House of cards: 7 damning signs that your house has foundation problems

Are you worried about the structural integrity of your house foundation? Foundation problems are common with 25% of homes having structural distress at some point.

If you catch foundation issues early, you can fix the problem before it causes more serious damage. Earlier fixes are often cheaper, so investigating the signs you notice can also save you money.

Check out these seven signs of foundation problems.

1. Cracks Throughout the Home

Cracks in various parts of your home can alert you to foundation problems, starting with the foundation itself. Some cracking is normal due to the natural shrinking of concrete as it cures.

Those cracks are usually small and stay the same size instead of getting worse over time.

Diagonal cracks can indicate settling issues. They often happen if your house is built on a hill, and they’re often an easy fix.

Vertical cracks tend to be less serious than horizontal cracks. The vertical cracks can allow water to seep into your home, but they can usually be fixed easily.

Horizontal cracks appear when your foundation has structural issues, often from the force of the soil pressing against the foundation and causing it to bow. They’ll continue to get worse over time and can be a serious issue.

The cracking issues can affect other parts of the house, too. Walls, floors, and ceilings can all display cracks when you have foundation problems.

Hairline cracks in those areas aren’t usually an issue and are typically just cosmetic. Drywall and wood expansion can cause cracking near your doors and windows that are also minor.

When you notice cracks, keep an eye on them to see if they get worse.

Cracks that are wider than 1/8″ or are wider at one end than the other could indicate a foundation problem. Horizontal, 45-degree angle, or stairstep cracks can also indicate a problem.

2. Leaks or Moisture

Foundation cracks can let in moisture, resulting in leaks. Sometimes the leaks are obvious with standing water in your home. Other times, they’re more subtle, but you can often spot signs of excess moisture.

Musty smells can be a sign of mildew growing, which comes from too much moisture. You might also see mold, but it doesn’t always have to be in the basement.

Sometimes the shifting foundation creates gaps that allow moisture in other areas, where mold and mildew can grow.

If you suspect a leak but you’re not sure, contact a pro for leak detection services. Trained technicians can not only confirm a leak, but…
 
 
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