Don?t Get Sunk with a Sinking Foundation

Posted by xstructural on January 31st, 2017

We all procrastinate from time to time, but ignoring a sinking foundation is far more consequential than letting the laundry pile up. A single crack in the wall or some warped woodwork may not seem a big deal, but failing to take action when you first notice these signs of a sinking foundation can lead to some serious problems. You should contact a structural engineer Boston as soon as you suspect a problem with your foundation, and here are a few reasons not to delay:

Costly Repairs

Structural damage amplifies over time. So it makes sense that the longer you wait to address your foundation’s faults, the greater the repair costs. A few hundred dollars in repairs can quickly turn into a few thousand dollars. Do yourself a favor and call a structural engineer before your house requires evacuation.

Flooding and Water Damage

Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners quite like water damage. Over time, a sinking foundation can lead to cracking and structural gaps, which puts your home, and especially your basement, at high risk for flooding. And flooding, of course, leads to mold and mildew (yet another expense).  A structural engineer can do a thorough inspection and assess your risk for flooding and water damage.

Decreased Resale Value

A sinking foundation, without a doubt, will significantly lower the resale value of your home. Left untreated, a home with a sinking foundation is a hard sell, and investment in repairs is well worth the reward.

Hidden Problems

A sinking foundation may be a sign of other structural problems. Give yourself peace of mind by having a structural engineer perform an inspection. If other problems are uncovered, take comfort in knowing they can be addressed before getting any worse.

Your home is the foundation upon which you build your life. Never ignore the gaps and cracks that you witness in your house.