What Are Some Common Signs That You Need Foundation Repair?

Sep 13, 2023

The foundation of your home is the backbone that supports the entire structure. As a result, it’s critical to keep an eye out for any indicators of foundation problems that may require immediate care. Ignoring these warning signs may result in more extensive damage and costly repairs in the future. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most common symptoms that your home needs foundation repair.

Interior Cracks

The appearance of cracks on your interior walls, particularly around doors, windows, and corners, is one of the first signs that you may need foundation repair. The size of these cracks might range from hairline fractures to bigger crevices. Keep an eye out for any rapid changes or growth in these cracks, since this could indicate a shifting foundation.

Uneven Floors

If your once-level floors have become uneven or sagging, this is a strong indication of foundation problems. Place a level on several places of your floor to see if there is any substantial deviation from the horizontal plane.

Stuck Doors and Windows

Another common symptom of foundation difficulties is difficulty opening and shutting doors or windows. If your doors begin to jam or your windows no longer slide smoothly, the movement of the foundation may be impacting the frames.

Read More: Benefits of Foundation Repair

Exterior Cracks

Just like interior cracks, outside cracks in your home’s brickwork or stucco might indicate foundation problems. These cracks can appear vertically, horizontally, or diagonally and should not be dismissed as purely aesthetic.

Gaps Around Windows and Doors

Significant gaps between the frames of your windows and doors and the surrounding walls may indicate that the foundation has shifted. These gaps, which are generally accompanied by air draughts, will reduce the energy efficiency of your home causing your electric bill to increase.

Basement Water Infiltration

If your basement suddenly gets moist or has water infiltration, it could be due to foundation flaws that allow water to flow in. Moisture in the basement not only causes structural problems, but it also fosters mold growth.

Separated Molding

When the foundation shifts, the moulding or trim in your home may become detached from the walls or ceilings. Look for any gaps or separations between the moulding and the adjacent surfaces.

Misaligned Cabinets

If your kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities appear to be moving away from the wall, this could be an indication of foundation movement. Cabinets that were once flush against the wall may become obviously tilted.

Concrete Slab Cracks

If your house has a concrete slab foundation, look for cracks in the slab itself. These cracks can range in size from fine hairline fractures to larger gaps, and they indicate underlying structural problems.

Excessive Gap Between Crown Molding and Ceiling

A prominent gap between the crown moulding and the ceiling, like separated moulding, could be caused by foundation movement. This is especially common in older houses.

Recognising the common indicators of foundation problems is critical for guaranteeing your home’s stability and safety. If you see any of these signs, you should contact a professional foundation repair specialist. Addressing foundation faults as soon as possible will help prevent further damage and save you money on future repairs. Remember that early intervention is critical to protecting the structural integrity of your home’s foundation.