6 Signs Your Home’s Foundation Is Failing

Worried your home’s foundation is failing? Check out these 6 telltale signs to look for and prevent major damage

Addressing foundation issues before they worsen can save you a significant amount of money in the long term. While some signs of a failing foundation are evident, others may be subtle and require closer inspection. From visible cracks in walls to sagging floors and sunken landscaping, this article lists the warning signs of foundation failure to help you prevent more severe problems down the line.

Wall Rotation

• Wall rotation occurs when the soil beneath a home’s exterior becomes saturated with water, causing the foundation’s outer edge to sink deeper into the soil under the weight of the building.

Meanwhile, the dry inner edge of the foundation pulls upward, resulting in a twisting motion known as wall rotation. This issue can lead to significant structural problems and should be addressed promptly.

Diagonal Cracks at Window Corners

• Diagonal cracks that extend from the corners of windows and doors up towards the ceiling can indicate potential foundation issues. While small cracks may not be alarming, larger ones could indicate significant foundation problems. It’s crucial to address larger cracks promptly to prevent further foundation damage.

In addition, the windows and doors fail to open or close properly. When the foundation shifts even the slightest bit, you might face difficulty opening or closing windows and doors. Interior doors tend to stick at the top when they are affected by foundation shifts.

Bowed Or Dipped Floors

• Sagged, bowed, or dipped floors that appear out of level are another indicator of foundation troubles. When the issues affect peer or beam foundations, floors are likely to sag and squeak. When concrete slabs are used, floors become uneven or out of level.

The uneven and sagged floors not only look bad, but they can also prove dangerous, especially if you have children and elderly individuals living in your home.

Initially, the floors may be out of level just by ½ inch, but over time, they become uneven by 1 to 2 inches. It is crucial to have your foundation fixed as soon as you spot the signs of trouble.

Foundation Upheaval

• Foundation upheaval occurs when a slab foundation moves upward, posing a significant risk to your home’s structural integrity. This issue extends beyond the perimeter, affecting areas like hallways, doorways, and even garage walls.

Common causes of foundation upheaval include soil expansion and contraction, excessive moisture, frost heave, and plumbing leaks beneath the foundation. Clay soils are particularly susceptible due to their tendency to expand when wet.

Cabinets and Counters Misalignment

• Foundation issues can lead to uneven floors and walls, which may not be immediately noticeable. However, a closer inspection of cabinets and countertops can reveal significant misalignment.

If these fixtures were previously flush with the walls or level with the ground but are now separated from the wall or tilted, it could signal underlying foundation problems.

Cracked Or Bowed Walls

• Cracked or bowed exterior, interior, or basement walls are another sign of foundation failure. If you have wallpaper, you might notice tears in it caused by the wall cracks underneath. Also, look for cracks between windows, doors, and the ceiling or floor, as well as cracks in drywall.

You may also notice diagonal cracks that appear in the corners of windows and doors and run towards the ceiling. If the cracks are small, there is nothing to worry about; however, if they are larger, this could mean you have serious problems with the foundation.

If you have issues with your foundation, give us a call at (877) 727-2259. Our experts from Crack-X will assess the damage and provide necessary foundation repair services. Crack-X is a structural repair company located in Maine and New Hampshire.