Lasting Effects of a Cracked Foundation
Foundations are the literal backbone of your home, and any damage to them can cause significant issues that require professional foundation crack repair. When it comes to foundation cracks, there is no room for DIY fixes; the only way to ensure your home’s structural integrity is to call in an expert. Let’s explore why it is so important to address a cracked foundation as soon as possible.
Structural Damage
Cracks in your foundation can lead to a wide range of structural issues because they open up pathways for water and pests. Pests such as termites, ants, and rodents can use the cracks in your foundation to access the inside of your house, which can be both expensive and dangerous. Additionally, when water seeps through these cracks during heavy rainfall or flooding events, it can cause further damage by eroding the soil around and beneath your home—leading to shifting foundations, sinking floors, cracking walls or ceilings inside the home, and more.
Health Risks
Cracks in your foundation also expose you and your family to potential health risks due to poor air quality caused by mold growth that develops in damp spaces. Mold spores travel through the air into living areas of the home where they can enter lungs and cause respiratory illnesses such as asthma or bronchitis. It is important to note that unhealthy moisture levels not only come from outside sources like flooding but also from inadequate ventilation inside the house. Without proper ventilation, moisture accumulates on surfaces such as walls or window sills where mold may grow unnoticed until it causes significant damage and/or serious health concerns.
Foundation Repair Costs
The longer you wait before addressing a cracked foundation issue, the more costly it becomes over time because of all these additional problems that arise from leaving a crack unrepaired. A foundation crack repair service can evaluate the extent of damage done by analyzing how far the crack has spread and if other elements (such as plumbing) have been affected by it. Doing this quickly allows technicians to provide accurate estimates on repairs needed without having any unknown variables added into their calculations at a later date due to further deterioration of the structure or its parts.
When faced with a cracked foundation issue, always trust an experienced professional for necessary repairs rather than attempting DIY solutions. A DIY solution could potentially worsen existing damages or result in new ones appearing down the road due to improper handling of sensitive materials like concrete blocks or steel beams common in most foundations today. Don’t put yourself at risk—give yourself peace of mind by addressing any signs of structural damage immediately. Foundation crack repair services will be able to identify what steps need to be taken right away so you don’t have to worry about lasting effects on your home’s structural integrity, or health risks posed by mold growth developing within your living space over time.
Author Bio
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family, and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.