If you are planning to buy a new or an old house it is always wise to seek the advice of a qualified geotechnical engineer to evaluate the occurrence of foundation-related problems and to determine the root cause of such problems.The cause is the most important factor as repairs will be in vain if the original cause of the distress is not recognized and eliminated. It becomes difficult to detect the problems if the signs of distress are concealed through activities like painting, patching, tuck-pointing, addition of trim, installation of wall cover, etc.
The main concern in all cases is to decide whether the degree of distress demands a foundation repair. Here are
the general signs of distress for foundation stability and ways to detect these signs of distress.
1. Floor Irregularities
To check the level of the a floor, place a marble or a small ball bearing on the surface and observe its behavior. A rolling action indicates the construction of foundation on a differential grade, which can be the problem for the stability of foundation.
2. Cracks in Outer Surfaces
- Check the exterior foundation and masonry surfaces for cracks and look for evidence of patching.
3. Doors Irregularities
- Check for evidence of prior repairs and adjustments such as shims behind hinges, latches or keepers relocated, tops of doors shaved.
- Inspect interior doors for proper fit and operation.
- Check the plumb and square of the door and window frames.
- Look if the doors are square in the frames or not. Check to see if the strike plates have been adjusted to accommodate the strikers, relocation might indicate movement.
- Measure the length of the door at the doorknob side and the hinge side.
- A discrepancy suggests that the door may have been shaved.
- Also, feel the top of the door above the doorknob. If it is smooth, the door may have been sanded or shaved.
- If the door rubs slightly at the top, shimming the hinge plate might provide alignment without altering the door
4. Irregularities in Walls and Ceilings
Inspect wall and ceiling surfaces for cracks or evidence of patching. Any cracking should be evaluated based on both extent and cause. Mostly, hard construction surfaces tend to crack. Often, this can be the result of thermal or moisture changes and not the foundation movement.
5. Check for Drainage Adjacent to the Foundation
Check exterior drainage adjacent to foundation beams. Any surface water should quickly drain away from the foundation and should not pond or pool within 2.5 to 3 m.
6. Cracks in Exposed Concrete Surface.
Check for the cracks in exposed surfaces. Large cracks approaching or exceeding 0.6 cm in width require a detailed consideration and can be due to foundation movement.
7. Check for Trees Planted near to the Foundation
Look for trees that might be located too close to the foundation. The safe planting distance from the foundation is preferably 1.5 times the anticipated ultimate height of the tree. Consideration should be given to the type of tree.
Another way that trees can affect the soil beneath them relates to prevailing weather conditions. During droughts, roots may shrink as clay soils dry; during heavy rains, the roots may expand as they absorb water. Both shrinkage and expansion can damage the structural integrity of soil. This cause stress to the foundation of the house.
You can get proffesional building contractors and construction workers at Fundipoa Contruction Directory.