Can a House Collapse from Foundation Issues?
Few words strike fear into the hearts of Hamilton homeowners as the words “foundation damage.” At best, you may be thinking there are some unexpected repair bills ahead, and certainly, a fair bit of inconvenience as the foundation repair crew works to stabilize your home. At worst, you may have visions of your home falling down on top of you.
But is this a concern? Here is what you need to know.
Will my house collapse?
No, it probably won’t. Homebuilders in the Hamilton area are incredibly conscientious and built their homes in accordance with Ontario building regulations. Homes in the area are designed to withstand a number of stresses, including weather, erosion, and even minor tremors.
Even if one of your basement walls were to collapse, it would be unlikely to take out the entire house. It would, however, cause significant structural damage. It could also damage your plumbing and cause extreme water damage.
It would certainly be unsafe for you and your family to continue living in your home until the structural engineer could properly assess the damage.
What are the warning signs of foundation damage?
There are several warning signs that Hamilton homeowners can look for that would indicate that there may be issues with the foundation. These include:
- Cracks located on the exterior of the home.
- Windows and doors that “stick” or do not open and close easily.
- Cracks in the drywall around windows and doors.
- Long cracks in basement or crawl space walls.
- Bowing of basement walls.
Are my foundation problems dangerous?
Most foundation problems – when they are caught early enough – can be repaired long before they become a hazard to you and your family, but left unchecked, yes, they can become dangerous. That is why it is important to have the damage assessed by a structural engineer or a qualified contractor.
They will be able to tell you whether it is safe for you to stay in your home while foundation repairs are being carried out.
How long do I have to fix the problem?
Once you’ve detected potential issues with your foundation, you should have them dealt with as quickly as possible. Foundation problems do not fix themselves, and over time they only get worse and more costly to repair. Cracks get wider, and they eventually become gaps. And once you have gaps in your foundation, the walls become unstable.
Additionally, cracks allow water to seep into your foundation, which can not only accelerate the damage to your foundation but can also lead to other problems like mould and mildew. And the longer you wait, the worse it will get.
Contact Conterra Foundation today!
If you are a homeowner in the Hamilton area and you suspect that you have foundation issues, don’t wait. Contact Conterra Foundation today. A member of our team will arrange an appointment for an inspection to be done to assess the damage and recommend a course of action to stop foundation problems in their tracks.
