You can spot warning signs of foundation damage with a careful eye. While you may be tempted to write it off as just the house settling, a sinking, moving, or heaving foundation is a serious warning sign. Act quickly to get an experienced foundation repair specialist on the job!
Cracks in Bricks
These cracks vary in size but are normally bigger at the top and narrow at the bottom accompanied by the wall rolling.
Cracks in Corners
Check to see if there are cracks in the siding of your home or around doors and windows inside and outside.
Cracks in the Floor
If there are cracks in the tiles or flooring of your home, it is likely the foundation is affected by the settlement.
Cracks in Sheet-Rock or Drywall
Most of these cracks are easy cosmetic repairs, but they can open up again, indicating a problem.
Cracks in Stucco
Cracks that look like an ascending staircase are an indicator of problems with the foundation.
Gaps in Door Frames & Windows
Large openings like door frames are usually where the pressure of the foundation is revealed.
Gaps in the Garage Door
Look for cracked bricks, warping walls, and any separation between the door and the ground.
A Leaning Chimney
If the chimney is leaning toward the house, it’s usually a structural problem. If it’s leaning away, it’s a foundation problem.
Misaligned Doors & Windows
When doors or windows stick, it can be an indication of a structural problem with the building.
Why Foundations Fail
Evaporation
Dry temperatures can cause the soil beneath to shrink, leaving the foundation without solid support beneath it.
Transpiration
If you have trees or many plants near your home, they can take the moisture from the soil below the foundation and leave it dried out.
Leaks from Plumbing
If you have trees or many plants near your home, they can take the moisture from the soil below the foundation and leave it dried out.
Drainage Issues
Improper draining of rain gutters or French drains can cause the soil beneath the building to expand and rupture the foundation.
Improper construction of foundation
If your foundation did not have the proper amount of steel or rebar when it was made, it can impact how long it lasts.
Poor Soil Conditions
If the soil was not leveled and properly compacted before the foundation was laid, the soil can shift and cause problems with the foundation. One of the top causes of foundation failures is improperly compacted soil or soil with poor density. It allows for the soil to expand and retract, creating damage to the foundation.