There are many common foundation problem signs. Although foundation concerns can manifest in different ways, these are some of the most common manifestations of these problems.
Sinking Concrete Foundation
For some homeowners, a sinking foundation is their worst nightmare. A sinking concrete foundation is one of the most serious problems you might have when it comes to foundation concerns. When the foundation starts to sink, it’s not going to just look bad; it can also cause serious secondary damage throughout your home.
Why a Sinking Foundation Is a Problem
A sinking foundation can be a serious problem for a number of reasons. Firstly, a sinking foundation can impact the general structure of the home. When one side of your home starts to sink, it can put a lot of pressure on the rest of the home. This can lead to all sorts of secondary foundation concerns, from stuck windows and doors to cracks throughout your drywall. Secondly, a sinking foundation is a problem because it’s not always obvious. The process of sinking can be very gradual, happening over months and years. That means many homeowners might not even notice the problem until there are serious concerns. By that point, the best solution will typically be to install piers, which can be an extensive process.
Cracked Block Foundation Repair
Do you have a cracked block foundation? Among the different types of foundations are block foundations. These foundations have different problems than many other foundation types, especially because they often develop stair-step cracks. These cracks typically indicate too much weight on one side of the foundation.
Why a Cracked Block Foundation Is a Problem
A cracked block foundation can have its own unique concerns that make it a difficult problem to tackle. One of the unique problems with a cracked block foundation is that the concrete blocks themselves are hollow. That means when you’re trying to inject a sealant into them, the sealant will often just fall down into the hollow block, which means you have to use a lot more sealant to get the same effect. Concrete can crack anywhere in and around your home. Even if you see concrete cracks in a structure outside your home, like the driveway, it could indicate a problem with your home’s foundation or the soil on the property as a whole.
Stuck Windows and Doors
Sticking windows and doors are a problem that can frustrate many homeowners. Even if you don’t think there are any problems with the rest of your home, stuck windows and doors can still be a serious problem to deal with on a regular basis. You may notice that they’re difficult to open or close or that you often have to put your full weight into them just to move them at all.
Why Stuck Windows and Doors Are a Problem
Stuck windows and doors are a problem because they typically indicate that your foundation is settling in a way that’s impacting the rest of your home. It’s important to remember that the foundation is what holds up the rest of your home. When the foundation starts to settle on one side more than another, it can cause the rest of your home to start moving as well. This can lead to window and door frames contorting, which is why they start to stick.
Cracked Foundation Slab
Cracked foundation slabs are some of the most frustrating generalized structural problems out there. They can occur for a variety of reasons, and it’s important to remember that not all slab cracks are a serious problem. However, if you see slab cracks, you need to be wary about the potential concerns that could come from them.
Why Cracked Foundation Slabs Are a Problem
There are a few reasons that a cracked foundation slab can be a serious problem. To begin with, slab cracks are difficult to access because they’re typically underneath the entirety of your home. If there’s a serious problem with the foundation slab, you may need to essentially move your entire home to fix it. Additionally, a cracked foundation slab can lead to serious secondary concerns. For example, a cracked foundation slab may make it easier for pests and water to make their way into your home. This can impact your health and the general structure of your home.
Basement Floor Cracks
Foundation slab cracks can be a major headache for homeowners. However, they’re just one type of floor crack that you might run into. There are many other types of floor cracks, and they can be just as serious as foundation slab cracks. If you notice a crack in your basement floor, you need to talk to an expert as quickly as possible.
Why Basement Floor Cracks Are a Problem
Basement floor cracks can be a serious problem because they often signal that there’s a lot of hydrostatic pressure underneath your home. Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure that water exerts when it’s at rest. If the soil underneath your home is saturated with water, the hydrostatic pressure can build up and push against the bottom of your home, creating cracks in your basement floor. This can also lead to water leakage and flooding in your basement, which will only make the problem worse.
Drywall Cracks
If you’ve noticed cracks throughout your drywall, especially if they’re extending from the corners of doors and windows, they are probably coming from specific foundation concerns. When the foundation shifts in such a way that the weight no longer distributes evenly, it can cause one side of the wall to bear more weight, leading to the drywall cracking along stress lines.
