6 Major Signs You May Need House Foundation Repair
Is your home revealing signs of wear and tear that seem more severe than typical age-related settling? It might be time to take a closer look at its foundation. A home’s foundation is its core support, and any issues can lead to costly repairs.
In this guide, we’ll explore six major signs that you need house foundation repair. Don’t ignore these red flags-they could save you considerable headaches and expenses in the long run. Keep reading to learn how to spot these signs early and take steps to protect your home’s foundation.
1. Visible Brick Cracks
One of the most apparent signs of foundation problems is cracks in your home’s exterior brickwork. These cracks can start small but may quickly widen or extend over time. Keep an eye out for the following, as they could signal underlying issues with your foundation’s stability.
Types of Cracks
Stair-step cracks are common in brick or block foundations and often indicate settling or shifting of the foundation. They can be found on the interior and exterior walls of a building.
Horizontal cracks run parallel to the ground and can be an indication of serious structural issues. It is advisable to have them inspected by a professional promptly.
Vertical cracks run straight up and down and are commonly caused by the normal settling of a building. They are usually less concerning than horizontal cracks but should still be monitored, especially if they widen over time.
Diagonal cracks can appear at any angle and may be a result of various factors, including:
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Soil movement
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Structural stress
The severity of diagonal cracks depends on their width, length, and location. In most cases, diagonal cracks may require professional assessment and repair.
Location
Pay attention to where the cracks appear. Cracks near corners, windows, or doors may indicate structural issues, while some cracks above doors, windows, & garages could be caused by swollen metal lintels & not be structural.
While minor cracks may be superficial, larger or widening cracks could indicate more significant problems with your home’s foundation.
2. Foundation Cracking
Inspect the foundation itself for any signs of cracking or crumbling. Small cracks, around 1/8 inch wide, are common and may not be a big concern. However, noticing larger cracks, especially ones wider than 1/4 inch, could indicate a more serious issue.
Vertical cracks, especially those wider than a quarter-inch, can indicate structural problems that need urgent attention. Additionally, horizontal cracks or bulging walls could signify more severe issues, such as soil movement or water damage.
3. Musty Smells
Odors from your basement or crawl space could indicate excess moisture caused by foundation issues. When water seeps into your home’s foundation, it can create the perfect setting for mold and mildew growth.
If you notice musty smells in these areas, it’s essential to investigate further and promptly address any potential foundation leaks.
4. Drywall Cracks
Interior drywall cracks can indicate foundation problems. These cracks often appear as diagonal lines and may worsen over time if left untreated. While some minor cracking is expected due to settling, significant or recurring cracks should prompt a closer inspection of your home’s foundation.
Inspect the exterior walls of your home for any signs of bowing, leaning, or inward bulging. These structural changes may indicate foundation issues that are putting pressure on the walls.
5. Uneven Floors
If you notice areas of your floor that sag or bounce when you walk on them, it could be a sign of weakened support from the foundation below. Keep an eye out for cracks in the concrete slab or basement floor. These cracks may indicate foundation movement or settling.
Use a level to check for noticeable dips or slopes. If you notice them in conjunction with other signs on this list, they can be concerning.
6. Doors and Windows Sticking
Have you noticed that your doors and windows are becoming increasingly difficult to open or close? This could be due to your home’s foundation shifting, causing misalignment in the door and window frames.
Look for gaps or spaces between the frames of doors and windows and the surrounding walls. These gaps can develop due to foundation settlement, causing the frames to pull away from the structure.
Sticky doors and windows are more than just an inconvenience – they could be a warning sign of underlying foundation issues that need to be addressed promptly.
Signs It’s Time for Professional Foundation Help
It is best to call in a professional company as soon as you notice any signs of trouble. There are some situations where it’s crucial to get professional assistance, and it’s best not to wait.
If you find visible signs of foundation damage, it’s crucial to have a professional assess the situation promptly. You don’t want the damage to increase, so rather get someone to come and take a look as soon as you notice a problem.
Any noticeable changes in your home, such as uneven floors or gaps around the window frames or doors, could indicate foundation problems.
If you see water intrusion or notice pooling water near your foundation, it’s vital to tackle the problem immediately to prevent any further damage and potential foundation problems.
Any concerns about your home’s structural integrity should prompt you to seek professional assistance. This includes bowing or leaning walls, sagging floors, or any other structural abnormalities.
If you’ve attempted to address foundation issues yourself but haven’t seen improvement or have made the problem worse, it’s time to call in the professionals. Foundation repair mostly requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Wrapping Up: House Foundation Repair
Any potential foundation issues are a serious concern as they can lead to structural damage, safety concerns, and costly repairs if left unaddressed. Use this guide to evaluate possible signs of foundation issues. However, if you notice any signs of foundation problems, it’s best to err on the side of caution and hire a professional house foundation repair company.
Any house foundation repair projects require specialized skills and knowledge. At BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair, we offer affordable services by an experienced team that understands the importance of safe and correct foundation repairs.
Contact us today to schedule a free inspection for peace of mind.