Foundation repair isn’t fun for anyone. If you let repairs fall by the wayside, though, you put more at risk than just your stress levels.
Delaying foundation repair can result in a litany of problems around your home, including the following:
Worse Damage In The Long-Term
The longer you let the crack or damage in your foundation go, the worse it’s going to get over time. This means that you could see more flooding in your basement. No one wants an involuntary indoor swimming pool – so be sure to reach out to a local contractor if you suspect your foundation may be cracked and leaking.
Irreparable Belongings
The more flooding your foundation and basement sees, the more likely it is that the belongings you’ve put into storage can be damaged. Fabrics, woods and personal belongings including papers can rarely be fully recovered after they’ve been exposed to standing water. It’s better, then, to act quickly if you want your stored belongings to be usable again in the future.
Additional Foundation Fractures
One foundation fracture begets more foundation fractures. The longer you let your foundation go unrepaired, the more likely it is that you’ll end up with spider fractures throughout your foundation. This means more flooding, more structural damage, and more expenses when you do eventually want to have your foundation fixed.
Skyrocketing Bills
If you don’t get your foundation fixed after a crack or leak has been detected, you risk seeing a rise in both your water and electric bills. Leaks add more moisture to the air, which makes it more difficult for temperature-controlling appliances to maintain a steady temperature. Similarly, excessive moisture can compromise the integrity of your pipes. When your pipes start to leak, not only do you see more moisture in the air, but your water pressure can drop while your bills rise.
If you’re looking to save money, it’s always best to invest in foundation repair as quickly as you possibly can.
Infestations
If water can get into your home, so can all kinds of critters. The last thing you want to deal with on top of a cracked foundation is termites, mice or other uninvited guests. Unfortunately, if you do start noticing signs of an infestation – including droppings, nesting or increased structural support damage – you’ll need to get in touch with a local exterminator as well as a professional foundation repair contractor.
Mold
A damp and dark place is the perfect spot for mold to grow. If mold particles take root in a foundation crack, you could see not only an increase in foundation damage but more allergy attacks throughout your home. Mold puts the health of your family at risk – so you need to starve it out as quickly as you can.
Delayed or Denied Loans
If you need to take out a mortgage on your home or otherwise ask for a bank loan, the bank may choose to deny you based on any structural damage your home is facing. This means that a cracked or damaged foundation could put your financial standing at risk.
Trouble Selling Your Home
You can sell a home that has a damaged foundation or that has its foundation damaged in the past. If you haven’t invested in repairs, however, you risk losing up to 30 percent of your home’s value. It’s often best to invest in repairs before listing your home so you can sell it for the vast majority of its value.
Longer Repair Time
The longer you wait to have your home repaired, the more time it’s going to take for a professional contractor to spruce up your foundation. Not only could the repairs be more invasive, but there will likely be contractors and affiliated staff in your home for more time than there would have been had you gotten in touch more quickly.
More Expensive Repair Processes
Many foundation repair myths claim that it’s less expensive to put a hold on your foundation repair. After all, leaks will go away after a little bit of time – right?
Wrong. The longer you let your foundation leak go, the worse it’s going to get. If you wait too long, you’re likely going to be paying far more for your repairs than you would have if you had acted more quickly. If it’s money concerns that are delaying your phone call, act quickly for the sake of your wallet.
Above all else, don’t let a foundation crack or leak take away the joy you get from living in your home. Reach out to a Richmond, VA, contractor today for a free inspection and estimate on potential services. Your foundation will thank you.
