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Contact Us – Commercial
January 20, 2021
Roof Inspection
January 26, 2021
Contact Us – Commercial
January 20, 2021
Roof Inspection
January 26, 2021

Basement Inspections

BASEMENT INSPECTION

The Complete Guide to Basement and Crawl Space Foundation Problems

Residents of Columbus, Ohio, and its surrounding communities are all too familiar with weather conditions that can change in the blink of an eye. Frequent freezing and thawing present special challenges to homeowners who need to protect their crawl spaces and basements from excessive moisture and other factors that can cause damage. Whether you are already experiencing flooding or noticing cracks in the foundation, or you want to be proactive about protecting your most valuable investment, here is everything you need to know about preventative measures, warning signs, and what to do next.

What Factors Cause Foundation Problems?

While a wide variety of factors can cause foundation damage, most of them can be tied back to problems with your gutters, grading, or groundwater.

What are the Signs of Foundation and Crawlspace Problems?

The most obvious sign that some aspect of your foundation or water removal system isn’t working is the presence of puddles or standing water in your basement or crawlspace. More subtle signs of a potential problem include:

  • Damp or humid air
  • Dripping water
  • Water spots on carpets
  • Rotting wood floors
  • A musty smell
  • The presence of mold or mildew

These are all signs of excessive moisture that will require your immediate attention. Once you have identified that there is a problem, you will need to find the source of the problem. As mentioned above, the excess water is most likely the result of gutters, grading, groundwater, or a combination of the three.

 

home basement inspections

What if I Have Cracks in My Foundation or Walls?

The bad news is that even if water is being effectively directed away from your home and your basement is completely dry, you can still experience cracks in the foundation. When the soil below your home gains or loses moisture, it will expand and shrink accordingly, which can cause the house to shift and settle. Even small cracks have the potential to cause big headaches and quickly expand. If you notice any cracks, it is important to address them immediately.

 

basement inspections

Different Types of Cracks and What They Mean

Homes with block foundations are also susceptible to cracks as the mortar between the blocks dries and becomes old and brittle. It is common to find cracks located along 90-degree corners, so pay special attention to these areas as you monitor your home.

If you notice a crack, you should take measurements and track how quickly the crack may be expanding. Mark off a specific spot on the crack and accurately record the width of the damage. Return at regular intervals to remeasure the crack and look for any changes in size. A crack that is beginning to widen at one end or exceeds ½ inch could compromise the integrity of your home and should be evaluated by a professional.

Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks often appear at the corners of both poured concrete and block foundations. This type of crack indicates that the pressure from the surrounding soil has reached a point where the wall is actually breaking. Weather conditions, such as high winds, along with aging, can also cause walls to weaken to the point where they cannot withstand the pressure from the soil. A horizontal crack is a sign of a major structural problem that should be addressed immediately.

 

a very long horizontal crack in the basement found during an inspection

basement inspections in Columbus OH home

Vertical Cracks

Vertical cracks can also be an indication of structural damage. If the crack is wider at the top, this means that either the soil is expanding and heaving at the center of the foundation upwards OR the foundation is dropping. On the other hand, if the crack is wider at the bottom, then the foundation is probably BOTH heaving while also dropping at the edges. In either case, you could be dealing with structural damage, and it is time to call in the professionals.

 

a crack in the basement found during a basement inspection

Inspect your basement for cracks

Are All Cracks a Sign of Damage?

There is some good news. Not all cracks are necessarily something to lose sleep over. It is quite common for aesthetic cracks to appear that don’t present any danger and won’t require treatment. For example, angular cracks which appear in a brick wall that has been laid directly on top of the foundation are typically the result of changing weather conditions. Seasonal changes can cause expansion and superficial cracks that don’t put your home in danger.

It is also normal to see hairline cracks above interior doors and other openings, as well as a basement floor. Even if your home was properly constructed by the best in the business, settling is a natural part of the aging process and will result in small cracks that don’t pose any risk.

What Can I Do about Water or Foundation Damage?

Ultimately, your course of action depends on the cause of the damage. If you are able to easily determine that your gutters aren’t functioning properly because they are clogged with leaves and other debris, then you should be able to tackle this problem yourself. For small cracks that appear in basement floors or above interior entryways, you can always fill the spaces with a variety of caulking materials, but it isn’t necessary to take any further action. Perhaps the best thing you can do to try and prevent superficial cracks is to use a humidifier during the winter months and a dehumidifier in the summer to help combat changing weather conditions.

If you are having trouble identifying the source of excess water or you aren’t sure whether a crack is superficial or a sign of structural damage, your best bet is to contact a professional. When it comes to your home, it is always best to be on the side of caution and address a problem before it has a chance to escalate.

The experts at Home & Commercial Inspections LLC of Columbus, Ohio, specialize in identifying the root of foundation and water damage issues and providing solutions to protect you, your family, and your home. While we love the seasonal weather in Ohio, we are also well aware of the types of challenges it can present for your home. That is why we work hard to make sure that homeowners from Grove City and Gahanna to Dublin and across the Columbus area have easy access to our team of highly trained experts.

Call Home & Commercial Inspections, LLC today to get answers to your foundation and crawlspace questions and make an appointment to have an inspector visit your home.

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