Ever wonder how well your foundation is holding up your property? Often times, the strength and health of your foundation can be overlooked by other, more obvious issues going on in your home. Knowing the condition of your foundation is crucial to the safety and longevity of your home. If foundation issues are overlooked for too long, they can create permanent, more costly damage.
Luckily, there are some easy-to-tell signs you can lookout for that will help determine if your foundation needs repair:
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Naturally through the years, the foundation of your home can experience shifts and movement due to climate and soil changes.Take a tour around the inside and outside of your home to spot any cracks in your foundation, floors, and/or walls. More specifically, watch for any horizontal cracks that may appear in brick or concrete walls and foundation. This is an obvious sign of a foundation issue. If not treated immediately, bugs and water will find their way to the cracks, weakening your foundation even more.
Horizontal cracks in walls, floors, and foundation -
Uneven and crooked doorways and windows
Have a door or window that is suddenly hard to shut or gets stuck when you’re trying to open it? If so, you’re most likely experiencing a foundation issue. Both interior and exterior doorways and windows can be affected. Interior doors and windows typically get stuck at the top while exterior doors and windows will most likely hang low from the top or drag at the threshold. It is important to note that sometimes doors and windows are harder to shut during periods of high humidity, however if you also notice cracks around such areas, that is a sure giveaway your foundation is failing you. -
Foundation settling, also referred to as foundation sinking, happens when one side of your property dips into the ground, making your foundation uneven. Whether it be a minimal or major dip, this issue should not go unattended as the rest of your home may end up sinking too. Due to the varying moisture levels on each side of your foundation, one side may dip before the others do. Contractors often refer to this as “differential movement.” Carefully walk inside your home and notice if there are any slight or sudden dips in the floor when you walk. Also lookout for any vertical gaps in the floor that may result from foundation settling. Even minor dips of about 1-½ inches can become major issues in the future if not treated promptly.
Dips and gaps in your floor -
Rise in your foundation
Opposite of foundation settling, foundation upheaval is when your foundation moves in an upward direction. Foundation upheaval often happens to concrete slab foundation, but can also be noticed in hallways, doorways, outside garage walls, and other areas around your home. Excessive moisture levels that are caused by extreme rain environments and poor plumbing issues are the most common reasons for your foundation to rise. Lookout for any slight or sudden rises in your foundation outside and inside your home. Left unattended, this issue can cause permanent foundation damage. -
You may think this is unheard of, but your cabinets and counters can actually separate from your walls when your foundation is failing you. That’s right- if you notice a slight gap between your walls and your cabinets and counters, it certainly means you have a foundation issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Cabinets and counters that appear uneven or saggy can also indicate a foundation imbalance. Closely inspect any cabinets and counters around your home and test for any imbalances or gaps between them.
Cabinets and counters detaching from your walls
The 5 signs above can be obvious to spot, but also easy to miss if not searching for them. It doesn’t hurt to check around your home even if you aren’t questioning your foundation’s condition. It can protect your safety and save you time and money in the long run!
Contact your local foundation repair specialist today for more information.
