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The Good Fix

There is a difference between repairing something and repairing it properly. If you come across a situation you don't know how to fix, then you need to call the experts. There are repair professionals who specialize in everything from ovens to roofs. Knowing how to select and hire the right one is half the battle. That's one topic you will find explained here on this website. We've also collected various other articles on repairs and restoration. We don't expect you will be an expert on the topic by the time you finish reading, but we do think you'll be better informed and more able to hire the right expert.

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Signs Of Damage On A Slab Foundation

by Clara Nichols

Spotting potential problems is more difficult on a slab foundation. Unlike a home with a basement, you won't be able to easily see cracks and water seepage issues inside the home. Instead, you will need to be aware of the more subtle signs of a damaged foundation so you will know when to reach out to a foundation repair service.

Door and Window Alignment Issues

Slab foundations often suffer damage due to uneven settling. When this occurs, the doors and windows in your home may go out of alignment, an issue that is also referred to as out of square. Alignment issues can make it difficult to close or open windows and doors or result in latches that may fail to line up properly.

Floors Out of Level

The same settling that can knock doors and windows out of alignment will also affect the floors and the ceiling of your home. The level issue is often most noticeable on floors. For example, dropped items may roll toward the corner of a room where the foundation is settling. You can check your floors for level by using a digital or liquid leveling tool.

Baseboard and Flooring Mold

Cracks in a slab foundation can allow ground moisture to start seeping into your home. The first sign that this is occurring is often mold and mildew growth near the floor. You may find mold on the lower section of the walls, along baseboards, or even in your carpet or other flooring material. If ignored, the mold can spread into your walls or even cause wood baseboards to rot and drywall to fall apart.

Bowed Walls

A slab foundation is that is settling unevenly will put stress on the entire structure of your home. One result of this stress is bowing of the walls, which in severe cases can be quite noticeable. Even less obvious bowing can result in major issues. For example, a common problem when walls begin to bow is that the nails that hold your drywall to the studs may begin to pop out, so you will be able to actually see the round nailheads on your wall.

Chimney Issues

Chimneys, typically constructed of brick with a tile or steel liner, aren't as flexible as the wood and other materials used in home construction. This inflexibility means they often suffer greatly when there is even minor foundation damage from settling or cracks. Your chimney may appear to lean, bricks may crack, or, in extreme cases, the chimney may collapse as a result of foundation problems.

Contact a basement foundation repair service to learn more or if you notice any of these issues.

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