Foundation cracks often occur due to extreme temperature changes, soil moisture levels, earthquakes, and settlement of the structure. You may notice structural damage such as cracks around the windows, doors, and corners of the house. Once you notice these problems, call a contractor immediately about foundation repair, as putting this task off can lead to more expensive and severe damage down the road. 

Why You Should Address Foundation Issues Right Away

1. Structural Damage

The longer you wait, the more stressed the foundation will become, and the problems will continue to worsen. Cracks will become more extensive, walls will begin bowing, floors will start to sag, and other damage will become worse over time.

2. Repair Costs

If caught early enough, minor cracks in the foundation are easier and cheaper to fix. However, the longer you wait, the more extensive the damage will become. Major repairs, including stabilizing walls, sealing the foundation, and leveling the house may cost thousands to repair. 

3. Water Seepage

Cracks in foundation slabs allow water to seep in, leading to flooding and water damage. Also, water allows mold and mildew to grow, which will damage your home even further, as well as cause allergies and other health issues, like respiratory problems.

4. Damaged Pipes

Foundation shifts and structural displacement can cause water pipes to break under the slab as well as above the ground. Though above-ground pipes can be easy to fix, those under the slab can be expensive because those issues are difficult to diagnose and hard to reach. Often, the problems below ground aren’t noticeable until they have caused significant, costly damage.

5. Insects

Foundation cracks provide termites, carpenter ants, spiders, and other pests the space they need to enter the building. As bugs build mud tunnels in the breaks, they can also cause more damage to the structure. A severe infestation is another unwanted cost that will occur if you don't address foundation repairs as soon as possible.

If you require commercial or residential foundation repair work, call the experts at The Dwyer Company. Since 1973, they have been serving Lexington and Louisville, KY, along with West Chester, OH. Their experts offer foundation repair, soil stabilization, basement waterproofing, concrete lifting, and slab jacking. Call the Lexington location at (859) 231-0998, the Louisville location at (502) 489-5438, or the West Chester location at (513) 777-0998 to get a free estimate. You can also visit their website to learn about the types of projects they take on.