One of the most important parts of your home is the foundation (if not the most important). It supports the entire structure, keeps moisture out, and resists movement. It also insulates your home from the heat and cold. While most foundations can last a lifetime without experiencing any problems, there are times when they can fail in some way. Foundation problems can be caused by a number of issues (such as poor drainage, climate fluctuations, soil conditions, and plumbing leaks). Knowing the signs of a foundation problem can be critical to your home’s overall integrity. The earlier you can find the warning signs of foundation failure, the more easily a foundation repair company can fix it.
Here are some of the warning signs that you may have a problem with your foundation.
Exterior Wall Crack
#1: Exterior Wall Cracks
Look for cracks that run along your home’s exterior walls. Small, thin cracks on the surface need to be inspected. But if there are any large exterior cracks with a zig-zag shape, it could be a sign that you have a problem with your foundation. Any bricks that protrude from your wall should also be checked.
Interior Wall Crack
#2: Interior Wall Cracks
You want to keep an eye out for any cracks that run along the walls inside your home. If they’re heading in a diagonal direction off the corners of door and window frames, you should get your foundation checked. The larger and longer the cracks are, the more severe the problem will be. Even smaller cracks should be kept an eye on for any changes because if they suddenly get larger, you could have a problem with your foundation.
#3: Bowing Walls
Bowing walls could be another indication that you have a foundation problem. You should look for any diagonal cracks that run along the inside or outside of your walls, because they could be a sign of bowing. You can have this issue fixed, but you also need to take care of the foundation problem that’s causing it. This will make sure it doesn’t happen again.
#4: Uneven and Sagging Floors
Uneven floors are usually a sign that the foundation is settling or shifting underneath. If you believe your floors are uneven or sagging, roll a marble across the floor to see it takes a straight path or moves toward the center of the room. It may not be the most scientific method, but it will give you a general idea of what the problem is. The sloping can sometimes be caused by a poor structural design. But in most cases, the issue is caused by a foundation problem.
#5: Crooked Doors and Door Frame Separation
When foundations move from their original position, it can cause a door to be crooked or “out of square.” The door frame opening will no longer be at a 90-degree angle at each corner, and it’s a common sign of a foundation problem. An easy way to identify this problem is to step back a few feet from the door and look at its top edge to see how it sits in the frame. You should see a consistent gap between the door and frame all the way across from left to right. If one side has a larger gap than the other, the door is “out of square” (which could be caused by a foundation problem).
#6: Sticking Doors or Windows
If your doors and windows are becoming harder to close, it could be because you have a foundation problem. As an unstable foundation shifts, the shape of your door and window frames can warp. This can cause windows and doors to not close correctly.
Door Frame Separation
#7: Gaps Between Walls, Windows, or Doors
Gaps between your windows, walls, and doors can not only mean a lot of hot or cold air leaking into your home, but can also be a sign that you have a foundation problem. You should also look for gaps in other parts of your home’s interior because if you see them above your kitchen cabinets or between the wall and countertops, it could be a sign you have a foundation problem.
#8: Cracks and Nails Popping Out in Your Drywall
If you see the head of a nail coming out through your drywall and paint, make sure you keep a close eye on it. One or two nails popping out here and there can be easy to fix. But if they happen more frequently, you could have a problem with your foundation.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.