6 Ways To Improve The Structural Integrity Of Your Home

If you want to preserve the value of your property, then it’s essential to improve the structural integrity of your home. And that involves repairing any minor and major issues in the support structures, like the walls and flooring, that could lead to costly damage. If you’re not sure what problems need fixing, you can learn more about it here. We’ll also show you a number of ways to enhance the structural integrity of your home by fixing the foundation.

Repointing

Mortar joints can generally last for around 25 years, but over time, the fillings will start to deteriorate. Constant changes in temperature and weather, especially wind, heat, and rain will cause the mortar to dry out and crumble.

This can leave your property susceptible to water infiltration, cold drafts, and further damage. If left untreated, the poor quality pointing can start to create structural damage, especially along with the chimney.

If your chimney has weakened mortar joints, water can penetrate into the cap and start to work its way downwards into your home. If you notice any cracks, gaps, or crumbling areas, it’s important to fix it before it collapses. Repointing of your chimney with new mortar will extend its lifespan and spare you the hassle of costly repairs down the road.   

Waterproofing

Does your home have adequate waterproofing along the exterior? It should! Waterproofing stops water seepage and eliminates the deterioration of your foundation walls. It can also prevent the structural footing in your property from weakening, and help to reinforce the foundation.

During the waterproofing process, the foundation walls will also be inspected for any voids and cracks that should be repaired. Gravel and a weeping tile system can also be installed around the home at the same time, which will provide better drainage and prevent future damage from occurring.

Structural Integrity Foundation Repair

Have you started to spot signs of structural damage? If you’ve spotted any of the following problems, your foundation is likely in need of repair. 

• Large cracks in the foundation
• Broken or spalling bricks 
• Wet walls and flooding in the basement
• Uneven flooring
• Creaky flooring in new spots
• Gaps in the concrete and crown mouldings
• Sticking windows and doors

Even small issues can quickly escalate into large, costly ones. If you notice anything that wasn’t there before, it’s important to call in a foundation repair expert to have a look. If repairs are required, you should never put them off. Structural issues can cause serious damage to your home and if left untreated, can put you and your family at risk.

Concrete Floor Repair

The concrete floors in the basement of your home may eventually need repair as well. There are many signs that can indicate a concrete issue, including cracks, peeling, and deterioration of the foundation. Resurfacing the damaged cement base can help to improve the structural integrity of your home. Old flooring that is already at risk can be removed and replaced with a new concrete floor that will provide you with years of protection. 

Block Foundation Repair

Does your basement have a block foundation? Block foundation has mortar placed around every single block, creating hundreds of mortar joints. When these joints start to break down, it can lead to water infiltration that can become susceptible to freeze and thaw cycles in the colder winter months.

If it’s not repaired, you may encounter cracks, water leaks, crumbling, and even leaning walls over time. Proper block foundation repair services are necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the house as a whole, so don’t ignore the signs.

Foundation Restoration

A settling or sinking foundation can cause all kinds of problems. When the entire structural integrity of the foundation has been undermined, repairs might not be a viable option. It may be necessary to restore a portion of the foundation walls entirely. 

If this is the case, it’s important to hire a professional who knows exactly what they are doing. A reliable foundation contractor will do more than simply replace a damaged foundation. They will also fix the underlying problem so that fewer repairs are needed in the future. 

There are several things that can be done to your foundation and mortar to improve the structural integrity of your home. If you spot any signs mentioned above, you should call a professional to conduct a thorough inspection as soon as possible.

If the damage is only superficial, you might only need a few small repairs or alterations to improve the foundation. In the event that you have serious issues, fixing these now can help to prevent the need for a full and costly restoration down the road. Contact us at GWS Masonry near me today and one of our contractors will come and have a look!