Read on to learn about the 10 alarming signs of home foundation failure
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ToggleFoundational issues are problems that should not be overlooked. If left unaddressed they can cause structural damage and endanger the integrity of the entire building. A minor problem can be prevented from turning into a major catastrophe if you know what to look for. Here is what you need to know about signs of foundation failure.
Windows And Doors Do Not Operate Properly
- One of the important signs of foundation failure is the windows and doors that do not 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.
Uneven Exterior Doors
- Exterior doors on the other hand are more likely to hang down and appear uneven. For instance, the door may appear higher on the top left side than on the top right side. The difference may not seem significant in the beginning but it can become larger with time.
Moreover, double doors or French doors may not meet in the middle properly. This issue commonly affects slab, beam, and pier foundations.
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. In the case of concrete slabs, 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.
Cabinets Separating From The Wall
- If your kitchen cabinets and countertops appear to be tilting or pulling away from the wall, this may be another sign of foundation failure. At first, you may notice a minor difference but the next thing you know the gaps have become as wide as 1/8 inch.
Before long the gaps will become wider and cause inconvenience. If you notice these changes, that means something is affecting your foundation and you need to address the issue immediately.
Foundation Upheaval
- Foundation upheaval causes the slab foundation to move in an upward direction. This is an important sign of trouble that signals that the structural integrity of your home is in danger.
Foundation upheaval not only affects the perimeter area of a slab foundation but can also impact hallways, doorways, and other such areas of your home. The garage walls may also be pushed upwards.
The major causes of foundation upheaval include:
- Soil that expands and contracts
- Excessive moisture
- Frost heave
- Plumbing leaks under the foundation.
Foundations laid on clay soils are most commonly affected by these issues because clay soil gains volume as it becomes wet.
Cracked Or Bowed Walls
- Cracked or bowed exterior, interior, or basement walls are another sign you’ve got problems with your foundation. 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 the cracks 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.