All home maintenance is important, but there are certain aspects of home maintenance that are especially vital. Your foundation is one such aspect. In fact, the foundation of your home affects every other aspect of your home. This is why you should keep a close eye on the integrity of your foundation if you’re a homeowner. If you're looking to buy a home, you should pay attention to the condition of the foundation before buying. According to the National Association of Home Builders, about 25% of homes in the U.S. will have structural issues like foundation problems within their lifetimes. Let’s look at some of the risk factors created by a damaged foundation.

Flooding and Water Damage

One big risk factor is flooding. If there's a crack in the foundation and the home has a basement, it’s very likely you'll experience flooding. Water rising up from the water table and falling from heavy rain can seep into the cracks. Once unwanted water has crept into your home, it can soak flooring and saturate any belongings you might have in the basement.

Mold Growth

In our experience, any time you have water damage, there's the possibility of mold growth. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, mold can start to grow 24 to 48 hours after water exposure. Keep in mind that mold will grow more readily in a very hot environment or in a dark environment, though it's best to reach out for basement dehumidifier services as soon as you notice any moisture.

Weakened Structural Integrity

The foundation supports the entire home, so it makes sense that the entire home is at risk of damage if there's a problem with the foundation. This can include damage to walls and even your roof. If the walls don’t have a strong foundation underneath, you might start to see cracks and gaps throughout the house. This can even affect windows as well. Fortunately, an expert local foundation repair company in your area will be able to help.

If you think you might have foundation damage, you need to call in professionals. A foundation repair company can help assess any damage and create a repair plan. Give our team at All Dry Basement a call today if you need help with your foundation.