Is Your Foundation Cracking? 7 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Although my wife and I aren’t homeowners yet, there is a lot I’ve learned about renting other peoples’ homes. The current house we live in has visible foundation cracks and spots in the floor where you can feel water has set in. Many, if not most, homeowners don’t recognize the signs of foundation issues until it’s too late. Is your foundation cracking? Here are several things to look out for.
1. Visible Cracks in Walls and Floors
One of the first things you might notice when there are issues with the foundation are cracks in the walls, floors, and ceiling. While these small hairline cracks might seem harmless, if they grow it could be a sign of a much larger issue with your foundation. Horizontal cracks are particularly concerning, as they suggest excessive pressure on the walls. Gaps between walls and ceilings or floors are another red flag.
2. Uneven or Sloping Floors
If your floors feel uneven or you notice a slope, your foundation may be shifting. A sinking foundation causes floors to warp, making certain areas feel lower than others. You can test this by placing a ball on the floor and seeing if it rolls in one direction on its own. Sloping floors can also cause furniture to wobble or sit unevenly.
3. Sticking Doors and Windows
When doors and windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, it’s often due to foundation shifts. A shifting foundation causes the frames to become misaligned, making doors and windows stick or jam. You might also notice gaps around windows and doors that weren’t there before. This issue can lead to drafts, increasing your energy bills.
4. Gaps Around Exterior Doors and Windows
Exterior gaps around doors and windows can indicate foundation settlement. As the foundation shifts, it can pull away from door and window frames, leaving visible spaces. This can lead to water leaks, pest infestations, and increased energy costs. You may also notice caulking or weather stripping separating from the edges.
5. Bowing or Leaning Walls
Walls that bow or lean are a serious indication of foundation instability. This issue occurs when the foundation shifts, creating pressure that causes walls to bend inward or outward. You may also notice cracks running along the walls in a stair-step pattern. Leaning walls can eventually lead to collapse if not addressed.
6. Water Damage in the Basement
Excess moisture in your basement could signal foundation issues. Cracks in the foundation allow water to seep in, leading to dampness, mold growth, and musty odors. Pooling water or standing moisture near the foundation can indicate poor drainage, which exacerbates foundation movement. Over time, repeated water exposure weakens the structure, causing additional cracks and instability.
7. Chimney or Porch Pulling Away
If your chimney or porch appears to be tilting or separating from your home, it’s a sign of foundation settlement. As the foundation shifts, structures attached to the home can detach or crack. This is especially concerning for brick chimneys, which can become hazardous if they collapse. Porches, stairs, and decks may also show signs of pulling away from the main structure.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Reading this, you may have realized that your foundation is cracking. Breathe! The key to avoiding things getting worse is taking action now. Contact someone who can come take a look at your home’s foundation. This could help you save thousands in repair costs and potentially even save your home.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.