When you hear the word “earthquake” you probably picture huge cracks in the ground, swaying buildings, and piles of rubble. These are certainly markers of catastrophic, once-in-a-lifetime quakes, but much more common are the weaker “mini” earthquakes.
These can range from being totally imperceptible to causing moderate damage in a localized area. It’s the latter ones you should really be concerned with. In Oklahoma alone, over 300 perceptible earthquakes were detected last year, and many left visible damage.
What does this mean for Oklahoma homeowners who are concerned about their home’s foundation? If earthquakes have been recorded in your area, it’s worth knowing the risks to your home’s structural integrity. Most tremors are small enough that they pose little danger to you and your home, but the stress of multiple tremors on your foundation can add up over time, and if you live in an area with frequent seismic activity, you’re at greater risk for a quake that’s strong enough to cause immediate damage.
If you’re wondering if your home’s foundation is in need of a professional inspection, below are some signs of possible damage to help you decide. When checking for foundation damage, look for signs your foundation’s stability has been compromised or that your house has shifted on its foundation. Both situations are dangerous and require foundation repair by professionals.
Exterior Cracks
The most obvious sign of damage after an earthquake is foundation cracks. Check the outside perimeter of your foundation and note any new or problematic cracks. Be sure to check especially around weaker areas like porches and stairs.
Hairline cracks usually pose no threat, but be wary of any larger or deeper fissures that you know are new. A crack that’s wider than ¼ of an inch could indicate foundation damage that necessitates professional attention. Use a flashlight to peer into cracks and determine how deep they are. Call a professional immediately if you can see all the way to the steel reinforcements, as this is a sign of severe foundation damage.
Also, be sure to note any sinkholes or large depressions in the ground near your foundation. These could be signs of damage to come if they haven’t already caused problems.
Broken Blocks
While inspecting your foundation, also look for broken blocks or bricks and mortar separating from the blocks. Crumbling blocks is a sure sign of foundation damage that needs to be repaired.
Leaning
Another tell-tale sign that your house has shifted on its foundation is if it’s suddenly leaning, appears off-center, has pulled away from the foundation, or has any sagging walls. This kind of damage is usually best seen from a distance, so stand across the street for a proper view of your home’s position. Any sign of shifting is a sign to call for professional help.
Interior Cracks
Be sure to check for cracks inside too. Do a whole-house inspection, looking for new or large cracks in walls, around windows and doors, and between built-in fixtures like lights and cupboards. Also look for gaps where the floor has pulled away from the wall or stairwell. Sudden unexplained drafts can also indicate new cracks and gaps between building materials. All of these can be signs your home has moved on its foundation and is no longer stable.
Misaligned Fixtures
Also indoors, look for anything that seems out of line. Test if windows and doors have become difficult to open and shut, a sign your house has shifted on its foundation. Check that pipes and ducts are still properly connected and that floors are level. If anything seems to have moved, you may have structural damage to blame.
Don’t Wait
While a stuck window or a few foundation cracks outside don’t seem like a big deal, any fissure or misalignment in your house creates the possibility of moisture getting in and causing mold or rotting in your home. You also face the risk of eventual structural failure and collapse if foundation damage is not repaired, especially if another earthquake occurs.
If you know your Oklahoma home has experienced seismic activity, check it for signs of damage and don’t hesitate to call an experienced team who can do a professional assessment and the necessary foundation repair to get your house back to a safe state.
Seeing wear and tear from the elements on your foundation and home? Need an expert opinion? Find the professionals you need at Edens Structural Solutions and receive a free consultation when you contact us today.
