10 Fun facts about your home's foundation

It sits underneath you. It’s the foundation for your life and everything you do, every day. You walk on it. You get ready for work or school on it. You come home and relax on it.

Let’s play the riddle game – what is it? Give up? Don’t worry, it’s probably an area that you’re unfamiliar with.

We're talking, of course, about the foundation beneath your home and there is no shame in being under-educated about its importance. It’s one of those things that you probably just assume will be taken care of, right? Well, that’s the case if you partner with a company like Restumping Melbourne, who we’re partnering with today to share 10 Fun Facts about Your Home’s Foundation:

1) It is not invincible

This is probably the most important of the fun facts. When you move into a brand-new home, the foundation is also brand new, but it won’t stay that way forever. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on some warning signs, which we’ll detail here.

2) It moves with the ground beneath it

Different soil types retain moisture differently, which means that with inclement weather, the soil beneath your house could be moving without you even knowing. With it, goes the foundation.

3) There’s a profession entirely dedicated to foundations

They’re called structural engineers and they’re well-schooled in all things foundations. They’ll visit your home and analyse your foundation, determining exactly what state it’s in and what work can be done to ensure that you feel safe and sound at home.

4) You should have your foundation checked and updated every ten years

Imagine how much life happens in ten years. Births, deaths, anniversaries, jobs – many exciting events take place, but do you think about the mundane maintenance and upkeep of your house? Maybe not, but it’s important to. As with many elements of your home – with regular maintenance you can avoid huge and costly repairs to your foundation.

5) Cracks in the walls? You’re looking at foundation issues

No, your walls aren’t falling apart. At least… not yet. But if you see a crack in the wall, or the ceiling, you could be looking at potential foundation damage. Remember how we mentioned that your home moves with the soil below it? The walls aren’t always equipped to handle these moves; they would prefer to stay where they are.

6) Door doesn’t swing properly? You’re looking at the same issue

Your door frame is a part of the wall, so doors that don’t open or close properly are a sign of foundation damage.

7) Water damage does not necessary mean foundation damage

It never hurts to call the experts to determine exactly what’s going on with your home.

8) Repairing your foundation is not the end of the world

Many are scared to execute the work because they think it will take weeks and thousands of dollars. This is not the case.

9) Repairing your foundation adds value to your home

During home inspections, you have every right as a buyer to renege on the purchase if the foundation isn’t in good shape. So, if you’re selling, take note.

10) Working with experts has never been easier

Companies like Restumping Melbourne manage everything from beginning to end, so you don’t have to worry about any of the repair process.

Sam from Restumping Melbourne has been reinforcing the foundations of his community for decades, and is passionate about sharing his foundation know-how.

Story by: Restumping Melbourne