FROM WINTER THAW TO SPRING FIX: TACKLING FOUNDATION PROBLEMS HEAD-ON
April 10, 2024
Spring around Edmonton is knocking on our doors, and you know what that means – time to shake off the winter blues and get our homes in tip-top shape. But hold on! Before you start planning that epic spring cleanup, there’s one thing you absolutely can’t afford to overlook: your home’s foundation.
Taxes, spring snowstorms and setting your clocks forward aren’t the only thing that’s a real pain this time of year. Those pesky foundation issues you let slide last fall didn’t go anywhere (something you probably figured out after the first real bout of warm weather and spring runoff).
First things first – inspection time. Inspecting your foundation sounds about as fun as watching paint dry. But trust us, it’s worth it. Take a stroll around your house, both inside and out, and keep your eyes peeled for any signs of trouble. Cracks in the walls or floors? Wonky doors that refuse to close properly? Unusual moisture in the basement? These are all red flags that your foundation might be crying out for some TLC.
Here’s a list of things to look for:
Visual Examination:
Begin by visually inspecting the exterior and interior of the building. Look for any visible cracks, bulges, or gaps in the foundation walls, both inside and outside the building.
Check for Water Damage:
Water damage can weaken the foundation over time. Look for signs of water infiltration such as staining, mold growth, or efflorescence (white, chalky residue) on the foundation walls.
Inspect Drainage Systems:
Check that gutters, downspouts, and drainage pipes are properly installed and directing water away from the foundation. Poor drainage can lead to water pooling around the foundation, causing damage over time.
Assess Soil Conditions:
Soil movement or settlement can affect the stability of the foundation. Look for signs of soil erosion, settlement, or heaving around the perimeter of the building.
Measure Foundation Movement:
Use a level and measuring tape to check for any unevenness or settlement in the floors, walls, or door/window frames. Uneven surfaces may indicate foundation movement.
Look for Structural Defects:
Inspect other structural components such as beams, columns, and support walls for any signs of damage or deterioration that may be affecting the foundation.
Review Previous Repair Work:
If there have been any previous repairs or renovations to the foundation, review the documentation and inspect the quality of the workmanship to ensure it was done properly.
Once you’ve pinpointed the problem areas, it might be time to call a foundation repair expert. Now, if you’re dealing with minor cracks and settling, you might be able to let things slide for a while. But keep in mind, where there’s cracks there’s usually something more ominous waiting just over the horizon. Make sure to keep an eye on suspicious symptoms and take note if they seem to be getting worse over time.
But what if your foundation issues are a bit more serious?
Don’t panic – that’s what the pros are for! Specialists like Shield Foundation repair are the superheroes of the home improvement world, swooping in to save the day when things get tough. We’ve got the skills, the know-how, and equipment needed to tackle even the trickiest of foundation problems.
From waterproofing to crack repair to underpinning and levelling, we have a whole arsenal of techniques at our disposal to get your foundation back in fighting shape. And the sooner you tackle your foundation problems head on, the more likely you might avoid an even larger repair bill down the road.
Fixing your foundation is just one part of the equation. To truly keep those pesky problems at bay, preventative maintenance is your best tool. That means keeping your gutters clean, making sure your downspouts are directing water away from your house, and maintaining consistent moisture levels in the soil around your foundation.
We like to say, “Protect what matter most,” and it’s really true. With regular inspections and a helping hand from a first-rate contractor like Shield Foundation Repair, you can whip your home’s foundation into shape and enjoy a spring season free of worries.
If you think you need some advice from a season pro, give us a call today at 780 760 4900 or fill out our handy contact form.
