Many issues can cause foundation trouble, including the natural settling of the home over time or pressure changes in the surrounding soil. The best defense against foundation problems is to catch them early and repair them before they escalate.
Here are some warning signs that something is wrong with your foundation.
I recommend checking your interior foundation and walls for cracks at least once a year. Hairline cracks are generally nothing to be concerned about. However, you may have a foundation problem if the cracks are longer than a quarter of an inch, they zigzag, they are horizontal or they let water in.
You can also spot foundation issues by inspecting your flooring. Keep an eye out for cracks in your tile floors; one or two broken tiles may not be an issue, but multiple cracked tiles suggest you should get an inspection. If you have wood floors, keep an eye out for sinking areas or expanding gaps between planks.
In a way, your home knows you have foundation trouble before you do. Even slight shifts in the foundation can throw off otherwise well-aligned parts of the house. If you have doors and windows that don’t latch like they should, you may have a foundation problem. This is especially true for French doors. If they don’t line up like they used to, you’ll want to get that checked out. Window frames pulling away from surrounding brick is also another warning sign of trouble.
Sometimes a shifting foundation causes nails to pop out of drywall due to the increased pressure and stress on them. Don’t panic if a couple of nails pop out, but if it’s happening consistently, it may be an indicator of a foundation issue. If your exterior walls appear to be bowing outward, or your kitchen countertops or cabinets separate from the walls, the foundation may be shifting.
Pay attention to your drainage. One of the most common causes of foundation trouble is water from runoff. If you have pooling in your yard or erosion, the hydrostatic pressure in the soil could cause major foundation issues. A professional yard grader can help divert water and soil away from your foundation. Make sure you have a high-quality gutter system and keep it clean; overflowing gutters will hasten foundation trouble.
Unexpected signs of moisture are often early giveaways. Musty odors, pests, air that feels “heavy,” musty odors, and efflorescence (a flaky white substance on concrete) all could indicate a foundation leak.
If you have noticed any of these problems, it’s best to call in a professional right away. They’ll be able to get to the root of the problem and fix it before your issues get worse.
