Unseen Dangers: How Street Cracks Reveal Your Home's Hidden Structural Problems

Homeowners are often unaware of the subtle signs that could indicate significant structural issues with their property. A recent video by a home inspector, financial.literacy, sheds light on how seemingly minor cracks in the street or driveway can be red flags for deeper problems within the house's foundation. The inspector demonstrates how a crack observed on the asphalt street can extend directly into a home's driveway and garage floor. "This crack is offset, meaning it's split and raised, and it's the size that a quarter could fit in," he explains, highlighting the severity of the movement. He further illustrates how this external damage correlates with interior issues, pointing out cracks near electrical outlets, windows, and even the chimney. The root cause, according to the inspector, lies in the property's backyard, specifically the erosion of soil due to natural elements like rain, years, and winds. This erosion leads to the land shifting, which in turn puts pressure on the house's structure. "Retainment is super important to hold this up," he emphasizes, referring to the necessity of retaining walls to prevent the property from moving downhill. Such shifts can cause the roofline to warp and fascia boards to detach, leading to substantial repair costs. The video serves as a crucial reminder for homeowners to pay close attention to their property's surroundings as indicators of its structural health.

The Mary Sue

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