Foundation problems can be incredibly damaging, which is just one reason you should definitely be on the lookout for these problems as early on as possible. The good news is that if you?re able to discover foundation problems early on, you?re more likely to end up being able to fix the problem. Here are eight simple signs that you?re dealing with foundation problems.
Cracks in the Walls or Floors
When you see cracks in the actual walls and floors, chances are that there?s a foundation problem. This typically happens when the foundation is settling more on one side than on the other, causing the weight of the home demolition service to become unbalanced and creating cracks in the walls and floors. This is especially true if you start to see diagonal cracks at the corners of walls and floors.
Sticking Doors and Windows
What if you?re having a hard time opening and closing doors and windows? When doors and windows tend to have a hard time fitting into their frames, that?s called ?sticking.? It occurs when something warps the frame, which typically happens when the foundation on one side of the frame sinks more than the foundation on the other side.
Gaps Between the Windows, Doors, and Walls
Ideally, the windows, doors, and walls of your home should all sit flush with each other. If they don?t, that?s usually because there?s a problem. Pay close attention if you suddenly see gaps opening between walls that used to sit flush with each other, gaps opening around windows and doors, or gaps opening between the floors and the walls.
Sagging and Slanting Floors
Sagging and slanting floors are commonly a sign of a foundation problem. Most often, this occurs because there?s not enough support underneath the floor joists. When you don?t have floor joist support, which can occur when a foundation has settling problems, you?re typically going to have an issue with sagging and slanting floors.
A Leaning Chimney
Chimneys typically have a completely separate foundation from the rest of the home because of the different requirements for a chimney foundation and a home foundation. This can be very beneficial when both are functioning normally, but if the foundation of either the chimney or the home starts to have problems, you might end up with a leaning chimney.
Bowing Basement Walls
It?s always a good idea to take stock of the basement walls every so often. Go into your basement and take a look at how the walls are standing. Does it seem like the walls are bowing inward due to pressure from the outside? If so, you?re dealing with bowing basement walls, which typically form because of hydrostatic pressure and can create foundation failure in the future.
A Musty Smell in the Basement or Crawl Space
Musty smells in your basement or crawl space are not normal, no matter who tells you otherwise. Although they?re common, that doesn?t inherently make them normal. Rather, musty smells typically indicate that there?s mold or mildew in the basement or crawl space, making them a symptom of a serious problem.
Damp Walls and Leaks
When you have issues with water intrusion, it?s important to tackle those water issues early. Water in your basement or crawl space typically indicates a serious problem; that problem may be a crack in the walls or just a lack of waterproofing. Either way, it?s important to handle it early on so you don?t wait until the water problem has become almost too much to handle.
Conclusion
Dealing with foundation problems doesn?t have to be difficult. All of these foundation problem signs are things that you can see on your own without having to look at foundation problems through the eye of an expert. Still, if you notice any of these foundation concerns, it?s always a good idea to talk to an expert to make sure you?re able to manage the problems you?re experiencing.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
