Do Cracked Basement Walls Have You Worried?

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While many issues with your house may be cosmetic and easily noticeable, foundation issues may be harder to spot and seem more difficult to correct. Cracked walls in your basement may be a warning sign for foundational issues with your home.

Problems with your foundation can be the result of climatic changes, especially in states with varying seasonal climates such as Indiana. You can also run into trouble because of flooding, poor drainage, and other wear and tear.

While cracked or bowed walls in your basement are two obvious signs of trouble, there are some other things you should pay attention to. Things like sticky doors and windows could be the result of a shifting foundation. Uneven floors are often the result of settling, and could point to more serious foundation issues. Cracks also may appear on interior walls, gaps may open up on windows and doors, and chimneys may start to lean. Pay attention to these warning signs and do not put off addressing the problem in the foundation.

By putting off foundation repair, a small problem like a single crack in the wall can transition into a much bigger problem. ...
... While the problems start out in the basement, over time they will start to effect the rest of your house. Making adjustments and repair upstairs to fix cracked floors or walls, or sticky windows and doors, will not address the real problem. And when you do get around to fixing the problem with the foundation, those quick fixes may be undone.

The good news is that if you pay attention to the warning signs you can avoid a big basement project. In fact, rebuilding the basement walls is often not a good solution and should be considered a last resort. Instead, installing wall anchors and piers will fix most foundation issues, and will cost a whole lot less.

The fear many homeowners have with foundation issues is that they will destroy the whole house and adversely effect resale value. The truth is that even chronic foundation problems like cracked walls can be fixed. It is just like any other repair issue in your home. The key is to work with experts who know what to do to fix the real problem, and not just the symptoms of the problem.

One solution to foundation worries is having anchors installed. This method uses a steel rod that anchors the wall to the earth outside. The rod is inserted horizontally through the wall and attached to another rod that is driven vertically into the ground. This method doesn't require any changes to the surrounding landscape or any structural changes to the foundation or house. Anchors are used to help keep basement walls standing straight and to avoid bowing and cracking.

Another solution is using piers in your basement. The piers are also made out of steel, and they are installed right in your basement. They push against your homes footing, helping your house to recover from uneven floors, sticky windows and doors, and cracked walls. The piers are driven down into a solid surface, such as the bedrock below your home, so that they will not shift.

You do not have to worry about cracked basement walls or any of the other warning signs of foundation problems. What you do have to do is take action. Bring in an expert who will solve the underlying problems in your basement and shore up your house for years to come.

Bowed walls, or cracked walls? Basement Walls settling, Floor cracked, uneven, or bowed? Indiana foundation installs foundation piers, foundation anchors, and mudjacking to stabilize your home foundation.please visit:http://www.indianafoundation.com