Identifying Flaws in a Foundation Made of Cinder Block
It is never a pleasant experience to have the realization that a crack has appeared in the floor or wall of your building’s basement for the very first time. It is imperative that any indication of a cracked foundation be taken seriously and investigated as soon as possible; however, it is important to note that not all foundation cracks are signs of serious problems. It can save you a lot of time, money, and worry if you know whether a crack in the foundation or wall indicates trouble or if it is merely cosmetic.
Some homes are constructed off the ground in order to protect themselves from flooding. Bricks, wooden beams, cinder blocks, and concrete blocks are the foundations of some of these houses, respectively, while others have bricks or wooden beams. These kinds of houses have a foundation that is known as “pier and beam” construction. The cinder blocks that you can see are actually part of a system that extends into the ground and connects at the top with the beams that support your house.
The good news about these houses is that in comparison to homes with a slab foundation, they offer a greater number of advantages. Because they are elevated off the ground, it is more difficult for termites to work their way into the structure of the house. Additionally, the separation makes it possible for air to pass under the house, which dries out the soil and prevents it from holding on to an excessive amount of moisture for extended periods of time.
The bad news is that pier and beam homes are just as susceptible to foundation problems as a home that is built on a slab. The slab method of construction is more common. Finding issues with a home that has a cinder block foundation is very similar to finding issues with any other type of home that has a pier and beam structure. Even though your house is elevated, which allows air to circulate freely underneath it, the changes in moisture level in the soil can still cause that soil to shift or move. This can happen even if your house is elevated. In the event that this occurs, you might begin to notice signs of damage inside your home.
Inside, you might find some of the following issues, among others:
doors that are unable to open or close in the correct manner
doors that open in the opposite direction and windows that leave gaps in your walls.
sagging floors
Even though the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem with the foundation, you should move quickly to address the issue. If you ignore them, it’s possible that their condition will get even worse. Over the course of our more than two decades of experience working with foundations, RLM Retrofit Foundation has developed a specialty in pier and beam foundation repair. If you are having issues with your foundation and are curious about what goes on during the process of foundation repair, RLM Retrofit Foundation is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Give us a call as soon as possible for any and all of your Foundation Inspection Near Me Beverly Hills and repair needs!
