The foundation of a house is incredibly important. Your foundation supports the weight of the house and helps to protect against water damage, pests, and other problems. Therefore, it is essential to be on the lookout for signs of foundation problems. If you notice any signs that your foundation has a problem, it is important to call a foundation repair specialist as soon as possible.

Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to check for foundation problems. First, take a look at the doors and windows in your house. If they seem out of alignment or stuck, it could be a sign that the foundation has shifted. Second, look for cracks in the walls or ceilings. These could be signs that the foundation is settling or that water is leaking in. Finally, pay attention to any changes in the level of your floors. If they start to sag or slope, it could be a sign of a serious problem with the foundation. By being vigilant and checking for these warning signs, you can help to ensure that your foundation stays strong for years to come.

If you think you have a problem with your foundation, it is important to take action immediately. Cracks in the foundation can allow water to seep into your home, leading to serious damage. If you notice any cracks, or if your doors and windows become difficult to open or close, it is time to call a professional. A structural engineer can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, repair work can be done to shore up the foundation and prevent further damage. However, if the problem is ignored for too long, the best solution may be to demolish the existing structure and start from scratch. Either way, it is important to act quickly when you suspect there is a problem with your foundation.

Common Foundation Problems

Foundation problems come in more forms than floor and wall cracks. It is important that a homeowner take action early when detecting the first signs of a foundation problem to ensure further damage does not take place, adding more cost to essential repairs. Learn more about common foundation problems and when you need to get them repaired by clicking on the images below.

If you are experiencing any serious foundation issues, contact us today and we’ll find a quality foundation repair contractor near you!

abnormally tilted homes overlooking a hill

FOUNDATION SETTLEMENT & SINKING

Foundation settlement and sinking is a very serious problem for any home. When the soil beneath your foundation settles, it can cause cracks in your foundation and damage to your home. In some cases, settling can even cause your foundation to collapse. If you suspect that your foundation is settling or sinking, you should have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Left unchecked, foundation settlement and sinking can lead to extensive damage to your home.

gap between wall and floor

GAPS & SPACES

Your home is your castle, so you should be concerned about any cracks or gaps that appear in the foundation. These problems can lead to serious structural issues, and they can also allow pests and moisture to enter your home. While some minor cracks are normal, large gaps or cracks that appear suddenly are usually a sign of a more serious problem. If you see any cracks or gaps in your foundation, don't ignore them - call a professional right away.

foundation shifting

FOUNDATION SHIFTING & MOVING

The floors are creaking, the doors are sticking, and the windows won't open. These are all signs that your foundation may be shifting or moving. While this can be a cause for concern, it's important to keep in mind that foundation movement is a natural process. Foundation shifting usually occurs due to changes in the soil around your home. When the soil expands or contracts due to changes in moisture levels, it can put pressure on your foundation, causing it to move. In most cases, foundation movement is gradual and does not pose a serious threat to your home. However, if you notice any sudden or extreme changes, it's important to contact a professional. Sudden foundation movement can indicate a more serious problem, such as structural damage or a sinkhole. Early detection is key to preventing costly repairs down the road.

floor cracks

FLOOR CRACKS

Many homeowners have to deal with cracks in their floors. While some floor cracks are harmless and simply cosmetic, others can be indicative of major structural problems. It's important to be able to tell the difference so that you can take the appropriate action. The most common type of floor crack is a hairline crack. These cracks are usually not serious and can often be repaired with a little joint compound and elbow grease. However, if you notice wider cracks or cracks that appear to be growing, it's important to have a professional assess the situation. These types of cracks can be caused by a settling foundation or other serious issues. Ignoring them can result in costly repairs down the road. So if you see a floor crack, don't ignore it - take action!

UNEVEN FLOORS

UNEVEN OR SLOPING FLOORS

Uneven or sloping floors are often a sign of a foundation problem. If your floors are uneven, it means that your foundation is not level. This can be caused by a number of things, such as settling, shifting, or eroding soils, or even tree roots growing under your foundation. Foundation problems can be serious because they can lead to cracks in your walls and ceilings, doors and windows that don’t close properly, and even leaks. If you have a foundation problem, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse over time.

chimney-problems

CHIMNEY PROBLEMS

A home's foundation is responsible for its stability. If the foundation is not level, the weight of the house can cause it to shift and settle. In extreme cases, a settling foundation can even cause the chimney to break away from the building or even collapse. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to repair a settling foundation. In some cases, it may be possible to simply fill in any voids with concrete. More serious cases may require the use of steel piers or other support systems to stabilize the foundation and prevent further settling. Regardless of the severity of the problem, it is important to address any foundation issues as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.

BRICK

BRICK & MASONRY PROBLEMS

One of the most common problems with brick and masonry is cracking. Cracks can be caused by a number of factors, but the most common is foundation settling. As the soil around your foundation settles, it puts pressure on the foundation itself. This can cause cracks to form in the brick and masonry. Cracks can also be caused by freeze/thaw cycles, which cause the ground to heave and put pressure on the foundation. In addition, poorly compressed concrete can also lead to cracking. If you notice any cracks in your brick or masonry, it's important to have them repaired promptly. Left unaddressed, they can only get worse and may eventually lead to structural damage.

