Posts Tagged ‘ foundation ’

Foundation Trouble is no Joke

Friday, May 15th, 2015

Are you worried about your foundation?

Having trouble with a building’s foundation can lead to big problems if you don’t work to fix it quickly. The worst case scenario is, of course, the collapse of your bulding or structure. This can be exceptionally dangerous to the people in the building as well as the people around the building. So, if you think that your building or masonry structure is having foundation issues, please seek help immediately. We’ve got some signs and symptoms you need to look for to make sure your building is safe. Ready? Let’s do it!

Cracks and Crumbles

They says that even one brick out of place can lead to problems down the line, so it’s essential that you keep an eye on the bricks that make up your foundation. You will probably see little cracks here and there, but those are normal. What you’re looking for is a crack that appears in a diagonal pattern. You should also keep an eye out for the ceilings that are beginning to separate from their rightful place. Having trouble with floors that slope? This could also be an issue.

Don’t Panic.

Not every little crack or crease necessarily means that your building or home is going to come crumbling down. You simply need to keep an eye on the foundation so that you can get it repaired in a timely fashion before you have any real cause for concern.

Worried about your foundation?

Call Delprete Masonry. As Maryland’s foremost experts on masonry repair, construction, and demolition, our skilled teams have what it takes to quickly and accurately assess your masonry foundation for any problems or structural weaknesses and can offer fast and affordable repairs. Your house is your most prized possession and a masonry foundation is one it’s most important systems, so why not take good care of it?

To find out more about your masonry repair options, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County. Keep up with our blog for masonry related information, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Posted in Blog

Signs You Have a Bad Masonry Foundation

Friday, January 9th, 2015

Foundation

Your home’s masonry foundation is incredibly important to its long-term survival. Without a solid foundation, you’re home or business will swiftly crumble and sink into the ground. That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout against foundation damage. Foundation damage is typically caused by moisture and will manifest in a number of ways. Del Prete Masonry is here to help with some of the most common signs of a bad foundation.

Crooked Windows and Doors

Door and window installers do their utmost to put in their wares so that they’re completely level. If they start to move out of alignment, it’s most likely because your masonry foundation has started to move. If your doors and windows become very difficult to open and close, or even show signs of damaged glass, it’s highly likely that the foundation in that region of the house has started to go bad.

Cracked Walls and Sloped Floors

If the level of your home’s floor starts to change, it’s almost certain that the foundation beneath it has started to settle, however this can be difficult to notice, especially with carpet. If your floors are uncarpeted, try dropping a marble and seeing if it rolls in an area you thought was flat. A sinking masonry foundation may prompt the developing of cracks in your drywall, particularly drywall near windows and doors. Be sure to look out for ejected drywall screws/ nails and baseboard gapping.

External Cracks/ Wall Bulges

While minute cracks are not unusual in masonry foundations, walls, and footers, be on the lookout for large, patterned cracks that seem to keep growing. If you see clearly rectangular patterns of cracks in your foundation masonry, or you notice unusual bulges in the foundation walls, the ground beneath it could be shifting. It’s also worth paying attention to your masonry chimney, if you spot cracks or damage on it, the frame of your house could be unstable.

Misc. Signs

Oftentimes, a masonry foundation will be set on top of posts and beams, if an inspector finds that these are leaning, the house has probably changed its position. If you spot water underneath your house or find that the ground seems wet on one face of it but dry on another, you could have drainage problems that need fixing. Taking care of these issues can nip masonry foundation damage in the bud.

Need To Repair Your Masonry Foundation?

Posted in Blog, Commercial Masonry Baltimore