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Anchor Foundation Repair Service
Welcome to the Anchor Foundation Repair Services web site.
Foundation Evaluation
The most critical step in our business is the evaluation of your foundation. This determines what improvements you may need to make, the timing of the improvements and their extent.
Homeowners may make the initial evaluation themselves. The major exception would be a home buyer looking at a property for the first time. In this case repair problems may be hidden by cosmetic repairs. If you are a home buyer you should look at these guidelines first then, if you are unsure, contact a foundation expert. Pictures shown here are some of the more dramatic examples that have been caused by foundation failure - problems may exist before signs are this apparent!
A professional evaluation requires careful
analysis of all available data. Data should include an elevation analysis, observation of signs of interior and exterior movement, and if possible a history of movement. Proximity of trees, watering systems and area drainage should also be considered.
Another factor involves the homes sanitary sewage system (the drains). It is not uncommon for leaks in drain pipes to influence foundation performance. In instances where foundation problems appear related to plumbing problems you should consult your homeowner’s insurance policy or contact your agent. In addition to phenomena previously mentioned, signs of plumbing related foundation problems include low areas near kitchens and baths, sewage smell inside the home, and drainage problems.
HOMEOWNER EVALUATION
Self evaluation is useful in determining what experts are looking for in analyzing a foundation. It does not replace the evaluation of a foundation expert and should not be used as such.
Evaluation Steps
1. Take a trip around the outside perimeter of your home looking at the corners of windows and door frame for mortar cracks and separation. Separation often occurs in areas where two types of construction meet i.e. brick and window frame or brick and door frame. Often these areas were caulked at one time. Note even the smallest cracks and their size (length and width) on a piece of paper. This will be quite useful in the months and years ahead to determine if your problem is an active one.
2. Next go around the inside of your home noting these same phenomena. Also note any sticking doors or doors with a large reveal. The reveal is the space between top of door and frame.
3. Cracking concrete floors or ceramic tile should also be noted. However, be aware that cracking is a normal part of concrete curing process and hairline cracks do not in themselves indicate a problem.
4. If you have more than three or four of the above defects or one of the defects is unusually large then we suggest you consult an expert.
ANCHOR FOUNDATION
email: anchorfoundationrepair@yahoo.ca
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