The most important aspect of your home lies in its foundation, and the truth is that every house, no matter how old, is susceptible to foundational issues. Factors ranging from water drainage to the presence of tree roots and the way your house settles can profoundly affect the stability of your home. Understanding the early signs of foundation issues is vital for preventative home maintenance and could save you from a costly repair.
What Are Foundation Issues?
Before we get into the warning signs, it is critical to understand what foundation issues are. Foundation issues arise when a house improperly settles and compromises the integrity of the foundation. While settling is normal, problems can occur when a structure settles too quickly or unevenly.
Keep reading to identify the early signs of foundation and structural problems. If you are in the Kansas City area and notice any of the following issues, reach out to your trusted Kansas City foundation repair professionals.
Visible Cracks: A Cry for Help
While certain types of cracks around your house may be harmless, others could indicate impending damage. Look out for cracks in ceilings, walls, and foundation slabs.
Drywall Cracks
Cracks in your wall could be a warning sign that your home is settling unevenly. If you have ruled out water damage and moisture, it could potentially be a foundation issue. Be especially wary of cracks that are strangely long, wider than a ¼ inch, or keep coming back no matter how many times you spackle over them.
Cracks in Ceiling
A house settling unevenly could lead to significant cracks running across your ceiling. Look out for matching vertical cracks and cracks that run across the whole ceiling.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks in the foundation slabs are cause for immediate attention as they can lead to significant structural damage. Signs of crack foundation slabs could be seen in cracked and uneven concrete flooring.
Poor Water Drainage: A Long-Term Hazard
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, water and moisture can severely damage the structure of your home. If you have persistent water drainage issues, you should immediately check your foundation. Water that accrues around the foundation causes the soil to expand, putting pressure on the walls and footings. To catch drainage problems, you may have to pull back the grass planted around your foundation to see if there is an accumulation of water in the soil.
Door Gaps: Peekaboo!
If you notice gaps on the top of your doors, it could signify that your foundation is settling unevenly and is sinking into the soil. Sinking foundations could be a result of poor construction, bad soil, and ground movement.
Bowing Walls: Solid as Gumby
One of the most dangerous signs of foundation problems is bowing walls. If you notice that the walls of your foundation are bowing more than 3 inches, you will have to have wall anchors installed to stabilize the structure of your home.
Separating Walls: Every Room is a Stretch Room
If the ground moves and shifts the foundation, your walls could end up separating from your house altogether. A strong indicator that your walls are separating could be visible gaps between the walls, cupboards, ceiling, and floor. Walls separating from your house is a severe issue, and it’s best to call for professional help immediately.
Moisture in the Basement
Look out for any musty smells due to mold and mildew. If your home has foundational issues, you will most likely notice water or moisture in either the basement or the crawlspace. When a foundation cracks, water can easily find its way into your home.
Uneven Floors: The Clearest of All Signs
Uneven floors are another clear indicator that your house could be suffering from foundational issues. If a ball can roll from one side of your room to another, it may be a sign that you need to repair your foundation.
Foundation Issues are a Serious Matter
Your home’s foundation plays a vital role in the safety and structure of your house. If you notice any of these signs or have any concerns regarding your foundation, reach out to a professional today.
