A homeowner’s worst nightmare in North Texas is the air condition failing, right? Well, maybe in the heat of a hot summer afternoon. However, from a cost perspective, foundation movement is what keeps homeowners up at night. Alas, for all the climate spoils North Texans enjoy, we do have to contend with high heat and common foundation movement. The latter can be extremely costly when severe and can be extremely bothersome in any situation. For this post, we focus on the effects of foundation movement in North Texas and how a locksmith can help.
The Effects of Foundation Movement in Your Home or Business
Foundation movement in North Texas is most often the result of the expansive clay soil that permeates the regional landscape. Most often these seismic shifts are minor and cause only cosmetic damage. However, the effects over time can become more bothersome.
Foundation issues are often noted by way of cracks in walls and ceilings. As the foundation of a building or home shifts, these cracks appear. They might be particularly notable around doorways.
You may also note cracks around windows. As a result, windows might not close or lock properly. This is generally the result of a larger shift as doors and windows become misaligned.
If you’re seeing the other signs, you will likely notice cracks in the flooring. Over time cracks can lead to gaps. Foundation movement doesn’t always result in gaps but if you see cracks forming on your floor or around baseboards then you may presume that this is an effect of foundation movement.
These effects are generally cumulative. If you see cracks in the floor they typically lead to or result in cracks in a nearby wall. Over time this can create issues with doorways and windows… and that’s where a North Texas locksmith can help.
How Can a Locksmith Help with the Effects of Foundation Movement?
While foundation damage generally affects a building’s structure and sometimes calls for the attention of foundation experts, a qualified locksmith can help in a number of ways. Remember, there are a number of consequences that arise because of routine foundation movement and while we might not be able to assist with larger concerns, a locksmith can help with some aftereffects of a shifting foundation.
Door and Lock Alignment
Aside from obvious concerns about structural damage, securing your home or business is essential. Your ability to properly lock or even align a door might become a problem if there is considerable movement in your foundation. Here at A-1 Locksmith Security & Safes we are happy to lend a hand if this is an issue on your property.
A qualified locksmith will be able to adjust and/or realign your doorknobs and hardware so that your doors can be secured and properly locked. When your home or business is damaged because of foundation movement, peace of mind should be first on your list of things to acquire. A secured property is paramount.
We can also assist with replacing damaged locks. A misaligned door can lead to wear and tear on a lock and the strike plates associated with that lock. If your lock has suffered damage for any reason, just give our team of experts a quick call and we will make it right.
If the foundation movement has caused considerable damage and you need to temporarily evacuate the home or business for repairs, we can help you to rekey the locks on your property. You might wish to do this to ensure no one will have access to the property in question except those who are authorized to be there.
Window Locks and Adjustments
Another entry point of concern will be your windows. Do your windows close properly or are they difficult to close? Will they latch or lock in place? If your windows are misaligned due to foundation movement we can help. A properly trained locksmith knows how to replace your window locks and make sure that your windows can latch. This is also essential to securing your home from unauthorized entry.
What About Security Systems that are Affected by Foundation Movement?
These days, advanced security systems rely on secured entry and exit points in your home or business. If a door or window cannot properly close, this may trigger issues with your security hardware. A qualified locksmith knows how to make sure that your property is able to comply with the requirements of a home or business security system.
We can also help you install a proper keypad or smart lock. This means that you would no longer need to rely solely on a hard key system. Smart locks can also notify you when codes are used or a false code/entry is attempted. When properly tied into a home or business security system smart locks and keypads are a reliable way of truly securing a home or business.
Foundation Movement in North Texas is Not Just About Foundation Repair
Home and business owners shudder at the words “foundation repair.” It sounds expensive and it sounds like there’s no way out. However, foundation issues such as misalignment can offer a quick and temporary band-aid of sorts.
A lot of homes have small, simple foundation issues that likely won’t amount to structural damage. However, North Texas has its fill of foundation movement because of its clay soil. This means that foundation issues can slowly develop and become a problem down the road.
Keep an eye out for cracks in flooring tiles. See if they lead to cracks in a wall or near an entry or exit point. Doorways and windows are where one will often find signs of potential foundation issues.
If your doors and windows are misaligned or will not secure because of foundation movement, give A-1 Locksmith in North Texas a call. Our locksmithing experts know how to deal with these misalignments. The first step you need to take when faced with potential foundation issues is to make sure you are able to properly secure your home or business.
