As a homeowner, your house’s foundation is the last thing you want to think about. But ignoring early warning signs can turn a manageable repair into an expensive catastrophe. Your foundation provides the stability and support for your entire home, and any issue, if left unchecked, can lead to severe structural damage.
Here’s a list of the most common red flags to watch for, inside and outside your home.
Interior warning signs
Cracks in walls and ceilings
Not all cracks mean you have a foundation issue. Small, hairline cracks can be caused by normal house settling. But keep an eye on cracks that are wider than a quarter-inch, widening over time, or have a stair-step pattern. Cracks that run diagonally from the corners of windows and doors are also a key indicator of foundation movement.
Not all cracks mean you have a foundation issue. Small, hairline cracks can be caused by normal house settling. But keep an eye on cracks that are wider than a quarter-inch, widening over time, or have a stair-step pattern. Cracks that run diagonally from the corners of windows and doors are also a key indicator of foundation movement.
Uneven or sloping floors
If you feel like you’re walking uphill inside your home, your foundation might be settling unevenly. A classic test is to place a marble on the floor and see if it rolls consistently in one direction. This unevenness is a significant sign that the foundation is no longer level.
If you feel like you’re walking uphill inside your home, your foundation might be settling unevenly. A classic test is to place a marble on the floor and see if it rolls consistently in one direction. This unevenness is a significant sign that the foundation is no longer level.
Sticking doors and windows
Do your doors and windows suddenly seem to get stuck, or are they difficult to open and close? This could be a symptom of a shifting foundation. As the frame of your house warps from movement, it can cause the door and window frames to become misaligned.
Do your doors and windows suddenly seem to get stuck, or are they difficult to open and close? This could be a symptom of a shifting foundation. As the frame of your house warps from movement, it can cause the door and window frames to become misaligned.
Gaps and separations
Look for places where building materials are pulling away from each other. This includes gaps between your walls and ceilings, separation between the baseboards and the floor, or cabinets and countertops pulling away from the wall.
Look for places where building materials are pulling away from each other. This includes gaps between your walls and ceilings, separation between the baseboards and the floor, or cabinets and countertops pulling away from the wall.
Cracked tile or sagging floors
Cracks in ceramic tile floors are a clear sign of movement beneath the surface. For homes with crawl spaces, look out for sagging, bouncy, or spongy floors, which can be caused by weakened support posts.
Cracks in ceramic tile floors are a clear sign of movement beneath the surface. For homes with crawl spaces, look out for sagging, bouncy, or spongy floors, which can be caused by weakened support posts.
Exterior warning signs
Cracks in the exterior foundation
Visible cracks on your home’s exterior foundation are a major red flag. While hairline cracks can occur from concrete shrinkage, horizontal cracks are a serious concern. They often signal excessive pressure on your foundation.
Visible cracks on your home’s exterior foundation are a major red flag. While hairline cracks can occur from concrete shrinkage, horizontal cracks are a serious concern. They often signal excessive pressure on your foundation.
Stair-step cracks in brickwork
For homes with brick or stone veneer siding, cracks that follow the mortar joints in a stair-step pattern are a telltale sign of foundation settlement. The same pattern often appears on the interior side of the foundation wall.
For homes with brick or stone veneer siding, cracks that follow the mortar joints in a stair-step pattern are a telltale sign of foundation settlement. The same pattern often appears on the interior side of the foundation wall.
A leaning or cracked chimney
Your chimney, especially if it’s not connected to the main structure, is highly susceptible to foundation movement. If you notice your chimney is tilting or pulling away from the side of your house, it’s a sure sign of foundation trouble.
Your chimney, especially if it’s not connected to the main structure, is highly susceptible to foundation movement. If you notice your chimney is tilting or pulling away from the side of your house, it’s a sure sign of foundation trouble.
Gaps around doors and windows
Just as with interior problems, visible gaps above windows and doors on your home’s exterior can signal that the foundation has shifted.
Just as with interior problems, visible gaps above windows and doors on your home’s exterior can signal that the foundation has shifted.
Moisture in the basement or crawl space
Excess moisture is a primary cause of foundation damage. Dampness, standing water, or a persistent musty odor in your basement or crawl space indicates that water is seeping through foundation cracks.
Excess moisture is a primary cause of foundation damage. Dampness, standing water, or a persistent musty odor in your basement or crawl space indicates that water is seeping through foundation cracks.
What to do if you suspect a problem
- Don’t panic. Not every crack means your house is falling down. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Document everything. Take pictures and notes of any potential signs you find. Record when and where you noticed them.
- Call a professional. This is not a DIY job. The best course of action is to contact a reputable foundation repair contractor or a structural engineer for a professional inspection. They can accurately assess the cause and extent of any damage and recommend the appropriate solution.
Addressing foundation problems early is the most effective way to protect your investment and ensure your home remains a safe and stable place for years to come.