Is a Home with Foundation Issues at Risk of Collapsing?
Imagine heading out to go to work or do some shopping and you see a very noticeable crack in your home’s exterior wall. The first question that pops in your head is “Is there a foundation problem and is my home going to collapse as a result?” The short answer is “yes”, although it isn’t that simple. It can take years for a serious foundation problem to develop and cause the structure to collapse. In most instances, when this happens, the collapse is concentrated on one specific area.
As Florida’s premier home inspection team, we’ve seen lots of structures with all kinds of foundation issues. Most individuals assume that foundation problems could be an indication of a more serious issue. While there are certain inherent risks, it doesn’t always mean that the structure is going to collapse. You can still live in the home, but it’s a good idea to have any foundation issues checked. Many homeowners have no idea that there’s a problem because of how long it takes for them to develop. That is why a home inspection every few years is the right way to ensure there are no structural issues with your home.
Unfortunately, when your home’s foundation shifts, it can lead to a broad range of other problems including:
- cracks on exterior and interior walls
- doors and windows jamming or are no longer level
- mold and water damage (be careful if you’re buying a home with these problems
- uneven flooring
In most cases, it’s not very likely that your home will collapse entirely from a foundation issue. However, it’s possible that one section of it could incur major structural damage. This could lead to further damage in the form of electrical issues and pipes breaking. Luckily, there are always some indications or warning signs that arise before any major damage can result. Those warning signs include:
- Attic walls, basement walls, and crawl spaces will be bowing or have cracks in them.
- Doors and windows will often stick and be difficult to open or close.
- There will be cracks in the drywall around those door and window frames as well.
- You’ll see cracks in exterior walls, especially those constructed from block or stucco.
When working out your foundation issues, you might want to do some research on how long it takes the average Florida home to settle. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and have peace of mind by being proactive about foundation issues.
For more information about the above or to schedule a professional home inspection, call Florida Inspections Unlimited today at 305-910-1171.