The foundation of your house is one of the most important parts of the whole structure. It is what keeps your home standing and strong against the elements. For this reason, you must be aware of the clear signs that indicate your foundation might be in trouble. If unsure what to look for, read on to get informed. These signs are cracks in the walls, gaps around doors and windows, cracks in the foundations, water seepage in the basement, musty smells in the basement, doors that stick, walls and ceilings that separate and uneven floors. Let’s look at these in more detail.
1. Cracks in the Walls
One of the most common signs of foundation problems is cracks in the walls. These can occur for several reasons, including shrinking and settling the foundation, excessive moisture in the soil around the foundation, poorly compacted soil during construction, or improper drainage around the foundation of the house.
Whatever the cause, it is highly recommended to have cracks in your walls checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Left unaddressed, they can further damage your home’s structure.
2. Gaps Around Doors and Windows
You might notice gaps around doors or windows where the frame is no longer flush with the rest of the house. In this case, your foundation has likely shifted. This can be caused by several things, such as settling, water damage, or even building on unstable ground. If you see gaps around your doors and windows, you should call a foundation repair company in Baltimore to check out your home’s foundations. It could be that your foundation has shifted and needs to be repaired to avoid more damage.
3. Cracks in the Foundations
Cracks in the foundation of a home can lead to serious structural issues, so it is best to get in touch with a professional for expert foundation repair in Houston (or one in your area) to assess the situation before it becomes a major issue. Especially if the cracks are wider than a quarter-inch, you should immediately call in a repair expert. They can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.
Moreover, you might notice vertical cracks that run up or down your foundation wall, that follow the mortar joints in your brickwork, and that appear suddenly after a heavy rainstorm or other weather events.
4. Water Seepage in the Basement
Water seepage in the basement is a very common sign of foundation problems. There are a few different ways that water can seep into your basement, for instance, through cracks in the foundation, which we have detailed above. Moreover, it can occur due to gaps around windows and doors or through porous materials like concrete.
To prevent water seepage, repair any cracks in your foundation and seal any gaps around windows and doors as soon as you notice them. You can also use waterproofing paint on porous materials like concrete to help keep water out. Repairing cracks and sealing gaps will help prevent further damage to your foundation and protect your possessions from water damage. If your basement area does experience flooding, it is vital that you dry wet areas immediately to avoid further damage to the home’s structure or your personal effects.
5. Musty Smells in the Basement
If you begin to notice musty odours in the basement, this is generally a good indication of some moisture infiltration. This could be due to a crack in your foundation or simply an issue with your gutters. Either way, getting the problem fixed as soon as possible is a good idea to avoid any damage to your home or bad smells. Consulting with a drainage company can help identify and fix the source of moisture.
6. Doors that Stick
If your doors are sticking, your home’s foundation is likely settling. As your foundation settles, the weight of your house shifts and puts pressure on the frame of your windows and doors. This can cause them to become misaligned and difficult to open and close. This can be irritating and even cause safety concerns if it is difficult to open doors and thus leave the house. Sticking doors can be a fire hazard, so they need to be fixed.
7. Uneven Floors
If your floors start to slope or feel uneven, and you see cracks in your tile or drywall, this is usually caused by a settling foundation. Not only is this a clear sign that your foundation needs to be repaired or replaced, but it can be a safety hazard. Especially if you have children or elderly people living in the home, having sloping floors can cause accidents and injuries. This is best avoided. Also, with floor joist repair, you can increase the value of your home and create a safer living environment. This is because repairing your foundation can remove any potential trip hazards and create a more stable structure for your home. It can also improve the overall aesthetic of your home, making it more appealing to potential buyers in the future.
So, it would be best if you asked an in-house expert foundation to come and look as soon as you notice the issue. It will only worsen over time, so take action now to avoid injuries later. If the foundation expert assesses the situation and finds no problem with your foundation, there are other ways to deal with sloping floors.
8. Walls and Ceilings that Separate
Finally, if you notice any gaps between your floor and baseboards or your walls and ceilings, this is a clear sign that your foundation is settling. This can lead to a dangerous imbalance in the structure of your home, as well as draughts, water leaks, and the chance for pests like termites or mice to enter the home more easily. Avoid all of these issues by calling in an expert.
This is a list of 8 clear signs of foundation problems in your house so that you can be on the lookout for any potential issues. First, we looked at cracks in the walls. This is a very obvious indication of issues with the home’s structure. Moreover, we have seen that gaps around doors and windows can indicate problems. What’s more, when you see cracks in the foundations or water seepage in the basement, you will know there is a big problem. Finally, musty smells in the basement, doors that stick, walls and ceilings that separate and uneven floors are all strong indicators of foundation problems. If you see any of these signs, call a foundation repair specialist.
