If you think you have foundation issues in your Houston residence that could result in serious damage to your residence, you need to consult someone experienced in this field. Foundation inspection is best left for the professionals. They know what to look for. They will provide a careful analysis of, not only the actual foundation, but also of the entire foundation system. This may include pilings or piers, and other types of concrete supports.
Foundation Inspection: Structural Components
One of the areas the foundation inspector or structural engineer will look at is those that extend beyond the perimeters of the foundation wall. He or she will carefully examine in structural components of your Houston home such as the posts, piers and pillars that are found in your basement or crawl space – depending upon the specific construction of your home. He will look to see if the components of the system are performing their functions correctly.
* Posts: These must stand straight. They need to exhibit that they are solidly supporting their beams.
* Bottom of the Posts: These must remain dry, and stand firmly on their concrete piers.
* Framing: No framing should be wet.
* Flooring: There should be no indications of puddles or wet spots in a basement or crawl space.
* Wood: It all needs to be dry and completely free of any type of rot.
* Gutters: These must slope away at a specified angel from the foundation. They also need to be free from any debris.
These comprise the basics of a foundation inspection. In addition, the inspector may look at the interior of the Houston residence to see whether floors slope, windows shut evenly and smoothly, and if the house displays other indications that the foundation is no longer solid.
Foundation Inspection: Cracks
You can have cracks in the foundation, brick or cement. They may not indicate a serious problem. A foundation inspection performed by an expert can tell you whether that hairline crack in the mortar is a sign of foundation issues or simply a part of the shrinking and curing process. He can recognize and catalogue from minor to severe the different types of cracks in your foundation. As a result, you will be able to know whether you need to immediately have repairs undertaken or can hold off without increasing the risk of damage to your Houston home.
He or she can tell you after a thorough a foundation inspection whether you can simply plug the cracks e.g. those found at an L-shape section; or need to call in help now for horizontal cracks. Listen carefully to what the inspector has to say. After you have received his verbal and written report, contact a reputable firm that services the Houston area. Talk to them and get an estimate on all your options. Check on their insurance, especially workman’s compensation. Look at the warranty that comes with the work. Get references, and look for reviews at Angie’s List. A little bit of homework will make sure you hire a good company.
If you are considering the need for a Foundation Inspection, try to learn more about the process and what it involves by talking to the experts at Dura Pier Foundation Repair. With over 30 years in the business, we can provide honest and skilled information on the different aspects of foundation repair including the need for using the durable and reliable Dura Lock System. To discover more about who we are and our services. You can also visit them on Twitter.
