A house with a well-maintained structure can improve the visual appeal. More importantly, it can prolong the longevity of the home. The structural integrity of your home goes beyond the exterior look. Instead, it includes the attention to detail in its foundation, blockwork, roof, etc. According to reports, 25% of all homes are likely to experience structural problems at some point. This makes it imperative to know what to do to prevent this in the first place and below are a few things to consider.
Foundation restoration
A sinking foundation can be hazardous. It undermines safety and can make the house inhabitable if left unattended for a long period. So, what causes a sinking foundation? Several reasons are attributed to it. First of all, the weather can be a major factor in this occurrence. Due to alternating cold and hot weather cycles, the soil underneath expands and contracts. In the end, the base starts to give way to the weight of the house on top of it.
Secondly, the ground on which the house is built could have been problematic. Perhaps, the architect or building contractor failed to notice that from the beginning. The third factor is usually attributed to excess water content at the building site. When you start to notice a foundation problem in your house, it is advisable to attend to it immediately than wait it out. That can save you from costly foundation repairs in the future. According to architects, foundation restoration can be minor or major depending on the exact problem area. If the damage is superficial, an experienced mason can fix it in no time. On the other hand, when damage is extensive, you will need the expert services of a licensed building engineer. An average foundation restoration costs about $4,449.
Waterproofing
Water is one of the major elements that destroy homes. Seepage into your walls and floors can cause mold and dampness. And you may need intense and costly repair work to get your house back in excellent condition when that happens. Waterproofing your home involves taking steps to stop the gradual weakening of the structure. In construction, damp-proof silicone injections are effective for this. The mason drills holes into walls or at strategic points of the building. After that, the silicone material is pumped into them. This technique is effective, especially in the early stages of water seepage in the walls as the silicone injection technique stops water or moisture from climbing further up.
Siding
Another term for this is wall cladding. It is the art of using protective materials on exterior walls to prevent damage. Usually, siding is done to protect the structure from the weather's vagaries. The cyclical damage from the sun, snow, rain, and strong winds can be costly in repairs. Because there are different types of cladding and a host of materials used, it is always recommended to rely on siding experts. It is better to use residential siding contractors with years of experience under their belt. This way, you know your home's structure is in safe hands.
Fix your interior wall cracks
According to building experts, the expansion and contraction of building materials are responsible for this. In many cases, exterior walls show signs of massive cracks. They usually present as thin horizontal, vertical or diagonal openings in the walls. In severe cases, the openings look like crevices big enough for small pests to hide in. When these cracks appear on interior walls, immediate fixing is the way to go. However, before you attend to it, you must determine if it's a cosmetic crack or not. A deep crack in your interior walls requires an expert. A quick trip to the local hardware store can resolve the problem if it's superficial.
Repair roof leaks
Your roof protects you and your belongings from the elements. While roof leaks are pretty common with old houses, fairly new properties can develop the problem too. One of the reasons these leaks happen is due to damage to the shingles. When some get missing or develop cracks, they become entry points for rainwater and melted snow. Instead of waiting for such leaks to develop, you will find it helpful to conduct regular roof checks. Through this, problems can be detected early. If you have an attic in your home, that space will bear the brunt when roof leaks become persistent.
Finally, before you purchase a house, it is wise to conduct a structural inspection before moving in. Doing this can keep problems at bay.
Foundation restoration
A sinking foundation can be hazardous. It undermines safety and can make the house inhabitable if left unattended for a long period. So, what causes a sinking foundation? Several reasons are attributed to it. First of all, the weather can be a major factor in this occurrence. Due to alternating cold and hot weather cycles, the soil underneath expands and contracts. In the end, the base starts to give way to the weight of the house on top of it.
Secondly, the ground on which the house is built could have been problematic. Perhaps, the architect or building contractor failed to notice that from the beginning. The third factor is usually attributed to excess water content at the building site. When you start to notice a foundation problem in your house, it is advisable to attend to it immediately than wait it out. That can save you from costly foundation repairs in the future. According to architects, foundation restoration can be minor or major depending on the exact problem area. If the damage is superficial, an experienced mason can fix it in no time. On the other hand, when damage is extensive, you will need the expert services of a licensed building engineer. An average foundation restoration costs about $4,449.
Waterproofing
Water is one of the major elements that destroy homes. Seepage into your walls and floors can cause mold and dampness. And you may need intense and costly repair work to get your house back in excellent condition when that happens. Waterproofing your home involves taking steps to stop the gradual weakening of the structure. In construction, damp-proof silicone injections are effective for this. The mason drills holes into walls or at strategic points of the building. After that, the silicone material is pumped into them. This technique is effective, especially in the early stages of water seepage in the walls as the silicone injection technique stops water or moisture from climbing further up.
Siding
Another term for this is wall cladding. It is the art of using protective materials on exterior walls to prevent damage. Usually, siding is done to protect the structure from the weather's vagaries. The cyclical damage from the sun, snow, rain, and strong winds can be costly in repairs. Because there are different types of cladding and a host of materials used, it is always recommended to rely on siding experts. It is better to use residential siding contractors with years of experience under their belt. This way, you know your home's structure is in safe hands.
Fix your interior wall cracks
According to building experts, the expansion and contraction of building materials are responsible for this. In many cases, exterior walls show signs of massive cracks. They usually present as thin horizontal, vertical or diagonal openings in the walls. In severe cases, the openings look like crevices big enough for small pests to hide in. When these cracks appear on interior walls, immediate fixing is the way to go. However, before you attend to it, you must determine if it's a cosmetic crack or not. A deep crack in your interior walls requires an expert. A quick trip to the local hardware store can resolve the problem if it's superficial.
Repair roof leaks
Your roof protects you and your belongings from the elements. While roof leaks are pretty common with old houses, fairly new properties can develop the problem too. One of the reasons these leaks happen is due to damage to the shingles. When some get missing or develop cracks, they become entry points for rainwater and melted snow. Instead of waiting for such leaks to develop, you will find it helpful to conduct regular roof checks. Through this, problems can be detected early. If you have an attic in your home, that space will bear the brunt when roof leaks become persistent.
Finally, before you purchase a house, it is wise to conduct a structural inspection before moving in. Doing this can keep problems at bay.
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