Foundation problems start small and, in many instances, can appear again. For many homeowners, minor cracks here and there are not something to lose sleep over. However, sometimes those tiny cracks can signal bigger problems. Understanding the difference between a harmless crack and one connected to your foundation can save homeowners from a lot of trouble in the future. If you are worried about foundation problems, here are the most common signs that you need foundation repair.
What Are The Most Common Foundation Issues?
The foundation of a home is one of the most important components. American homes are commonly built on concrete slab foundations, wood foundations, pier and beam foundations, basement foundations, crawlspace stem walls, and concrete slab foundations.
There are many factors that can contribute to foundation problems, including the type of foundation, as well as the location. During the wet season, foundation walls are more likely to be damaged in regions that experience more precipitation.
A sloping floor, cracks in the foundation, a leaning chimney, a cracked foundation, floor cracking, gaps in the foundation and sticking doors are some of the most common concerns.
7 Most Prominent Signs of Foundation Repair
Foundation repairs aren’t like home repairs because they’re on a whole other level. If anything goes wrong with the foundation of your house, the entire structure could be compromised. The most important aspect of foundation repairs is getting foundation repairs done early and before the damage extends too far.
So what are the signs that you need foundation repair?
#1. Exterior Cracks:
Minor small cracks on the walls and steps are nothing to worry about. These come with age and appear more often the older your house gets. However, large gaps throughout the exterior brick wall can signal foundation problems. These cracks form a zig-zag pattern and should be checked as soon as they appear.
#2. Foundation settling and sinking:
If you notice that one side of your house is lower than the others, it is most likely due to foundation settling. A sinking foundation is a result of movement in the soil. Even though a home is built to exert equal pressure on all sides, the moisture content in the soil surrounding the foundation causes it to move.
The changing seasons cause the ground to expand and contract, which moves your foundation. If you notice that a part of your house is lower than the others, you need to call in a foundation repair. If allowed to develop over time, a sinking foundation can quickly get out of hand.
#3. Foundation Upheaval:
Foundation sinking is not the only problem you need to worry about. Foundation upheaval occurs when your foundation starts moving up. Similar to sinking, upheaval is a direct result of the expansion and contraction of the soil.
Soil expands due to excessive moisture, and plumbing leaks or excess rain can cause your foundation to move up. It primarily affects the perimeter around the concrete slab around the foundation. And the best way to spot foundation upheaval problems is to check your home’s interior, including hallways, doorways, and other areas. Make sure you check your exterior garage, as the walls are pushed upward by a foundation upheaval.
#4. Sticky doors:
Doors or windows that don’t open or close properly are clear signs of foundation repairs. The interior doors often tend to stick and drag at the top, whereas the exterior doors tend to stick and drag at the bottom.
The same applies to windows. If you notice that the doors and windows are not opening and closing as they should, you might have a foundation problem on your hands. However, doors and windows tend to get stuck at times due to excess moisture following severe rain. If you notice stick doors and windows following severe rainfall, it is due to the humidity. In such cases, the problem will resolve itself in a couple of days.
#5. Gaps in the frames of doors and windows:
This is directly related to sticky doors and windows. If you start noticing gaps and spaces in your exterior window frames, this can signal troubles with your foundation. Foundation problems result indoors that don’t latch properly, crooked door frames, and cause alignment issues with double doors. If you notice something similar with your doors and windows, you should bring a contractor for expert opinion.
#6. Damp basement and crawlspace:
Due to the moisture in the soil, basements are often damp. However, heavy moisture in the crawl space or your basement can signal foundation problems. If you notice a wet basement or crawlspace, you should first pinpoint where the excess moisture is coming from and determine the severity of the problem.
If you see water seeping in from the foundation walls, you need to call a foundation repair contractor. A damp basement is also the perfect place for mold overgrowth, which can spread to your entire house if left alone. Several things can be done to repair a damp basement and crawlspace, even for areas that see heavy rains regularly. But it all begins with recognizing the problem.
#7. Detached counters:
This is easy to spot. If you notice that your kitchen cabinets are separating from the wall, there is something wrong with your foundation. Most homeowners don’t know that detached countertops and cabinets are a result of foundation problems. They overlook the problem allowing it to grow over time. The reason why your counters are not level is because the walls are not level. And uneven walls are a direct result of foundation problems.
The best way to spot foundation trouble is through monitoring and not assuming anything. Apart from the seven signals mentioned above, there are several other symptoms that signal foundation problems. If you notice gaps and cracks in your walls, or something wrong with your door frames, they are a sure sign of a foundation problem. And the best way to deal with a foundation problem is to call in a foundation repair contractor and get an expert opinion on the matter.
We hope you found this blog post on 7 Warning Signs of Foundation Repair in Your Property useful. Be sure to check out our post on Basic Home Maintenance How-Tos Everyone Should Know for more great tips!
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