10 Signs You Need Foundation Repair
Brickworks Property Restoration believes that your long-term home maintenance plan needs to include the proper maintenance of your foundation. Your foundation, after all, provides the support for the structure built on top of it. When it is weakened by time, by rain, by snow, and/or by settling, you could be witnessing the steady loss of the structural integrity of your home. We take pride in our commitment to helping our customers prevent problems before they become major ones. And you can be proactive in addressing potential problems by knowing the signs to look for.
Signs You May Need Foundation Repair
1. If one or more doors or windows stick or do not open and close with ease, it could mean that your foundation is settling.
2. If you find cracks in interior walls, such as on drywall surfaces, you are seeing a potential sign of foundation settling.
3. If you notice cracks on the exterior surface of your home, you are seeing another sign of settling. Cracks, often appearing in zig-zag shapes, can appear not only in the brick foundation but in the exterior siding of your home. And like the other cracks you have noticed, these cracks are likely to be signs of settlement and could point to a need for foundation repair.
4. You may find gaps between crown molding and the ceiling. Though not directly connected to your foundation, gaps such as these can be the consequence of issues related to your foundation.
5. Another subtle indicator is creases and wrinkles in interior wallpaper. If wallpaper is not separating from the wall because of a failure of its adhesive, it could be an indicator of foundation settling.
6. Gaps between caulking and windows or doors can also indicate shifting and settling of your foundation. Most people do not spend time or effort looking for gaps between windows and their caulking, but if you suspect issues with your foundation, it will be worth looking for these signs.
7. Sunken floors or a noticeably sinking foundation are more obvious signs of problems with your foundation. If you notice the ground sinking near your foundation, you may have a major foundation issue on your hands. Contact us right away for a free no-obligation foundation repair estimate. Your foundation could be developing problems if you notice that your patio has pulled away from your home.
8. If the nails in drywall or sheetrock begin to push out from the wall, exposing the nail heads, foundation settling may be causing it.
9. Sloping of floors is arguably the most obvious interior evidence of settling. If you suspect this is happening, it will help to begin measuring the slope. A general rule is that if your home is sloping more than an inch for every fifteen to twenty feet, the problem is likely growing and should be addressed.
10. Reach Out to Brickworks Property Restoration Today
Brickworks Property Restoration is happy to help you address your foundation repair concerns, especially if you have noticed any of the issues listed above. Call us today at (586) 868-3234 for a free estimate.
Why Does My Chimney Smell in the Summer?
If you are noticing a strange smell coming from your chimney or fireplace during the summer, it is very likely due to deposits of creosote, a natural byproduct of wood-burning that may have built up on the walls of your chimney. People tend to notice the smell in the summer because of higher humidity outside meeting the cooler air of central air or window air-conditioning units. The airflow in your house tends to draw down the air in your chimney.
Causes of Odor Coming From Your Chimney
Though creosote build-up is the most common culprit, it is not the only one. Creosote deposits whose scent is making its way into your home is often described as smelling like asphalt or bad barbecue. If the odor you are smelling is not creosote, it could be something as simple as leaves that have fallen into your chimney that are decomposing. Or, if the odor you are smelling is musty and dank, it could indicate that water is sitting in the smoke chamber of your chimney. A more offensive smell like animal waste could be caused by mice, rats, birds, or other animals getting into your chimney and using it as their own personal restroom. And lastly, a smell that you cannot ignore could be a sign of a dead animal in your chimney.
The moral of the story, of course, is that it is extremely important to have your chimney properly maintained. At Brickworks Property Restoration we offer exceptional chimney sweep services. We’re trained professionals with deep ties to our community, which means that we are invested in doing a good job for you. If the smell coming from your chimney is due to animal infiltration or water, we will fix the problem quickly and thoroughly. If the smell is due to creosote deposits, we will also fix the problem, but you should be aware that this fix could well prevent a fire in your chimney the next time it is used. When creosote builds up on the walls of your chimney, it becomes a severe fire hazard. Creosote is a natural byproduct of burning wood, but the only reliable way of removing the creosote buildup is to hire a qualified professional team, like those of us at Brickworks Property Restoration, to do the job.
Chimney Sweep Services
Not all chimney smells indicate major problems. But if there is a chance that the smell coming from your chimney could be bigger than you may realize, we want you to know you have a professional nearby who will respond to the problem in the best possible way. Give us a call at 586-868-3234 and we will be happy to come out and take a look at your chimney.
