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There’s so many things that homeowners already know that they need to take care of, like preventing moisture from getting into their home, keeping an eye on their plumbing, electric, and just all of those other things.
But then there’s things that are in your life daily, but you just don’t know or even think about— like foundation. So, the foundation of a home is like the quiet workhorse of the entire structure—it holds everything up but often doesn’t get the attention it deserves until something goes wrong.
And when something does go wrong with your foundation, it can quickly turn into a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Because it doesn’t get too much attention, it’s entirely understandable that you’re simply just not going to know that things are going south. While some things in the home break without any signs (like plumbing), when it comes to your foundation, it gives multiple warnings because it’s too late.
So it’s really about catching all of this before anything gets worse. So, with that all said, here’s how to spot those red flags and save yourself a lot of stress (and money) down the road.
Cracks are the Telltale Signs in Walls and Floors
One of the most obvious signs of foundation trouble is cracks. But not all cracks are created equal— surprising, right? So, those hairline cracks in your walls or floors might not be a big deal, especially if they’re vertical. However, larger cracks, especially those that are horizontal or diagonal, could be a sign that your foundation is shifting or settling unevenly.
These are mainly prevalent in older homes, too. So, you’re going to have to pay attention to any cracks that seem to get bigger over time. If you notice cracks wider than a quarter of an inch or cracks that zigzag along the walls, it’s time to call in a professional. Also, keep an eye out for cracks in the corners of windows and doors, which can indicate movement in your foundation.
These are the biggest signs of them all, so these are the ones you’ll have to keep the closest eyes on, too.
Sticking Doors and Windows
Have you ever notice a door that used to open easily but now seems to stick, or a window that’s suddenly harder to close? Have you been noticing a noise too? Well, this might not just be a humidity issue (granted sometimes it is)—sticking doors and windows can be a sign that your foundation is shifting.
But how exactly? Well, as the foundation moves, it can cause the frames of doors and windows to become misaligned, making them difficult to open or close. If you’re starting to use a little extra muscle to open doors or windows, or if they’re no longer fitting snugly in their frames, it’s worth investigating further.
This could be one of the early signs that your foundation is in trouble. But don’t immediately assume you have foundation problems only due to this; sure, if there’s no humidity, then it could be a giveaway, but don’t let this be the only sign that brings you to foundation issues.
Uneven Floors
So, this one is a weird one, but have you noticed any inclines in your home? Maybe you’re just walking across your living room and feeling like you’re on a slight incline. Well, no matter how slight it is, that’s not normal. So, uneven floors are another common sign of foundation problems. As the foundation settles or shifts, it can cause parts of your floor to become uneven. In some cases, you might even notice gaps between the floor and the baseboards.
So, just to make sure that there is a slant, you’re going to have to grab a level and check your floors. If they’re sloping or feel bouncy, it could be a sign that your foundation is moving or settling unevenly.
While slight variations might be okay in older homes, significant slopes are definitely a reason to get a professional opinion. Just never assume everything is fine because it very well might not be.
Are You Dealing with Plumbing Issues?
Have you had to deal with any major plumbing issues over the last couple of years? Has there been any plumbing issues that affect not only the interior of your home but also your exterior? How is the draining in your yard? How about the downspouts on your house?
So, why all of these questions? Well, water is one of the biggest enemies of your foundation. So even a hidden plumbing leak, especially if it’s underneath the foundation, can erode the soil and cause the foundation to shift or settle unevenly.
This is why foundation leak detection is so important, particularly in older homes or areas prone to heavy rainfall. If you’ve had any major plumbing issues or general drainage issues, then that alone could point you in the direction of why you might have a foundation issue. If you have an idea of “why,” then it makes it easier to take action to fix your foundation before it’s too late.
Gaps Around Exterior Windows and Doors
So this ties into the cracks of the house. If you see cracks, usually short after you’ll begin to notice some gaps as well. So, these gaps around your exterior windows and doors are not just an energy efficiency problem—they can also indicate that your foundation is shifting. As the foundation moves, it can pull away from the rest of the structure, creating noticeable gaps that let in drafts and, worse, water.
While sure, these gaps might start small, but if they’re getting bigger over time, it’s a red flag. It’s important to address this issue promptly because once water starts seeping into these gaps, it can lead to even bigger foundation issues down the line. Basically, gaps will lead to water damage, which means mold and structural integrity issues, and fixing all of these can be pretty pricey.
Chimney Separation
A chimney pulling away from your house is more than just an eyesore—it’s a serious sign of foundation problems. This is usually common for very old homes, so if you have one, you’re going to have to take a look. If there are any signs of cracks, then you’ll have to address this ASAP!
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