Performing regular inspections on your home’s foundation is critical for the early detection of potential issues, which can turn into major structural problems. If you perform routine checks, you can identify foundation problems early, so you can take care of them before they get worse.
Foundation damage can happen to any property, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. If you’re a homeowner, detecting problems early is critical to your home’s overall health. But you may not know what to look for as you inspect your foundation.
How to Prepare for the Inspection
Before you start the inspection, you need to have the right tools. You also need to prepare a checklist to make sure you cover every part of your foundation. Some of the tools you need may include the following:
- Flashlight — This can be used to inspect any dark areas.
- Level — This can be used to check the evenness of floors and surfaces.
- Tape Measure — This can be used to measure the width and length of any cracks.
- Notepad and Camera — This is used to document your findings and to track any changes that occur over time.
- Moisture Meter — This can be used to check for moisture levels in your walls and floors.
- Screwdriver or Probe — This can be used to test the strength of the wood around the foundation for signs of rot.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information about any other tools you may need to inspect your foundation.
Exterior Inspection Checklist
You can start by walking around the perimeter of your home and doing a careful inspection of the following areas:
- Foundation Walls — You should check your foundation walls for any signs of damage (such as cracks, gaps, bulging, or bowing). You also want to check the foundation walls for any water stains or efflorescence, which can be indications of water intrusion.
- Exterior Walls and Siding — Check the exterior walls for cracks, especially around your windows and doors. You also want to look for any separation between the walls and foundation. If you notice any visible misalignments in your walls, it could be a sign of foundation shifting.
- Windows and Doors — Check your windows and doors for any gaps between the frame and the wall. You also want to look for cracks that extend from the corners of your windows and doors. If your doors or windows stick when you open or close them, it could be an early sign of foundation damage.
- Gutters and Downspouts — You want to make sure your gutters and downspouts are directing water at least 5-10 feet away from your foundation. You also want to check them for any clogs, which can cause water to accumulate near your foundation.
- Grading and Drainage — You want to check the grading around your home to make sure the ground slopes away from your house. You also want to inspect any drainage systems to make sure they’re working correctly.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information about what else you need to inspect your foundation.
Interior Inspection Checklist
There are several areas inside your home where foundation problems can manifest themselves, so a thorough inspection of specific areas of your home’s interior can help you identify the less obvious signs of foundation problems. Some of these areas can include the following:
- Interior Walls — Check for any cracks in your walls (especially around doors, windows, and corners). You also want to check your walls for bulging and bowing, as well as any gaps between your walls and ceilings.
- Floors — Use a level to check for any uneven or sloping floors. You also want to look for cracks in tile, wood, or concrete floors. If you notice any spots on your floor that feel spongy or unstable, it can also be a sign of foundation damage.
- Doors and Windows — You want to test all your doors and windows to see if they stick or are hard to open and close. You also want to look for gaps between the frames and the surrounding walls, which can be a sign of foundation shifting.
- Ceilings — Look for cracks in your ceilings, especially near the corners or where they meet the walls. You also want to check them for sagging or drooping, which can be caused by structural issues related to your home’s foundation.
If you want to find one of the best places for foundation inspections in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.