Signs Your Foundation Needs Repair: Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs

A foundation is your home’s backbone. It provides support and stability to the entire building. However, over time, the foundation can face damage and wear and tear. If neglected, foundation problems can intensify and lead to costly repairs. The average cost to fix your foundation ranges between $1500 and $30,000. Knowing how to identify the signs of damage can help you address the problem early on and save your foundation. In this article, we will explore some major signs of foundation damage.

What is the Primary Reason for Foundation Damage?

Expansive soil is usually the main culprit behind foundation damage. When the soil expands or contracts due to the volume of water present in it, hydrostatic pressure is exerted against the foundation walls and floor. The frequent expansion and contraction of the incompetent soil lead to a sinking or settling foundation. 

Expansive soil can affect your foundation in two ways: settling and heaving. Settling refers to foundation sinking, whereas heaving is the phenomenon in which the ground underneath your foundation lifts upwards. Both cause extreme damage to your home, leading to cracking, sloping and other foundation problems.

9 Most Common Signs of Foundation Issues

Wondering how to check for foundation issues in your home? Here are the most common signs and symptoms of foundation damage.

1. Cracks in Concrete Slabs

Cracks can appear in your foundation due to the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the expansive soil. Smaller cracks can be solved using an epoxy injection. For cracks larger than half an inch, contact foundation repair professionals.  

2. Drywall Cracks 

One of the early signs of foundation issues in the house is the stair-step cracks in your drywall. Small hairline cracks might not be problematic; however, wider cracks or stair-step cracks are alarming and need immediate attention.

3. Exterior Stair-Step Brick Cracks

Cracks appearing in the exterior walls of your foundation are also a warning sign of foundation problems. Bricks supported by a settling foundation will eventually be damaged, and the mortar will break in the direction of the settlement. As a result, you can notice a stair-step pattern in the external walls. The location of these cracks can vary, but they often appear near window openings.

4. Cracks in Tiles and Chimneys

Foundation problems can crack the tiles in your kitchen, bathrooms, floors, and countertops, making your home an eyesore for anybody visiting. Leaning chimneys also indicate foundation damage. The gaps appearing in the leaning chimney allow mold, pests, and vermin to enter your home. Bricks and mortar debris can fall off, posing a risk for the house residents. In addition, they are a potential fire hazard.

Therefore, before investing in home remodeling, address the underlying foundation problems that might lead to leaning chimneys and cracked tiles.

5. Sticky Doors and Windows That Don’t Close Properly

Doors and windows that are misaligned and don’t close properly are often an indication of foundation damage. A door that does not latch properly can compromise your privacy, safety, and security. Therefore, consider consulting a foundation repair expert to repair the problem.

6. Separation of Walls and Floors

One sign of a bad foundation is the separation of walls from floors or ceilings. This separation can be the result of foundation shifting or settling that pulls away the walls from the ceilings or floors. Look for gaps where walls meet the ceiling or the floor. 

7. Leaning Kitchen Cabinets

Foundation settling can also cause the kitchen cabinets to pull away from the wall and ceiling. Leaning kitchen cabinets can damage your property and cause injuries. If you notice your cabinets leaning, call a repair professional to ensure the safety of your home and family. 

8. Sagging Floors, Walls and Ceilings

You can identify sagging floors by placing a marble on a floor. If the marble rolls, you might have a sagging issue, and you should call for professional repairs. Uneven floors can cause a lot of inconvenience since they pose a falling risk for children and older adults.

9. Warping or Buckling Floors

Do you have wooden floors in your home? If yes, pay special attention to buckling, warping, or separation between the floorboards. A settling foundation causes the floor to become uneven, so a buckling or warping floor is a clear indication that something is wrong with your home’s foundation.

Call a Foundation Repair Expert for Help

Foundation problems that go neglected and unaddressed for a long time lead to some serious structural damage. You can protect your home’s structural integrity and stability by paying attention to the early signs and fixing them before they worsen and cause permanent damage. Look for cracks in foundation walls, examine the doors and windows, and call a foundation expert if you notice any sign of damage.