MORE LOCATIONSRead this before it’s too late: Here is the ultimate guide to identifying foundation issues in your home
As a homeowner, one of the essential aspects of maintaining the property is ensuring that the foundation remains stable and structurally sound. Foundational issues can sabotage the integrity of the entire structure if left unaddressed. However, a minor problem can be prevented from becoming a major catastrophe if you know what to look for. Here is what you need to know about identifying foundation issues.
Cracked or Warped Siding
- If you notice warped siding or gaps between planks, it indicates that your home’s foundation has a problem. Houses with wood cladding typically show signs of foundation issues, such as gaps where the siding lengths join and where the siding overlaps at the top and bottom.
If left unaddressed, warped siding can lead to further structural damage and decrease the value of the property. Therefore, acting as soon as possible is crucial to fix any underlying foundation issues.
Cracks In The Floors
- A telltale sign of foundation issues is the appearance of cracks in the vinyl, poured concrete, or tile floor covering. If you spot a straight-looking crack that runs across tiles or if tiles are raised off the floor, there could be a problem with your home’s foundation.
It is advisable to stay mindful of the cracks in the floors and walls of your home. If you notice new cracks in concrete flooring, inspect your home immediately to prevent costly damage.
Immediately call an expert if:
- Cracks are more than 1/8 inch wide
- Cracks are wider at one end than the other
- Cracks appear horizontally or at an angle of 45 degrees
- Signs of moisture in the cracks
Gaps In The Walls And Ceilings
- The foundation’s movement causes gaps between the wall and the ceiling. Sometimes gaps can appear between the wall and the floor. When this happens, the walls no longer meet the ceiling or the floor, indicating foundational damage.
In addition, a sinking foundation causes cracks in the bricks and masonry. At times these cracks run through bricks and mortar between them. These are called stair-step cracks and can be used to detect foundation issues.
Bouncy Floors
- Soft and spongy floorboards are likely the result of severe damage to the structural floor beams caused by termites. Alternatively, the issue could be due to poor structural design, foundation settlement, or moisture-related concerns in the crawl space. However, bouncy floors should not be ignored as they can indicate a significant issue that must be addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the structure.
In addition, sagged or dipped floors that appear out of level are another indicator of foundation troubles. Floors will likely sag and squeak when the issues affect peer or beam foundations. In the case of concrete slabs, floors become uneven or out of level. The uneven and sagged floors look unsightly and are a fall hazard for children and the elderly living in your home.
Bowed Walls
Bowed exterior, interior, or basement walls are another indicator of foundation issues. For example, if you have wallpaper, you might notice tears caused by the wall cracks underneath. Also, look for cracks between windows, doors, ceiling, or floor and in drywall.
Bowed exterior, interior, or basement walls are another indicator of foundation issues. For example, if you have wallpaper, you might notice tears caused by the You may also notice diagonal cracks that appear in the corners of windows and doors and run toward the ceiling. Again, there is nothing to worry about; however, if the cracks are larger, this could mean you have severe problems with the foundation.
If you have noticed cracks in your foundation, call us at 877-727-2259. Our experts from Crack-X will assess the damage and provide necessary foundation repairs. Crack-X is a structural repair company located in Maine and New Hampshire.