How to Tell If Your House Needs to Be Leveled
House leveling is not a DIY project. Instead, it requires the expertise of a foundation repair professional from house leveling contractors Killeen TX. While all foundations settle at an average rate, uneven settling can cause serious structural damage. Consider the following signs to determine if your house needs to be leveled.
Common Signs
If your house has settled or is prone to settling, it may be time to get it leveled. While some settling is normal over time, it can damage your home’s foundation. If the foundation is damaged, you may notice cracks in the walls or ceiling, or the floor may be uneven. You should seek help from a certified leveling contractor to get your house leveled and make your life easier.
Foundation settlement is a common problem and can be caused by expansive soil or even tree roots. Regardless of the cause, this structural problem will only worsen over time, affecting the value of your home. Another sign of settling is expansion joints, which are the vertical gaps between concrete blocks and bricks. Check the mortar in these areas for cracks.
House leveling and slab jacking help restore a home to its original position. These services can also fix structural damage and protect your home from future damage. In addition, these services can help prevent interior water leaks and damage. They can also help with the repair of chimneys and electrical systems.
Foundational Issues
There are many different ways to fix foundational issues when leveling a house. Some issues are easy to fix, and some are more complicated. For example, piers can take a week or more to install, and the size of the home also affects how long it takes to fix. Another factor is the type of material used. For example, concrete takes more time to dry than loose fill, and the damage can affect how long it takes to fix the foundation. Finally, the time of year can also make a difference.
The first step in fixing foundational problems is to determine whether the house is at risk for foundation problems. Homeowners who have issues with foundations often need to have repairs done before they can sell the house. This can increase the project’s cost. Furthermore, a house with foundation problems may not qualify for mortgage financing. This can depend on the lender and appraiser’s assessment of the damage.
Another important step in fixing foundational issues is to make sure that there is a good drainage system for the house. This drainage system should be designed to move massive water away from the house. French drains can also be used to re-direct small amounts of water. However, even a small amount of water on the foundation can damage the structure.
Uneven Floors
Uneven floors in a house are often a sign that the house needs to be leveled, but the cause of the problem can be anything from excess water to a problem with the foundation. If you suspect a problem with the foundation, it’s important to call a professional to perform a structural evaluation.
Other problems can also occur because of uneven floors. Sinking floors can affect the drywall and jam the doors, and a sloping floor can cause mold. Uneven floors are rarely the result of problems with the floor itself but instead are a sign that the home’s foundation has moved or the house’s floor beams are warped or weak.
Uneven floors also cause the house’s walls to shift, leading to cracks in walls and ceilings. If this continues, the walls may bow. Additionally, cracks may appear around the door and brick frames. However, the most alarming signs are wide cracks and horizontal gaps.
Another warning sign that a house needs to be leveled is if the floor of a house is heavily sloping. While some of these problems will go away as the house settles, others can cause serious problems with the foundation of a house.