WALL CRACKS

WALL CRACKS

One of the most common signs of a foundation problem is wall cracks. these can occur for a variety of reasons, including settling, poor construction, and nature events like earthquakes or tree roots pushing against the foundation. In many cases, wall cracks are simply cosmetic and pose no structural threat. However, if the cracks are large or numerous, they could be a sign that the foundation is shifting or settling. Cracks that run horizontally are especially a cause for concern, as they indicate that the walls are under immense stress. If you notice any wall cracks, it's important to have them assessed by a qualified contractor to determine if they pose a danger to your home's structural integrity.

DOOR & WINDOW PROBLEMS

DOOR & WINDOW PROBLEMS

Problems with doors and windows can be indicative of issues with the foundation. If doors and windows are not closing properly or are warped, this could mean that the house is no longer level and that the foundation may be settling. This can lead to serious structural problems if left unchecked, so it is important to have a professional assess the situation as soon as possible. By being on the lookout for these issues, homeowners can help to ensure that their house remains safe and stable.

CEILING CRACKS

CEILING CRACKS

Cracks in ceilings can be a sign of more serious foundation problems. if the cracks are accompanied by sagging, doors that don't close properly, or windows that are difficult to open, it's likely that there are foundation issues. Underlying problems with the foundation can lead to cracks in the ceiling, as well as other structural problems. If left unaddressed, foundation problems can cause serious damage to a home and may even make it uninhabitable. If you see any signs of foundation problems, it's important to contact a professional for an assessment as soon as possible. Neglected foundation issues will only become more expensive and difficult to repair over time.

BEAM & POST PROBLEMS

BEAM & POST PROBLEMS

One of the most common signs that there is a problem with your foundation is when you start to see problems with your beams and posts. If these structural elements of your home are not level, it can put a tremendous amount of strain on your foundation. In some cases, you may even see cracks forming in your beams or posts. These cracks can weaken the overall structure of your home and make it more susceptible to damage from earthquakes or other types of disasters. If you notice any problems with your beams or posts, it is important to have a professional inspector come out to take a look at your foundation as soon as possible. With their help, you can determine whether or not your foundation needs to be repaired or replaced.

STAIR & STOOP PROBLEMS

STAIR & STOOP PROBLEMS

Uneven stairs are often one of the first signs that a home has foundation problems. As the foundation settles, it can cause the stairs to shift and become uneven. This can be a dangerous problem, as it can make it easy for people to trip and fall. In addition, uneven stairs can also damage flooring and drywall. If you notice that your stairs are starting to become uneven, it is important to have the problem assessed by a qualified foundation repair company. They will be able to determine the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action. Left untreated, foundation problems will only get worse over time, so it is important to address them as soon as possible.

GARAGE FOUNDATION PROBLEMS

SINKHOLES AND VOIDS

Two potential causes of foundation problems are sinkholes and voids. Sinkholes occur when the ground beneath the foundation collapses, causing the foundation to settle. Voids, on the other hand, occur when there is empty space beneath the foundation. This can happen if the soil is not properly compacted before the foundation is poured, or if there is a leach field underneath the foundation. Either way, sinkholes, and voids can cause serious damage to a structure, and they can be difficult and expensive to repair.

BASEMENT CRACKS

BASEMENT CRACKS

Basement cracks are a common problem in homes with a poured concrete foundation. While some cracks are harmless and caused by normal settling, others can be a sign of a more serious issue. If the cracks are accompanied by other foundation problems, such as doors that are difficult to open or close, or windows that won't stay level, it's important to have the foundation inspected by a professional. Left unchecked, these problems can lead to structural damage and stability issues. Fortunately, most foundation problems can be fixed with relative ease, provided they're addressed early on. By being aware of the signs, homeowners can avoid costly repairs down the road.

MOISTURE

MOISTURE

One of the most common signs of foundation problems is moisture. If you notice that your walls are damp or that there is water pooling around your home, it's important to have a professional inspect your foundation. Moisture can cause a number of problems, including rot, mold, and structural damage. In some cases, it may even be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a leak in your sewer line. If you suspect that you have a foundation problem, don't wait to have it inspected. The sooner you address the issue, the less likely it is to cause major damage to your home.

What to do If You Think You Have a Problem with Your Foundation

Some homeowners think that they have a problem with their foundation only to find out that it was something else entirely. If you think you might have a problem with your foundation, the first step is to call in a professional to take a look. They will be able to assess the situation and tell you if there is indeed a problem or if it is something that can be easily fixed. If they do find a problem, they will work with you to come up with a plan to fix it. This may involve repairs to the foundation itself or other parts of the house, such as the gutters or landscaping. Either way, it is important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.