Identifying and repairing foundation issues can be tricky simply because this part of the house is hidden from view. If you own an older home, it’s essential to know the warning signs of common foundation problems so you can address any issues before they cause extensive damage.
Why Do Older Homes Have Foundation Issues?
The longevity of a home depends on a wide range of factors, including quality of construction, location, climate and the era in which the home was built. In general, the older your home is, the more likely it is that foundation problems will develop at some point.
The craftsmanship of the time and the materials used to lay the foundation are important factors in determining how long it will last. Poor-quality work and materials just don’t have staying power. For example, the earlier types of foundations aren’t as stable as modern concrete slabs, which were not widely used until the 1940s.
Finally, there’s just the simple fact that time passes. Over the years, erosion and other issues cause the soil beneath a home’s foundation to move. And as trees grow, roots can potentially extend underneath the foundation, also causing movement.
Unfortunately, these are the kinds of problems that can’t be detected by a modern homeowner until signs of foundation problems begin to appear.
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Is it save to live in a house with this problem?