Your home is one of your biggest investments, so taking care of it is important. That means regular maintenance, both inside and out. One of the essential parts of your home is the foundation. The foundation supports the entire structure, so it must be in good condition.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don't realize the importance of foundation maintenance. They may neglect to check for cracks or other damage, or they may not know how to fix the problem if they do find it. As a result, foundation problems can become severe and costly.
You could face serious consequences if you don't care for your foundation. Here are a few things that can happen if you don't fix foundation repair problems.
Worst Thing That Can Occur If You Neglect Foundation Issues
Foundation Settling
The settling of the foundation is the most common type of foundation failure. It occurs when the soil beneath the foundation shifts or erodes. This can cause the foundation to sink into the ground, leading to cracks and other damage.
If you don't care for these problems, they will only worsen. The foundation will settle further, and the damage will become more severe. Eventually, the foundation may collapse entirely. This can cause serious injury, and it will also cause extensive damage to your home. So it's important to take care of foundation problems and fix them with a professional foundation repair in Knoxville as soon as possible.
Plumbing Problems
Another common issue that can arise from neglecting your foundation is plumbing problems. If the pipes beneath your foundation are damaged, they can leak and cause flooding. It can lead to expansive damage to your home and be very costly to repair.
In addition, if the pipes leak, they can erode the foundation. This can cause even more damage and may lead to a complete collapse. So it's essential to take care of any plumbing problems immediately and have a professional basement wall repair the damage.
Insect Infestations
One of the most unpleasant consequences of ignoring foundation problems is insect infestation. Insects are enticed to damp, dark places, so they'll be drawn to any cracks in your foundation. Once they are inside, they can quickly multiply and cause an infestation.
This can be a serious problem, as insects can cause damage to your home and pose a health risk. So it's important to consider any foundation problems before attracting insects.
Constantly Increasing Repair Costs
A broken refrigerator or vacuum cleaner can be fixed immediately with no penalties, but a slowly deteriorating foundation will only worsen over time if left unaddressed. Small cracks can turn into large ones, leading to even more severe problems. So the longer you wait to fix foundation problems, the more expensive it will be.
The best way to avoid costly repairs is to take care of any issues as soon as they arise. You can prevent further damage and save money in the long run.
Causing Extensive Structural Damage
Foundations are designed to support a structure, and when they weaken, it causes a domino effect of additional strain on the intended supported structure.
Even though they may not appear very significant, the foundation is a structural component that influences virtually every other thing on the property—walls, floors, ceilings, wooden cross beams, upstairs walls, doors, window frames, and attached garages. Therefore, it can have devastating effects if an unstable foundation repair is not addressed promptly and effectively enough to prevent further damage or if it is ignored for long periods.
Water Damage
Water damage is widespread in homes with wood structural features. Once cracks and crevices appear in basement walls, foundation slabs, or crawl spaces become contaminated by water, it's almost guaranteed that water damage will occur. Anything you store in your basement may be jeopardized if water penetrates undeterred beneath the foundation.
A crumbling and cracking foundation can allow moisture to get in, resulting in more serious water damage like mold and mildew growth. If this happens, you'll need to call a professional to mitigate the issue and help prevent it from happening again.
A Drop in Property Value
If you plan on selling your home at some point, it's essential to be aware that foundation problems can dramatically decrease its value. Most potential buyers will be unwilling to purchase a home with foundation damage. So if you don't take care of the problem, you may have trouble finding a buyer.
It's important to note that while foundation damage can be expensive to fix, it will cost you even more in the long run if you don't. Not only will it lower your property value, but it will also make it harder to sell. So if you're considering selling your home, it's important to take care of any foundation problems first.
Read here to know a complete guide foundation damage ad it’s sign.
The Bottom Line
Foundation problems can be severe, and they should never be ignored. If you think there may be an issue with your foundation, it's important to have it inspected by a professional foundation repair company as soon as possible. Ignoring foundation problems will only worsen them and can lead to extensive damage, water damage, insect infestations, and a decrease in property value. So don't wait – if you think there's a problem with your foundation, have it checked out right away.
