Structural damage can often happen to a home because of problems created by water. Water can find a place to seep into the foundation of your home and go from there. If your home is on a hill or sloped ground, water can puddle around the foundation of the home. When this happens, over time the water can eventually cause a foundation to sink.



Just a few inches on any foundation area can cause tremendous damage to a homes structure. The cement blocks of the home's base can crack from pressure or water erosion. Bricks on homes can separate where the mortar joins them together. These are obvious sign of foundation failure.

If a foundation begins to sink on any side of your home outside, it can cause damage to the inside as well. You may notice that your floors will begin to slope downward. Sheetrock may start cracking because the studs behind it are slowly becoming misaligned. Doorways may begin to slant one way or the other and make doors hard to open and close. Window frames can be affected as well.

If you notice these sorts of things inside your home, you probably have structural problems occurring. You will need to call in some help immediately. Structural damage can severely affect the value of your home. Having the problem fixed early on can prevent a major repair that can cost you thousands of dollars later.

After heavy rains, take note of how and where any excess water is accumulating. Keeping it from settling around your foundation is essential. If the drainage problems are something you are not sure how to correct, a landscaper might help.

Make sure the gutters on your home are working properly. If they have rusted spots in them, water can puddle in areas where it should not. Structural damage can also occur to your roof if gutters are loose or clogged and not working properly.

Water can be a friend to your home or it can be one of its worst enemies. It must come into and go out of your home properly and not take up residence where it is not supposed to. Inspect your home's foundation annually to prevent it from being damaged by water.