Investing In Better Construction

If you live in earthquake country, you owe it to yourself to inspect the foundation of your home on a regular basis. While it's nearly impossible to get a clear view of your foundation, since most of it is hidden by the flooring in your home, you can still locate damage by taking a look around your home. Foundation damage is easily identifiable through visual signs in key areas of your home. Look at the list described below. If you've noticed these issues around your home, you need to speak to a foundation contractor as soon as possible.

Windows That Won't Open

If the windows in your home no longer open and close properly, there may be a problem with your foundation. As the foundation slips beneath your home, it can put stress on your windows. When that happens, you'll notice that your windows won't open without additional force used. You may also notice that there's a gap between the window and the frame when you close them. Foundation damage can also cause small cracks to appear around your window frames.

Floors That Aren't Level

When your home was built, your foundation was level. If your foundation has suffered significant damage, it may no longer be level. As a result, you may notice that one area of your floor seems to sit higher than the rest. If you suspect that your foundation is damaged, check to see if your floors are still level. One way to do that is with a construction level. Place it on the floor. If the bubble rests in center, your floors are still level. However, if the bubble lands on either side of center, your floors are no longer level.

Gaps Where the Walls Meet the Ceiling

Look at the area where your walls meet the ceiling. You shouldn't be able to see any space between them. If you're suddenly seeing gaps where the walls meet the ceiling, or small gaps are becoming larger, you need to have your foundation inspected. Those gaps are a sign that your foundation is shifting, which could be undermining the structural integrity of your home.

Cracks in the Stucco

One or two cracks in the stucco isn't usually anything to worry about. However, if you're noticing hairline cracks throughout your stucco, your foundation may be trying to tell you something. Those cracks could be caused by deeper cracks in the foundation.

Your home is only as strong as the foundation it rests on. If you've noticed any of the issues described here, contact a foundation contracting business like RCW Construction as soon as possible.