Warning Signs
The Warning Signs Are There
The only good thing about an unstable foundation is that it won’t hesitate to let you know when it needs a little TLC. But what property owners often fail to recognize is that the longer you wait to treat visible signs of damage, the worse (and more expensive) the damage will become. Detecting and addressing warning signs early on can help you save time and money on your repair efforts. The following are common symptoms of a structure in need of foundation repair:
Cracked Bricks
Cracks in brick veneer, cinder blocks, or foundation walls can be a sign of serious foundation problems.
Bowing or Cracks in Walls
Bowing or bulging walls, interior cracks, misaligned ceilings, corners, pillars, joints, molding and chimneys are signs of foundation issues.
Concrete Sinking
Concrete should never sink or sag. If you notice cracks, gaps, sagging, sloping and buckling in your concrete or steps, it’s time to call a professional.
Uneven Floors or Sagging Ceiling
Issues originating in the foundation can sometimes appear in upper levels of the home — such as sagging floors or warped ceilings.
Window or Door Gaps
Improperly fitted or misaligned windows and doors, as well as doors that stick, may be due to a shift in your foundation.
Sidewalks, Driveways, Patio Cracks
Cracks in your concrete walkways, driveways, patios and pool decks are caused by major soil shifts due to drought, heavy rains, leaks or other environmental factors.
Damp Crawl Spaces
What’s that smell coming from downstairs? If you smell something moldy or musty, you might be experiencing crawl space moisture issues that can lead to insulation deterioration, rotting floor joists and other structural issues.
Standing Water
Standing water is an indication of poor drainage and poor drainage can affect the soil beneath your foundation! Protect your foundation by implementing good drainage on your property.
Wall Rotation
Frieze boards pushed away around the corners of a wall are often indicative of a rotating wall. You may also notice cracked molding, paneling and mortar.