Common Foundation Problems That You Need to Be Aware Of

Your home is probably one of the greatest investments you will ever make and so you must be well-informed about potential foundation issues. Spotting issues early on can save you a lot of time, money and effort. Your house is built on foundations and so if something goes wrong with the foundations, then the entire house is at risk. It is not worth taking any chances when it comes to something as important as your home, and you should make sure you are as well-informed as possible about common foundation problems.

Here are 5 common foundation problems that you need to be aware of. 

Sinking/Sagging Floors

One thing to look out for is sinking/tilting or sagging floors as this can indicate a problem with your foundations. Slight movements in the floor are natural and are unlikely to be a cause for concern, however, if you notice significant changes in your floor then this needs further investigation immediately. You should seek the advice of trusted specialists in foundation repair as they will be able to inform you of the best course of action for any potential repairs. Other changes to look out for are whether or not your floors are dipping, squeaking or uneven in general. If any of these seem to be happening in your home, do not wait for them to get worse as this will make the repairs more complex and more expensive. 

Cracks In The Walls/Floors

Another telltale sign of foundation damage is if cracks are appearing in the walls and floors of your home. You do not have to worry about hairline cracks, just be mindful of them and check every now and again to make sure they are not growing. It is normal for cracks to appear in the first 2 to 3 years following construction and cracks that run in a vertical direction tend to not be a problem nor indicate any issues with the foundations.  The cracks you do need to look out for will be between 5-15mm in length and .2” to.6”. Any cracks that are above 15mm tend to be a sign of a serious problem and you will want to sort this out as soon as possible. The reason larger gaps can be more dangerous is that it allows water and moisture to further infiltrate the foundations which weakens them. 

While cracks are sometimes an indication of damage, this is not always the case! Often cracks occur naturally and there will be nothing to worry about.  Just keep an eye on things and do routine checks and you will be able to spot any issues early on should any arise. 

Foundation Problems : Excess Moisture

Noticing excess moisture in your home is not immediately obvious, however, it is important to watch out for as the moisture can lead to damage in the structure of the foundations. Warning signs include humidity indoors, damp smells coming from the basement, an increase in bugs such as centipedes and cockroaches, mould and rotting wood. So if you suddenly notice an influx of bugs running around your basement or a spread of mould on the walls then this is likely to be the result of foundation damage. 

Doors And Windows That Don’t Stick

One of the most notable signs of a damaged foundation is when doors and windows do not open or close properly. Pay attention to the door/window frame and see if it has moved, or worse still, see if it is starting to pop out of the wall. If this has happened then you need to seek professional help immediately as the damage will already be quite far gone. It is worth noting that there are other reasons for doors and windows not closing properly, for example, if you have just experienced a bout of heavy rain or flooding then the days following that will lead to a rise in humidity that affects the frames in your home. Either way, it is better to get an evaluation as they take a mere 45 minutes roughly, and that could save you a lot of money, time and effort. 

Cabinets And Counters Moving From The Wall

Have you noticed that the cabinets and counters seem to be pulling away from the walls? It is easy to ignore a marginal shift, however, the problem is that the shift is going to keep growing until it turns into a big problem and it is always better to treat these issues early on. The reason why cabinets and counters may become uneven is that the walls they are attached to are sloping or sinking away. This occurs when something is affecting the foundations of your house. If you suspect that things are shifting in your home, you can inspect your basement yourself and use tips online to help you know what warning signs to look for. 

Foundation Problems : Watch Out For Trees!

Yep, you read that right, you need to be mindful of the placement of trees that surround your property. This is because the roots of the tree can cause significant damage to the foundations as it puts pressure on the structure and removes water from the soil. You can see examples of this walk down the street. Think about the times you see trees on the sidewalks and pavement slabs are upheaved due to the strong and powerful roots moving them. 

The bottom line is that if in doubt you should always seek the advice of a professional. They will be able to inspect your foundation and determine if any movements in your home are due to natural circumstances or if they are the result of a damaged foundation. The foundation repair teams will check your walls, supports, beams and check for excess water in your basements. They will also text the foundation itself to see how healthy it is. If you are holding back on getting a consultant on the case because of money, then you should know that you could be spending a lot more in the future when you have to pay for complex and expensive repairs.