When it comes to the foundation of your home, you don’t want to take it for granted.
It supports everything from your walls and roof to your floors and plumbing. But when warning signs of possible foundation issues crop up—such as cracks in walls, creaks in floors, or doors that don’t close correctly—the average homeowner might drag their feet. That’s a mistake since delaying a fix will make the problem worse. It’s best to contact a company specializing in foundation repair to set up a service call.
But either because of insufficient funds or a lack of understanding about the seriousness of foundation issues, many don’t take action quickly enough. The reality is that procrastination is a costly and dangerous mistake.
Keep reading to see five reasons why delaying needed foundation repairs is never an option.
1. The Damage Will Grow Over Time
Foundation issues don’t fix themselves. In fact, once you start to realize something’s not right, it will get progressively worse the longer you delay. Water damage, seasonal weather patterns, and soil movement can all contribute to further foundation shifting.
The small crack will grow remarkably big over several months and result in greater structural deterioration. You owe it to yourself to contact a company that can address foundation issues. Otherwise, you’re risking your property investment and safety.
2. It Can Lead to Other Structural Problems
Problems with your foundation can create a lot of other problems. When the foundation shifts, it unlevels walls, ceilings, floors, and even the roof.
You can begin to see problems like the following. And the issues that will worsen over time:
- Drywall or brick cracks
- Sinking or sagging floors
- Unlevel doors and windows that stick or won’t close
- Gaps between walls and ceilings
Such issues aren’t minor. If nothing’s done to correct them, you may have problems with the framing, insulation, pipes, and other components.
3. Water Problems Will Most Likely Escalate
A poor-quality foundation can make it easier for water to infiltrate your home during rainy weather or snowmelt. Damaged foundation walls and floors will provide openings through which water can enter and cause mold, rot, and water damage.
Water intrusion isn’t just detrimental to the foundation. It’ll also ruin stored belongings, rot wood support joists, and create poor indoor air quality. Mold remediation and water damage restoration are both expensive and time-intensive. But not fixing your foundation immediately will cost you more in the long run.
4. It Will Damage Your Home’s Resale Value
If you ever do sell, foundation problems can be a turn-off for prospective buyers. Clever buyers will have the property checked out, and any structural damage discovered will compel you to lower your price or lose the sale.
Even when you disclose the issue at early stages, a majority of potential purchasers don’t wish to purchase a home that has foundation issues.
Addressing foundation problems when they are small and providing proof of work done by professionals will reassure prospective buyers.
5. Delaying Repairs Can Void Insurance or Warranty Coverage
Some owners erroneously believe damage to the foundation will be covered by insurance. Most standard homeowner policies, however, exclude slowly progressing foundation damage due to settlement of the soil, water intrusion, or lack of maintenance.
Also, most foundation repair businesses give warranties on their labor — although those warranties do typically state that issues must be fixed within some time period.
Prompt repair isn’t just essential to the integrity and safety of your home — it’ll also save you money if you’re forced to make an insurance or warranty claim.
You can’t afford to procrastinate when your foundation is on the line. The longer you wait, the worse and more costly the repair. Preventive repair avoids damage, reduces repair cost, maintains your property value, and protects the integrity of your home’s structure.
If you notice foundation problems, contact a professional. An experienced foundation expert can determine the level of damage that has occurred and recommend a solution that will fit you and your budget.
