Foundations can make or break a building. Your home might look good on the outside, but sometimes, structural damage can be overlooked by the untrained eye. This is why homeowners should know the tell-tale signs that your foundation needs a small fix or a big upgrade.
From the minor cracks to the major wear-and-tears, get to know the different indicators that your foundations need immediate attention. This article lays out the five most common signs of foundation problems, as well as tips and tricks that can be used to solve these issues.
1. There are Cracks in the Walls
The most obvious signs that your foundations need a fixer-upper are visible cracks in the walls. Hairline cracks are normal, especially in newly-built houses that are exposed to heat and humidity. So when does a crack become alarming?
There are two key factors to consider when inspecting wall cracks. First is the size. Hairline cracks, as mentioned previously, are nothing out of the ordinary. When the cracks hit up to 5 millimeters or more horizontally or diagonally, this can indicate that the problem lies within the foundation. The second factor is the location. Cracks that emerge above a door or a window frame need further inspection. These are usually signs that the foundation has moved due to an outside force such as a tree growing on or that the foundation did not settle right in the first place.
2. The Doors and Windows Won’t Close Properly
Stuck doors or windows can be caused by a number of other issues such as rust in the hinges or changes in the humidity. However, these problems do not typically arise when the structure is new. If the house is newly-built and the doors and windows are already stuck, this is a tell-tale sign that the foundation is misaligned and uneven.
Subtle signs can lead up to these problems as well, such as creaking sounds when a door or window is opened and closed. When these signs arise, it is best to do a structural check-up just to make sure that the house is safe.
3. The Floor is Uneven
A more noticeable sign of foundation damage can be found on the ground. Uneven floors such as sloping, sagging, or buckling are often caused by water leaks and failing floor supports. This means that underground crawl spaces might be collapsing due to improper installation if the structure is new, or normal wear-and-tear if the structure is old. Either way, an unlevelled floor needs immediate attention as it can lead to bigger problems with the foundations if left untreated.
4. There are Weird Gaps around Doors and Window Frames
Similar to the second sign mentioned in this article, gaps around fenestrations like windows and doors can be caused by structural problems. If there are uneven gaps in the frames of doors and windows, it means that the foundation might have sunk or shifted, resulting in the gap between the window and the wall.
These problems need to be fixed immediately, not only because they are signs of foundation issues, but also because they can lead to other problems. Having big gaps anywhere in the home can lead to insulation problems, higher energy rates, and even decreased privacy and safety.
5. There are Visible Foundation Cracks or Moisture Intrusion
The most obvious sign that you need help from professional concrete experts is when the foundation itself starts showing damage. If there are any visible cracks in the pillars, walls and corners of the home, it means that the foundation needs repair.
When water seeps in through the roof or into the walls, it is even more alarming. Moisture intrusion leads to even bigger problems when left untreated such as wood rot and mildew.
What’s Next? The Smart Way to Approach Signs of Foundation Damage
Foundations are the backbone to every building. If the backbone gets damaged, this problem is not one that you can DIY. Issues with structural foundations are often serious. If ignored or haphazardly fixed, these problems can lead to more cracks or, at worse, structural collapse.
When signs show up that you are about to get foundation damage, the smartest step to take is calling a qualified foundation professional like Detail Concrete. Experts are better at evaluating problems thoroughly, give you the best approach to tackle them, and make sure that the repairs are done correctly and safely.
