Wondering Whether Your Melbourne Home Needs Restumping? Look For These Warning Signs!
For property owners, a sturdy foundation is a core aspect that determines the longevity of their building. Without one, your home is vulnerable to structural instability and damage. Many properties in Melbourne stand on timber stumps, and though Australian timber is definitely sturdy, it’s not resistant to damage. Age factor aside, termite infestations and soil erosion can lead to weakening and deterioration of your home’s foundation. Over time, these timber stumps are less and less capable of providing the support and balance your home needs.
While it’s recommended to check your foundation every couple of years, not everyone finds the time to do so. This can cause stump damage and decay to go unnoticed, leading to further structural issues. If you spot the following issues, it’s a sign that your home needs restumping Melbourne as soon as possible.
Uneven Floors
If your flooring is uneven or slanted, it may start to feel like you’re walking up and down a slope. This is a sign that the stumps have started rotting and your home’s foundation is failing. One way to check is by placing a marble on the floor and seeing whether it stays still or rolls. If you notice irregular movement, it’s time to call in restumping Melbourne experts to replace your stumps and keep the building from collapsing.
Windows And Doors Not Closing Properly
Naturally, when your home’s out of balance, your doors won’t fit in their frames, and windows may be misaligned. If you’re noticing that the doors make odd screeching sounds when you open them or that the windows don’t close properly for no obvious reason, it’s a sign of a failing foundation.
Cracked Exterior Walls
Another sign that your home needs restumping Melbourne is cracking in the walls. If you suddenly start seeing cracks along the walls, it’s indicative of a foundation problem – especially if the cracks are large or move in a zigzag pattern. Taking a closer look at your exterior walls can tell you if you should be concerned. Horizontal cracks or cracks that are wider than a quarter of an inch can signal major concerns.
Cracked Interior Walls
Cracks in interior walls aren’t always a sign that something’s wrong with the foundation. Issues like humidity and plumbing leaks can weaken interior walls as well. But if you notice that the walls are sagging, bowing, or crumbling, they indicate that your problem stems from the foundation. The same goes for diagonal cracks or cracks that move along the floor.
Decaying Foundation
Once you’ve spotted problems in the flooring and walls, it’s very likely that the foundation will show signs of damage as well. You can inspect the stumps yourself to see if they’re decaying or call in a professional. It’s recommended to check on your stumps every few months so you can spring into action at the first sign of trouble.
Consistent Moisture Exposure
When foundation stumps are constantly exposed to moisture, they’re more susceptible to damage and decay. If your timber stumps are always moist, they can attract termites, which eat away the insides of the stump until there’s nothing left.
Pinholes In Construction Beams
In most cases, construction beams for a building are welded to stumps. When stumps start deteriorating, you’ll see tiny holes on or around the connected areas. These small holes are a sign that the stumps are damaged, and your foundation is shaky. Therefore, it’s time to replace your old timber stumps with new ones.
As a homeowner, your property is one of your biggest assets. So when your home starts sinking, it can feel like a big chunk of your financial security going down the drain. It’s best to rectify the problem and hire restumping Melbourne services before your property incurs irreversible damage.
Enhance Your Home’s Longevity And Structural Integrity
To sum it up, there are numerous telltale signs that prove it’s time to replace your old timber stumps. Uneven floors, windows and doors not closing properly, cracks along the walls, and visibly decaying stumps are all major signs that you should call in an expert to address the issue. Professional restumping companies use best industry practices, advanced equipment, and efficient strategies to deliver the best results. As one of the top providers of restumping in Melbourne, we ensure quality workmanship and a range of services to meet your needs.