7 Signs of Foundation Problems Every Homeowner Should Know Tips, Safe Building Work Guide
7 Signs of Foundation Problems Every Homeowner Should Know
25 May 2020
The concept of expensive home repairs is always frightening, but a foundation repair tops the list as it would average between $2,318 and $6,750, according to HomeGuide which is a significant amount. For most homeowners, a house is one of their most expensive investments, so it’s understandable that they want to protect it by all means.
Foundation issues can cause major problems in your home because it’s essentially supporting the rest of the house. If left unchecked, these problems could cause issues to other parts of the house, making it vital for you to identify signs of foundation problems and make prompt repairs before significant damage.
Foundation Problems Signs
Several factors can cause foundation deterioration, some of them including plumbing leaks, poor spoil compilation, climate, and inadequate foundation drainage. There are many indications of foundation problems, and to help you identify them, we have compiled a list of seven signs that may indicate you need foundation repair.
- Foundation Cracks, Wall Cracks, and Other Fractures
Have you noticed any gaps in your foundation? How about the brick exterior of your house? If you have, this is one of the major signs of foundation problems.
Wall cracks, floor cracks, wall fissures, and chimney cracks are also signs of trouble.
Over time, the foundation of your home may experience movement due to a variety of reasons, and when this happens, gaps appear in these areas. Contracting and expanding soils also contribute to these issues. It’s usually normal for a foundation to sink during the first three years after construction and settle.
Horizontal cracks in the wall, though, may be an indication that the foundation has funk further than acceptable. Horizontal cracks are more serious than vertical cracks because they’re an indication that the foundation perimeter is under too much pressure. Vertical cracks can be an indication of drywall and not necessarily foundation issues.
- Foundation Sinking or Settling
If the house appears to be sinking, it may be a sign of foundation issues. You may have noticed that one side of your house appears to be lower or shorter. In this case, you need to have the foundation lifted by installing exterior and interior foundation piers.
It’s imperative for you to understand that the foundation could sink as far as 4” deep, which would cause significant problems. It’s vital for you to have it repaired as soon as you notice it.
- Stuck Doors That Don’t Open or Close Easily
Having you been having more and more trouble closing and opening your doors? This is one of the major signs of foundation problems.
When the problem affects interior doors, you’ll notice that they stick at the top and drag as you open and close them. When the issue affects interior doors, you’ll notice that they hang down at the top, appear uneven, or even drag at the threshold.
This issue affects beam, slab, and pier foundations in both residential and commercial properties. However, doors sticking could also be caused by humidity, so check for other signs before you finally decide that the issue lies in the foundation.
- Gaps Around Exterior Doors and Window Frames
Gaps are the most common foundation problems. If you have noticed them around your window frames and exterior doors frames, especially if they don’t latch, you may have a foundation problem on your hands. If you have double doors in your home and notice that they don’t align, you may want to check for other foundation signs so you can have repairs done as soon as possible.
- Foundation Upheaval
If the foundation slab moved upward, your house is experiencing foundation upheaval. This is the opposite of foundation settling, and it may have a major impact on your house interior. Several things cause this foundation issue, such as excessive moisture, plumbing leaks, frost heave, the expansion and contraction of the soil.
Clay soil is especially prone to this problem because once exposed to moisture, it gains volume due to expansion. Moisture is the major cause of a foundation upheave, so if you have experienced heavy rains or under-slab plumbing issues that may have caused leaks, it may be the issue. Once soil absorbs water, it becomes heavy and pushes the foundation upwards, so if you notice stuck doors, get to the bottom of it.
- Uneven or Sagging Floors
If you’ve been noticing how uneven your floor is getting, it may be due to a foundation problem.
Uneven floors are caused by sagging, dipping, or bowing. This impacts beam and pier foundations affecting the floor and making it squeak or sag. Pier and beam foundations are affected differently compared to slab foundations. Slab foundations are laid directly onto the ground.
Sagging and uneven floors are not only unsightly but also a major hazard for households with young children and seniors who may be physically impaired. To avoid these problems, once you notice uneven floors, have a professional come in and do the foundation repairs.
- Cabinets Separating From the Walls
Like doors and windows, counters and cabinets may also separate from the wall due to foundation issues. Check your cabinets to see whether they have tilted or pulled away from your walls. Even if you notice small gaps, then sooner you have it fixed, the better, since you’ll avoid bigger problems.
Major Signs of Foundation Problems: What to Do
After making observations and noticing some of these signs of foundation problems, you need to hire a professional foundation contractor to inspect your house. An evaluation is necessary, so you know just how far the damages have gone, and the best solution. It’s possible for you to find that these issues are caused by other things and not the foundation.
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