Why Drywall Cracks Are a Problem
Drywall cracks aren’t just a cosmetic problem. They can be a problem for a variety of reasons. Firstly, drywall cracks can allow for more pest infestations. Pests can come in through even the smallest cracks, and if you have a number of drywall cracks throughout your home, you’re essentially leaving open a number of doors for these pests. Secondly, drywall cracks can reduce your home’s energy efficiency. When your home is less airtight, it’s much more difficult to heat and cool. The air you’re paying to heat and cool will just escape through the cracks in your drywall. This means you’ll end up paying more on your energy bills.
Floor and Wall Gaps
Gaps between your floors and walls are a serious problem, no matter where they are. You might see them in your basement, but you may also see them on the upper floors of your home. If you notice these gaps, you should contact a foundation repair expert immediately to have them assess the situation and recommend a course of action.
Why Floor and Wall Gaps Are a Problem
Floor and wall gaps are typically a sign of serious foundation settlement. When the foundation settles, it can cause the rest of the home to move with it. This can lead to gaps forming between the floors and walls as different parts of the home shift at different rates. These gaps can be a serious safety hazard, and they can also lead to further structural damage if left unaddressed.
Drywall Nail Pops
Have you ever seen a nail that looks like it’s popping out of the drywall? These are called nail pops, and they can be a sign of foundation problems. Nail pops occur when a nail head pushes too close to the edge of the drywall and comes through, resulting in a crack where the nail head sits. This often occurs because of foundation settlement, which causes the nail head to move closer to the drywall because of the movement of the foundation.
Why Drywall Nail Pops Are a Problem
Nail pops are a problem for a few reasons. Firstly, they can be a sign of serious foundation settlement. As the foundation settles, it can cause the framing of your home to shift. This can lead to the nails in your drywall becoming loose and popping out. Secondly, nail pops can be a safety hazard. If a nail pops out of the drywall, it can create a sharp edge that can cut or scrape someone. This is especially dangerous if you have small children or pets in your home.
Uneven Floors
An uneven floor is a problem that can be difficult to spot. You might not notice it until you drop a marble and it rolls to one side of the room. However, even if you can’t see it, an uneven floor can be a sign of serious foundation problems.
Why Uneven Floors Are a Problem
An uneven floor can be a sign of a number of different foundation problems. It could be a sign of foundation settlement, or it could be a sign of problems with the support posts in your crawl space. When one side of the foundation starts to sink, it will often create uneven weight distribution across the entire home. This can lead to the floors becoming uneven as different parts of the home shift.
Basement Wall Cracks
There are many different types of basement wall cracks. Some are more serious than others, but all of them should be inspected by a professional. The most common types of basement wall cracks are vertical, horizontal, and diagonal. Vertical cracks are the most common and are often caused by the natural settling of the foundation. Horizontal cracks are more serious and can be a sign of hydrostatic pressure. Diagonal cracks are the most serious and can be a sign of differential settlement.
Why Do These Foundation Problems Occur?
So, what causes foundation problems like this? Most of the time, one of these elements is the direct reason for the concerns:
- Flooding: When soil absorbs water, it expands. After a flood, the soil around your home is going to be incredibly saturated. This can lead to the soil expanding and putting pressure on your foundation. After the floodwaters recede, the soil will start to dry out and shrink. This can cause the foundation to settle and crack.
- Soil Type: The type of soil your home is built on can have a big impact on the stability of your foundation. Some soils, like clay, are more expansive than others. This means they expand and contract more with changes in moisture content. If your home is built on expansive soil, it’s more likely to experience foundation problems.
- Poor Compaction: Before a foundation is poured, the soil underneath it needs to be compacted. This is done to create a stable base for the foundation. If the soil is not compacted properly, it can settle over time. This can cause the foundation to sink and crack.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can be a major problem for foundations. As trees grow, their roots can extend under your foundation. These roots can then absorb moisture from the soil, causing it to shrink. This can lead to the foundation settling and cracking.
- Plumbing Leaks: A plumbing leak can cause a lot of damage to your foundation. If a pipe leaks under your foundation, it can saturate the soil. This can cause the soil to expand and put pressure on your foundation. It can also lead to the soil washing away, which can cause the foundation to sink.
- Poor Drainage: Poor drainage can also lead to foundation problems. If water is not properly drained away from your home, it can pool around your foundation. This can cause the soil to become saturated and expand. It can also lead to the soil washing away, which can cause the foundation to sink.
