The foundation of your home is one of the most important structures, and it’s one of the most expensive to repair. The national average cost of foundation repair is $4,500, though it can get as high as $7,500.
Why is the foundation so important? Foundation problems have a major ripple effect and can cause everything from your floors to your walls to shift and crack.
How can you prevent structural weakness in walls and foundations to protect your home and your assets? Read on to find out.
Waterproof Your Basement
Dampness is one of the biggest culprits of both cracked foundations and cracked walls. Homeowners often assume that leaking roofs and pipes are the primary source of water damage in homes, but basements are another common source.
Waterproof your basement or crawl space by repairing any cracks and improving drainage. If you live in a high-humidity area or have poor exterior drainage, consider vinyl encapsulation. Always keep gutters and downspouts clean to divert water away from your foundation.
Use Stud Finders
It’s easier than you might think to accidentally damage your walls. Adding weight to unsupported plaster or drywall can cause cracks and large, unsightly holes. While it’s not likely that you’ll cause serious structural damage by hanging frames in the wrong place, you can prevent cosmetic damage by searching for studs.
Studs are the beams in walls that form part of the frame of your home. They can hold screws and bear weight much better than plain drywall or plaster. Use stud finders to locate studs to hang decor with care.
Read Also: The Benefits Of Choosing Professional Septic Pumping Services
Invest in Insulation
Significant temperature changes can contribute to warping walls and floors, shifting your home and placing uneven pressure on your foundation. Some turn-of-the-century homes were built with minimal insulation, exposing homes to high heat and freezing temperatures.
Increasing insulation is a cost-effective way to protect your walls and foundations. It’s also a great way to reduce your energy bills by reducing heat gain in the summer and trapping forced heating in the winter.
Address Problems Fast
Don’t wait until you’re selling a home to invest in things like foundation maintenance. When you stay on top of small repairs, you can preserve the value of your home and reduce long-term costs.
Unfortunately, foundation repair is rarely a DIY job. Hire a foundation repair contractor to inspect and repair your foundation. Make sure to save any proof of repairs to share with future home appraisers when you do decide to sell your home.
Protect Your Walls and Foundations to Protect Your Wallet
Walls and foundations are some of the most important structural elements in any home. While both are built to last, they need care over time to combat damage, wear, and tear. Use this guide to protect your walls and foundations with ease.
Looking for more ways to preserve or improve your home value? We’ve got tons of how-to instructionals, guides to professional renovations, and interior design inspiration. Look around for the home essentials you need to turn your house into a home.
