Underground Woes: 5 Clues That Your Abode Requires Leveling
You're nestled into your favorite couch with a cup of coffee, admiring your beloved Oklahoma City home. Then, suddenly, you notice an unusual crack on the wall. Before you brush it off as a mere cosmetic glitch, think again. Can this be a whisper of a more significant problem stirring beneath your feet? This article dissects those subtle and not-so-subtle signs that your house is crying out for the attention of foundation repair companies.
Unmasking the Culprits: Common Causes of Foundation Issues
When your house feels unsteady, it is usually due to the following miscreants:
Improper Soil Backfilling: In construction, the soil around your home's foundation is typically excavated and backfilled. If this backfilling process is done incorrectly or the soil used is not adequately compacted, it can lead to the soil settling over time, causing your home to do the same.
Soil Expansion: A type of soil known as expansive soil, predominantly clay, can expand when wet and shrink when dry. This constant expansion and contraction put significant pressure on the home's foundation, leading to cracks and an uneven base.
Tree Root Damage: Trees are lovely, but their roots can cause a lot of havoc. Tree roots can penetrate the soil underneath your home as they grow, leading to soil displacement and foundation upheaval. If a tree is too close to your house, its root system can suck the moisture out of the soil, causing it to contract and your home to sink.
Revealing the Warning Signs: Is Your House in Need of Foundation Repair?
These are the signs your house might be flashing to indicate it needs help:
Stuck Windows: Windows that are difficult to open or close can indicate foundation settlement. When the foundation moves, it can distort the window frame, making it hard to operate windows.
Sloping Floors: If you drop a marble and it rolls to one side of the room, that's a clear sign of a sloping floor, indicating that the foundation is uneven.
Ceiling & Wall Cracks: Cracks on walls and ceilings, particularly those running diagonally or horizontally, are classic signs of foundation distress.
Leaning Chimneys: A leaning or tilting chimney can suggest a problem with the foundation, indicating that the soil beneath the chimney has compressed or shifted.
Drywall Cracks: Cracks in drywall around windows, doors or at the junctions of walls and ceilings can also suggest foundation trouble.
Expert Assistance: Essential Services by Professional Foundation Repair Companies
Once you spot these signs, it's best to contact professional foundation repair companies, which typically offer:
Unlevel Basement Repair: This service focuses on correcting the uneven basement, which is causing structural issues in your house.
Subfloor Leveling: If your floor is uneven or sloping, foundation repair companies can level the subfloor to ensure the floor is flat and stable.
Concrete or Floor Leveling: This service involves raising and stabilizing your concrete floor to rectify any imbalance.
Professional Over DIY: The Advantages of Entrusting Foundation Repair Companies
While it might be tempting to turn foundation repair into a DIY project, it's not recommended. Foundation problems are serious and require a professional's expertise. Repairing a foundation is not as simple as applying a patch. It often requires deep understanding, technical knowledge and specialized equipment, which only professionals have.
Insights from the Pros: What Can a Free Foundation Inspection Reveal?
Many foundation repair contractors offer free inspections, similar to a check-up for your house. A professional can examine your house thoroughly and identify specific issues affecting your foundation. They can also suggest effective measures for repair and even preventative solutions to avoid future problems.
Ensuring Trustworthy Repairs: The Importance of Background Inspection
It is essential to check the background of the foundation repair company you plan to hire. It includes their expertise, past works and customer reviews. Doing this ensures that your chosen company has a solid reputation and is trustworthy, capable and reliable. “Just as you would verify a surgeon's credentials before surgery, the same due diligence is essential when handing over your home's health to a foundation repair company.”
It's Time to Secure Your Home's Future: Make the Call Today
Let's toast to a strong foundation! Give your house the royal treatment it deserves with one of the best foundation repair companies in Oklahoma City. Don't dilly-dally; contact Ram Jack by American Leveling Company for a knight in shining armor, ready to level your fortress back to its majestic glory. Stand tall because we ensure your homes do too!