So, you have just had a foundation repair. Good for you; the chances of foundation problems troubling you in years to come are drastically reduced. While completing your foundation repair is a humongous task in itself, there are a few things to do once your repair company has packed its bags. In addition to taking proper care of the foundation once the repairs are made to fixing common cosmetic problems, there are more than a few things to add to the to-do list.
Read the paperwork: Did the company leave you with any paperwork beyond the contract that talks about what they just did? If they didn’t leave anything of the sort, call them up and ask for it. If they did leave something, read up on it. The paper contains all the warranties and detailed processes of what they just did to your foundation. In most cases, they also note down the days you should wait before performing any aesthetic changes to your foundation or home.
Wait 45 days: If you are just lazy to read the paper and want a quick fix, wait 45 days at the least before starting any repairs. This is because, in a 45-day window, the concrete will have set and will be strong enough to take any repair. If you perform any repairs or changes before the 45-day mark, the new work will crack, and you’ll have to start from scratch.
Create a comprehensive list: Now that your 45 days are finally up, it’s time to make some cosmetic repairs. To ensure that you don’t miss anything, create a comprehensive list of what you want to get repaired. Foundation problems can cause a lot of damage around the house. From doors and windows that stick to their frames to bowed and cracked walls, a lot can go wrong. Once you have made a list, start working on each problem one by one.
Watch out for typical problems: When it comes to foundation repairs, there is a list of typical problems that come along with them, regardless of the severity of the situation. These problems indicate foundation troubles and probably made you suspect foundation problems in the first place.
Sprinklers and plumbing: Check for any changes in how your sprinklers or plumbing work. If you have a water bill that is suddenly higher than normal, it could be because of a leak resulting from foundation problems.
Doors and windows: As mentioned before, doors and windows that get stuck or do not close properly are another sign of trouble. This happens when the frame of the door or window is no longer level with the rest of the house.
Drywall cracks: Vertical drywall cracks are usually not indicative of anything serious, but horizontal ones are. These cracks develop when too much pressure on one side, which can cause the wall to bow outwards. If you see such cracks, make sure to get them checked out.
Floors: If you have hardwood floors, then foundation problems will cause them to become unlevel. This can be checked by simply rolling a ball from one side of the room to the other. If the ball doesn’t roll in a straight line, your floors are unlevel and need to be fixed.
Roofing: One of the most common problems homeowners face after a foundation repair is roofing troubles. This happens because the house settles unevenly, which puts pressure on the roof. As a result, you might see cracks or leaks in the ceiling. If this is the case, make sure to get it checked out as soon as possible.
Drainage: Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of foundation problems. If you have not been paying attention to your gutters and downspouts, now is the time. Make sure that they are clean and free of any debris. In addition, ensure that they are directed away from your house. If they are not, water will pool around your foundation and put undue pressure on it, which can lead to cracks.
Start with the easiest ones: Once you have a list of problems around the house, start with ones that are easiest to perform and don’t take too big of a toll on your home. For instance, doors and windows can be easily fixed by simply shimming the frame. On the other hand, cracks in the drywall will require you to replace the entire section.
Fix one thing at a time: Once you have started making repairs, take care of one problem at a time. Do not try to fix everything all at once, as it will only lead to more problems. In addition, it is important to remember that some repairs might require professional help. In such cases, consult with a professional before proceeding with any repair.
After your foundation repair is complete, a few things need to be done to ensure that your house is back in tip-top shape. By following the tips above, you can easily take care of any problem that might have arisen due to the repair. In addition, it is important to keep an eye out for any new problems that might arise and deal with them accordingly. If you run into any further problems, call your repair company. They will be happy to guide you through the process.