’ll catch potential problems early, preventing headaches and costly repairs for you and your family.