Discovering that your Mississippi home has foundation problems can be just as unsettling as the foundation itself. However, foundational issues are not uncommon. Roughly 25 percent of homes have them. Of those, about 5 percent have serious foundational issues that require immediate attention.
Whether you found out about your home’s foundation problems from a home inspection or other signs, you might be asking how safe your home is. Fortunately, it’s usually safe to live in a home that needs foundation repair in Gulfport MS. But there are some exceptions.
Why Your Home’s Foundation is Important
Most homeowners know that their home’s foundation is important, but exactly how important is it? Very. Your home’s foundation doesn’t just support the structure of your home, it also keeps out moisture, insulates the home from the cold and resists movement from the earth.
Because of how heavy homes are, they require strong, stable foundations. If your home’s foundation is compromised, it can cause your home to sink unevenly into the ground, leading to cracks and damage. This is why you may notice signs like cracks in the ceilings and walls, sticky doors and windows and gaps around the interior trim.
How Bad is Your Foundation Problem?
To get an accurate picture of your foundation problem, you’ll need to schedule an inspection with a company like Foremost Foundations and Construction. One of our technicians will evaluate the damage and provide you with the solutions, along with their estimated costs.
There are several repair methods that can be used to repair your foundation. Some of those are considered long term while others are short term. Generally foundation repairs using Helical Piles or Helical Piers will last 50 years or more but are also more expensive. While using Polyurethane Foam Resin to underseal your foundation will generally last about 7-10 years but is also much more budget friendly. Our technicians will be able to provide you with the best solution for your foundation damage. .
When is it Not Safe to Live in a House with Foundation Issues?
Although it’s rare for a foundation problem to be so severe that you can’t live in the home, there is always a possibility that this could happen. A lot of times, these problems happen from catastrophic issues, so you’re likely to know about it in advance.
Here are some signs that it’s probably not safe to live in your home:
Foundation is settling or slipping - this typically affects homes on a slope or hillside
Uneven flooring that creates tripping hazards
Foundation wall is bowed over ⅜ inch with a horizontal crack
Fortunately, foundations don’t fail overnight, unless there’s a catastrophic event like an earthquake or flood. Therefore, you should notice if there are problems and tackle them right away. To schedule an estimate for foundation repair in Gulfport MS, contact Foremost Foundations and Construction today.