Are You Aware of the Indicators of Foundation Failure?
Foundation failure symptoms include cracks in the interior. To begin, we’ll discuss crack…or cracks. The complex plug is probably someone you know, but you’re sick of playing detective.
Cracks are a symptom of underlying problems that can’t be fixed with cosmetic surgery or even years of therapy.
Spaces Appear in the Drywall
When drywall begins to crack, it may be a sign that the foundation is failing. Try to find:
The presence of fissures wider than a quarter inch
Framing issues, such as protruding cracks
Increasing wall bulge and bow
Taking off the tape from the drywall
If you’ve patched and painted the same cracks over and over, it’s probably because of foundation problems.
Locked or Stuck Doors or Windows
Doors and windows that won’t open or close properly can be very frustrating.
Walk around the entire apartment and try opening and closing every door. See if they are skewed by checking their squareness. Signs of foundation issues include doors and windows that stick or are off-center or out-of-frame.
Inclined Surfaces
Walking up a sloping floor can feel like you’re trudging through mud. Some of the philistine tenants above me apparently thought that they could get all the exercise they needed by merely pacing around their apartments. A simple test is to see where and how fast a marble rolls when dropped on the floor in various locations around the room.
In other words, the steeper the slope, the faster the marble will roll. Trust me, no one wants grandma to trip and fall and break her neck, and this is a potential major trip hazard. Looking for gaps between the baseboards and the floor can be done at the same time as checking for floor slope.
Crevices in the Slab
Check the garage for cracked slabs, the kitchen and bathrooms for cracked tile, and so on. Additionally, this can cause the carpet to become uneven, which increases the risk of tripping.
Foundation Problems: External Warning Signs
You already know that first impressions are crucial. Even if the apartment complex has a beautiful blue pool and well-kept landscaping, potential tenants may be put off by the visible cracks in the stucco.
Breaks in the Stucco
Stucco, like drywall, can crack under enough pressure. Make sure you check for:
Broken Stairs
Frames of windows and doors have protruding cracks.
Asymmetrical Chimneys
Chimneys that have leaned due to the weight of snow are yet another excellent case in point for those of you living in frostbite zones. Since many chimneys have their own dedicated footing, separation usually indicates that either the chimney footing or the underlying foundation is buckling due to lateral creep.
Fractured Sidewalks
If your sidewalk has cracks, it poses a serious tripping hazard and could lead to a lawsuit. Even though polyurethane injections are simple to make, this poses a significant risk of liability and should be avoided. Backs can and do crack when they are stressed. If you notice your sidewalk is cracked, it may be because of expansive soils, the most common cause of foundation failure.
Fissures in the Footing
You may need to put in some effort for this one. Most renters won’t get a magnifying glass, get down on their hands and knees, and inspect the foundation of a rental property. I’m sure you’ve heard crazier stories and seen stranger things.
Cracks in the footing, especially those that run vertically, are a sign of impending structural collapse. These fissures must be repaired quickly to prevent water from seeping in and rusting the rebar.
However, whether you choose push piers, helical piers, polyurethane injection, or a hybrid of the three, it’s crucial to address the root cause of foundation failure.
Fissures in the Footing
It’s possible that you’ll need to put in some effort for this one. Few renters will get out a magnifying glass, get down on their hands and knees, and scrutinize the foundation of a property. There’s no doubt that you’ve seen strange things in your life.
When the footings show signs of cracking, especially in a vertical orientation, it usually means the foundation has given way. In order to prevent water from seeping in and rusting the rebar, these fissures must be repaired as soon as possible.
Push piers, helical piers, polyurethane injection, or some combination of these should be used to fix foundation failure, but the real issue must be addressed.
You Should Use the RLM Retrofit Foundation
If you are experiencing issues with your foundation, we can help. Inquire about our Foundation Inspection Bloomington and repair services right away by calling.
