Many homeowners are quick to panic and jump to worst-case scenarios when they first notice cracks in the foundation. However, they should take a deep breath and call an emergency foundation repair in Dallas.
If they don’t, the cracks will widen and the damage will worsen. Fortunately, acting quickly can reduce the amount of damage and prevent it from getting even worse.
Water Damage
Water damage is a very serious problem that can affect the interior of a home. It can lead to mold and mildew, rotting wood, and structural damage. It may also cause electrical problems and short-circuiting of devices.
When you have water damage, you need to call a foundation repair expert immediately. This will help prevent the problem from getting worse and can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Cracks in the foundation that go unnoticed can get worse over time, causing further damage to the home. This can include leaking water, mold and mildew, rotted wood, pest infestations, and structural damage.
Another sign that you need foundation repair is if the cracks are growing in width or length. These cracks can eventually cause more damage to the interior of your home and make it unsafe to live in. They can also cause air leaks that will increase your energy bills. Water damage is also dangerous to your health, especially if it contains chemicals or bacteria.
Mold and Pest Infestation
Infestations of mold and bugs often go hand-in-hand, and both can be caused by conditions that encourage their growth. For example, excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold to thrive in areas that lack direct sunlight or adequate ventilation. In addition, the conditions that allow mold to grow are also ideal for bugs like booklice, fungus gnats, cockroaches, camel crickets and termites to survive.
A mold outbreak is a health hazard for everyone, but particularly people with weakened immune systems, allergies or respiratory problems. Even dormant mold spores can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Infestations can be controlled with appropriate cleaning methods and a reduction in humidity levels. In addition to locating the high humidity source, a conservator may recommend freezing affected materials at extremely low temperatures (below -20 degrees Celsius). This can be done in-house for small outbreaks, but large or very toxic outbreaks require an outside vendor to freeze larger quantities of material for longer periods of time.
Damage to the Interior of Your Home
A home’s foundation is a major load-bearing component, so it needs to be in good condition for the rest of the house to stay standing. If you notice cracks in the walls, ceiling, or drywall of your home, it could indicate damage to your foundation and lead to water damage, pest infestations, and other structural issues.
The best time to call for foundation repair is at the first sign of problems. Waiting too long may cause the cracks to widen, leading to more serious damage and more expensive repairs. You may also experience a domino effect in your home, with one weakened area affecting the rest of the structure. For example, a sagging floor or leaning walls could affect the doors and windows, which in turn would affect other areas of your home.
Structural Damage
When you notice the warning signs of foundation damage, your first instinct may be to panic. After all, a crack in the foundation is the first sign that your home is at risk of collapsing. While some cracks aren’t cause for alarm, others are more serious and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
Leaving these issues unaddressed can lead to further structural damage. For instance, a wall crack can get worse over time and eventually let water, mold, and pests into your home. It can also weaken your support systems, leading to more expensive repairs in the future.
Fortunately, there are several ways to repair your foundation and save your home. For example, you can install a piering system that uses steel piers to lift the sunken portions of your foundation. This alleviates pressure on your walls and foundation and prevents further deterioration. This solution also provides additional structural support for your home and reduces the need for emergency foundation repair in the future.
