What are the Telltale Signs of Foundation Damage?

We keep what we have only with vigilance. 

Buying a home is a big achievement in a man’s life. But, your work doesn’t get over once you purchase your dream home. You must maintain it in order to ensure its durability. 

As a home owner, foundation damage is one of the home maintenance problems that require prompt attention. If you shut your eyes to the telltale signs of foundation damage, it will lead to expensive repairs in the future. 

How to identify Foundation Damage? 

You do not have to be a foundation repair contractor to detect a problem. Instead, you must look for the following telltale signs of foundation damage in your home:

Poor Condition of Foundation

When it comes to detecting a problem in your home, go straight to the source. Inspect the basement as well as the exterior surface of the foundation for structural damage. If you notice cracks, gaps, mold or mildew around the foundation, it is a sign of damage. 

Visible Cracks 

Every property settles over a period of time. But, early cracks in the structure can be a problem. Check for cracks in every part of your home. If you notice the following issues in your home, you must immediately call for help: 

1. Stress cracks in the drywall
2. Cracked corner, pillars or ceiling
3. Stair-step crack pattern in the brick facade
4. Cracks in the exterior mortar veneer
5. Horizontal cracks in the concrete slab
6. Cracks in tiles or wood floors 

Misaligned Doors and Windows

The soil expands and contracts periodically because of changes in the climate pattern. The constant movement in the soil results in foundation damage. If there is a problem with the foundation, some parts of your home may collapse or settle. It will affect the alignment of doors and windows. 

So, check the doors and windows of every room. Do not forget doors and windows of the basement as well as the attic. If the doors do not latch properly or the windows do not close completely, consider checking for other signs of damage. 

The Floor or Ceiling is Uneven

It is not necessary that a problem with the foundation will have an impact only on the lower levels of your home. Uneven floor or ceiling should be considered as a red flag by every home owner. 

Your Home is Old

If your home is older than 10 years, it is likely to have foundation problems. Why? It is because there are high chances of settlement. Also, the plumbing system may have deteriorated and put a pressure on the foundation. 

These are the all the telltale signs of foundation damage. If you notice any of them in your home, do not ignore them. Remember a strong foundation results in a sturdy home. So, hire a foundation repair contractor to repair the foundation and save your home from collapsing. 

If you believe that the foundation of your home is damaged, call Pour Concrete. The expert foundation repair contractor will analyze the situation and provide you with quick, durable and affordable solutions. Contact now for foundation underpinning service.

Learn the Factors that affect the Cost of a Waterproofing Project

Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.

-Benjamin Franklin

The proverb is ideal for every home owner. In order to ensure that your home is beautiful and sturdy, you must address every maintenance issue immediately. Ignoring issues such as water seepage and moisture will force you to undertake expensive repairs in the future.

If you are troubled by water leakage in the basement or damp walls in the kitchen, do not ignore it. Instead, you must call a licensed waterproofing contractor to waterproof your home. Home owners shy away from hiring a waterproofing contractor because they are concerned about the huge cost of the waterproofing project. But, remember that not every waterproofing project will create a financial problem for you. When it comes to providing you with an estimate, a waterproofing contractor doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. He/she will consider several factors before providing you with an estimate for the project. 

What Factors affect the Cost of a Waterproofing Project? 

A waterproofing contractor will not give you an estimate immediately. He/she will visit your home, analyze the water problem and consider the following factors before giving you an estimate: 

The Cause of Water Problem

There are several causes as to why water enters your home. You may believe that the damp walls in the basement are the result of cracks in the foundation. But, it may be the result of improper construction of a window well. If the problem is caused by a window well, the cost of the waterproofing project will be insignificant. 

The Foundation

The cost of a waterproofing project depends on the foundation of your home. If it has a deeper foundation, the waterproofing contractor will have to spend more time in repairing it. So, it will increase the cost. 

Today, foundations are built using concrete. But, if your home is old, it is possible that the foundation is made up of bricks, clay or stone. A waterproofing contractor has to undertake different methods for different types of foundation. It means the cost of a waterproofing project changes according the material used for building a foundation.

