Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been living in your house for years, you should keep an eye on your foundation. Like all things in life, your home will eventually show signs of wear and tear, especially in its foundation. While you can easily repair some minor foundation issues, others are serious and require immediate attention. Let’s go over the most common foundation issues homeowners face and how to spot them early on so that you can address them before they become major problems.
Uneven Floors
Are your floors unusually slanted or uneven? This could be a sign of foundation problems. Uneven floors can occur when the foundation settles in an irregular manner, which causes the floors to slope in one direction. You can check this by placing a level on your floor. If the level tilts, then you may have a foundation issue.
Cracks in Walls and Floors
Cracks are never a good sign, especially when they appear in your walls or floors. Normal settling of the house can cause small hairline cracks, which are typically harmless. However, if you notice larger cracks wider than 1/8 inch, this could indicate a more serious problem with your foundation. Be sure to keep an eye on these cracks and monitor their growth over time.
Sticking Doors and Windows
Do you find yourself struggling to open or close doors and windows? This can be another sign of foundation problems. When the foundation shifts, it can throw door and window frames out of alignment. This can cause them to stick, making it difficult to open or close them properly. If you notice this issue in multiple doors and windows in your home, you should have your foundation checked.
Bowing or Leaning Walls
If you notice your walls are bowing or leaning, this is a major red flag for foundation issues. This usually occurs due to pressure from the soil outside of the house pushing against the foundation walls. If left unchecked, this can lead to serious structural damage and compromise the stability of your home. You’ll want to address this issue immediately to prevent further damage.
Leaking Basement
Slab foundations can be prone to water leaks. There are a few telltale signs of a slab foundation leak; one of the most noticeable signs is a wet or damp basement.
If you notice water pooling in your basement, this could be a sign your foundation has cracks or gaps, allowing water to seep through. Make sure you address this issue promptly before it leads to mold growth or further damage to your foundation.
Being aware of common foundation issues and how to spot them can help you prevent major problems in your home. Keep an eye out for these warning signs and address them as soon as possible to maintain your foundation’s integrity and keep your home safe and stable.
