When Does Your House Require Restumping?
Posted on: 28 December 2016
Wooden stumps in a home's foundation are suitable in regions where the climatic conditions are ever changing. This is because wood can expand and contract with changing temperatures without compromising its structural integrity. However, as wooden stumps age with time, they begin to sag and weaken the foundation of the house. Restumping should be undertaken to strengthen the foundation of the house and prevent it from sagging further. If you have a home with wooden stumps, it is essential to understand the when and why of restumping so that you can make the right decision when the time for the project comes.
What are the signs of sagging stumps?
Not all homes with wooden stumps in their foundation require restumping. However, as your property gets old, it is important to look out for the warning signs that indicate you may need to restump your house. They include the following:
- Uneven and creaking floors.
- Floors that are sloping away from the permanent structures in the home such as fireplaces.
- Huge cracks on plaster walls.
- Crooked doors and window frames.
Note that besides the floors, other structures such as the doors and windows will be affected by sagging wooden stumps. Such fixtures are critical for your home's security, and if they don't close properly, they can create security vulnerabilities in the home.
How should you restump the house?
Once you identify any of the above signs, the first step should be to inspect the wooden stumps. To do this, you have to go underneath the home, clean out the dirt, and check the condition of the wood. Most likely, you will find that the wooden is rotten, or it may have shifted due to the forces of gravity. If this is the case, you should replace the wooden stumps with new ones so that you can restore the structural integrity of the house.
You can choose to replace the stumps with wooden or concrete ones. Just like wood, concrete can expand and contract with changes in temperature without getting structural weaknesses. However, it does not rot, warp or get infested by termites, and this makes it a better material than wood.
Is DIY house stumping possible?
Replacing the wooden stumps in the foundation of a house requires the expertise of a professional contractor. If incorrectly done, it can cause the entire structure to sink, and remedying this can be quite costly and unnecessary. To avoid such costly mistake, hire a professional to check out your stumps and proceed with the restumping process.
If you notice any signs that indicate that your house may be sinking, it is important to contact a contractor immediately so that they can inspect your foundation and address the problem.
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