Signs of Foundation Issues

Signs of Foundation IssuesPhoto by Diane HelentjarisOriginally Posted On: https://www.thefreshaircompanies.com/blog/signs-of-foundation-issues/

When it comes to the longevity and investment of your home, it is important to know the signs of foundation issues as this can have a big impact on the safety and value of your home. Below are four signs to look out for when conducting a visual inspection of your homes foundation and structure.

Visible Cracks in Foundation or Walls/Floors

If your foundation has developed cracks, your walls or floors have cracks, or your chimney is broken, these are signs of foundation issues. It is normal for your home to experience movement in the foundation over time due to various reasons. However, because of this movement your foundation can shift and gaps can become a problem.

Within the first few years after a home has been built, it is typical for the foundation to sink a little and develop small cracks. It is important however to look at the type and size of the crack. If the crack is horizontal or the gap is bigger than 1/4″, then you should get it examined by a foundation repair professional.

Foundation Sinking

If you have started to notice that one side of you home is lower than the rest, then there is a good possibility that your home has a settling issue and may be sinking. If you notice this, your first step should be to have a foundation expert come take a look at your home, from there you may need to get your foundation lifted by either interior or exterior piers.

When it comes to gaps in your foundation from a result of settling issues, it is important to know that most of the time they develop as a vertical gap and should be continuously check on to ensure it does not grow to be larger. If ignored, the gap can grow to be a bigger issue than the original small gap, the larger the gap the greater the safety issues can become.

Problem With Doors

A sign that you have foundation problems is if your interior doors are catching at the top or is sticking when you try to open it. As for your exterior doors , if they are catching at the bottom or your door is shorter on one side at the top. Often times a sticky door can be due to a high level of humidity, this can be for a few days after an intense rain. When foundation damage has occurred, it is wise to contact a foundation repair company to take a look and identify the problem, you could be experiencing foundation failure.

Window Frames Or Exterior Doors Gaps

Other signs of foundation issues is if you notice that you have gaps around your windows or doors, if your doors have a problem latching, or if you notice that the overall doors alignment is off. If this is the case in your home, it is wise to conduct an investigation around your home for any other signs of potential foundation issues. Often times other signs will appear and from there you should have an expert examine your foundation to identify the direct cause and come up for solutions.

Counter and Cabinet Gaps

Lastly, if you have gaps between the wall and your countertops or cabinets in your kitchen, these are signs that your foundation could be having problems. If your gap is 1/8″ wide you should get that professionally examined, if left unattended it could grow to be as big as 1/2″ wide, at this point it has become a rather large issue. It is best to have it taken care of at the earlier signs before it grows to a larger issue.

When separation between walls and cabinets/countertops, this a sign that you have foundation damage. Many homeowners think that this is due to a poor installation or with wear and tear, however when things start to look as if they are sloping then it is most likely an issue with your foundation being uneven.

As your home is an investment, it is wise to take certain measures to ensure that your home is in good condition, and needing a foundation repair may be the option. Taking time every now and then to do an inspection on you homes structure may help to notice problems before they become larger ones. If you do happen to notice the signs mentioned, have an evaluation done by a qualified foundation repair expert right away.

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