The Waterproofing Method

Usually, exterior waterproofing method is more expensive as compared to interior waterproofing method. It is because it involves excavating the earth around your home and installing waterproofing materials effectively. 

Other Factors

There are several other factors that affect the cost of a waterproofing project such as: 

✓ Location - If the municipality of your area requires the waterproofing contractor to adhere to special rules, it can increase the cost of the project. 

✓ Waterproofing Materials - The quality and quantity of materials used by the waterproofing contractor have an impact on the cost. 

✓ Waterproofing Contractor – A licensed waterproofing contractor will demand more for the services provided by him/her. 

✓ Time Constraints - If you want quick completion of the waterproofing project, it will increase the cost. 

Caution is the Key

After considering several factors, a waterproofing contractor will provide you with a detailed estimate. But, remember that the ultimate cost of the waterproofing project may vary because of unexpected circumstances. So, you must be prepared for additional expenditure.

If you create a reasonable budget for the waterproofing project, it will help you to make easy payments to the waterproofing contractor and keep your home beautiful and sturdy. 

Pour Concrete, a licensed waterproofing contractor, provides affordable waterproofing services so that you do not have to face the problem of damp walls and water seepage. Also, its efficient foundation repair service will take care of any foundation damage caused due to water. Call on 647-847-4009 for immediate assistance.

Concrete is the Ideal Material for Building an Impressive Driveway

First impression is the last impression. 

What is the first thing that a guest comes across when he/she visits your home? It is neither your garden nor your living room. It is the driveway. If you want to build an impressive home, you need to ensure that the driveway is impressive as well. 

Abundant Choices! 

In the past, there were limited options for building a driveway. But today, you can build an impressive driveway with the help of any of the following materials: 

1. Asphalt
2. Concrete
3. Pavers
4. Gravel
5. Grass
6. Pea-Stone
7. Recycled Materials, etc. 

Even though there are several options, home owners tend to choose concrete for building an impressive driveway. Why is it considered as the ideal material for building a driveway? 

Cost-Efficient

 

When it comes to undertaking a home improvement project, cost is one of the most important factors that you need to consider. If you are on a limited budget, it is advisable to opt for concrete. It may be costlier than asphalt or gravel but it requires less maintenance making it an ideal choice for homeowners. 

Durability 

You need to ensure that the material you choose for building a driveway has the ability to bear the load of your vehicles. Concrete has great structural integrity and is ideal for bearing the load of several vehicles. It is not prone to erosion. Its proof is the use of concrete in building roads and bridges. 

Snow Removal 

If you live in a cold region, you know the time and energy it takes to remove snow from the driveway. If you choose gravel or pavers as a material for building the driveway, it will become difficult to remove the snow. 

Maintenance 

It is a fact that a cold climate is harsh on a concrete driveway and it can crack due to the freeze-thaw cycle. But, if you use quality sealants, you will be able to avoid cracks. 

Also, it doesn’t take much work to keep the concrete driveway clean. You can remove the stains with warm water and soap. And, once in a while, you can contact a stain removal expert to remove stubborn stains and marks. 

Versatility

In the past, home owners often chose pavers or gravel to add beauty to the driveway. But, concrete is fast becoming a go-to option for home owners because of its versatility. 

Concrete can be stained and stamped in a wide range of colors and made to suit the color scheme of your home. You can also opt for concrete brick pavers and build a driveway that resembles one made from bricks and stones. 

Traditionally, concrete was considered to be an unexciting option for building a driveway. But today, the story is different. Home owners trust concrete as the ideal material for building a strong and long-lasting driveway. If you want to build an impressive driveway and add to the curb appeal, contact a concrete contractor. He/she will understand your requirements and provide you with beautiful options for building an impressive concrete driveway. 

When it comes to building an impressive driveway, choose Pour Concrete. The licensed concrete contractor will use quality material for building a long-lasting driveway. Call on 647-847-4009 for building a concrete driveway.