Make no mistake, if you\u2019re experiencing an issue with your home\u2019s crawlspace, that means you have a problem with the foundation your home is built on. Unfortunately, homeowners wait an average of 5 years (or longer!) to get their foundation inspected.<\/p>\n
But, the longer you wait, the more expensive the fix will likely become. Here are five signs you need a trained foundation repair company to take a look at your crawlspace.<\/p>\n
1. Your floors are bouncing.<\/p>\n
When you walk across the room, does the floor seem to jiggle or bounce under the weight? There are a few potential reasons for this, including sinking crawlspace supports. This issue is caused when the soil under a home is not strong enough to bear the weight of the supports \u2013 and the rest of your house along with it.<\/p>\n
Sinking crawlspace supports can be repaired by replacing the supports with steel columns\u00a0that transfer the weight of your home from weak soil to strata that is able to bear the load.<\/p>\n
2.\u00a0 There\u2019s a slope or sag in the middle of your floors.<\/p>\n
Similar to bouncing floors, if you notice your floors sloping or sagging, that could be an indication that your crawlspace supports need to be checked out by a trained professional.<\/p>\n
Sagging floors are another symptom of sinking crawlspace supports. However, it could also mean the supports were placed too far apart when the home was built and more support is needed.<\/p>\n
3.\u00a0 Something smells.<\/p>\n
Yes, you\u2019re reading this correctly. If you\u2019re noticing an odor, it could be coming from your crawlspace \u2013 and this could mean that wooden support beams are rotting away.<\/p>\n
If rot has already started, replacing the supports with steel beams will be the best way to ensure the problem doesn\u2019t persist.<\/p>\n
4.\u00a0 Your doors are sticking or jamming.<\/p>\n
You might think a door that is jamming has an issue with its hinges or the handle. But jamming or sticking doors are actually a symptom of foundation issues.<\/p>\n
Sticking doors can be caused by settlement in your crawlspace. A foundation repair company can stabilize your foundation.<\/p>\n
5.\u00a0 You notice cracks in interior drywall.<\/p>\n
Drywall cracks could look like the paint is the problem. However, if it\u2019s coming out of the corners of door frames or other telltale places, it could indicate your crawlspace is in need of repair.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re experiencing one or more of the reasons above, it\u2019s time to call someone out to inspect your crawlspace. We recommend going with a trained and reputable foundation repair company for peace of mind that the issue will be fixed in a professional manner.<\/p>\n