Older homes are more likely to have foundations made from stone, which provide stability and integrity to a structure. Stone is also susceptible to cracking, and a cracked foundation will affect many other areas of the home. Here are a few ways to check if your house needs professional stone foundation repair. 

How to Tell If You Have a Stone Foundation

Telling the difference between stone and concrete foundations is simple if your basement isn't finished, as you will be able to see the stonework itself making up the basement walls. If the foundation extends aboveground, the stone may also be visible from the exterior of your house.

If you do have a finished basement, lightly bang on the wall with a hammer and listen to the sound it makes. A hollow sound may indicate that the original foundation was stone and has since been covered with a layer of concrete.

Why Cracks Are Detrimental

Cracks in the foundation affect your home in two ways. Major defects lessen the structural support of the home, which can lead to problems with interior fixtures like walls, floors, and ceilings. Cracked foundations also allow water to seep into your home, which can damage fixtures and appliances. High moisture levels also encourage mold growth, which can greatly reduce indoor air quality and negatively affect those with allergies or asthma. 

How to Find Cracks

Outside the home, look for cracks or gaps between the stones that make up your foundation. If you have brickwork, you will probably notice stair-step cracks ascending upward. In addition to visible cracks in the foundation, you may also find cracks in the walls around door frames and windows, as these areas are commonly affected if the foundation shifts. Try opening and closing doors and windows to see if there are issues with sticking due to warped frames. 

Upon recognizing these signs, the next step is to schedule stone foundation repair as soon as possible. Masonry repairs can fill in gaps in mortar joints, which will prevent water from getting into your home and also stabilize the structure. Your repair professional can also replace bricks or stones that have been compromised by gradual wear over time.

If you're in need of stone foundation repair, contact Hicon Inc. Backed by more than 40 years of experience serving Greater Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky, this masonry team excels at new installations as well as restoration work. They take the time to develop a solid repair plan before getting started to ensure a quality outcome, and all their materials and labor are backed by a one-year warranty. Call (513) 242-3612 to schedule a free proposal meeting, or visit the website to learn more about their masonry repair services.