7 Common Foundation Issues

A foundation upholds the structure of a home, so it must be in good condition to ensure that your home is safe for you and your family. However, over time, foundations may develop issues that need to be addressed. It’s best to identify problems as soon as possible to help avoid costly repairs in the long run. Here are seven common foundation problems that you may be able to observe on your own before you call in a professional. 

Doors or Windows Not Fitting

Homeowners often blame sticking windows and doors on humidity or temperature changes; but, it could also be a sign of foundation issues. If you notice that your windows or doors are sticking or misaligned, your home’s foundation may be shifting or settling. When cracks develop around doors or windows, or if they’re starting to separate from the walls and don’t work properly, you should call a professional. 

Exterior or Interior Cracks 

Cracks that form outside your home along the foundation can signal serious issues. If the soil around the foundation is too wet from improper drainage, it can cause the foundation to crack. You may also notice cracks in kitchen or bathroom tiles if there’s foundation damage. A professional inspector will be able to assess the severity of a crack based on its size, water absorption, location, and whether or not it’s active. 

Leaks and Water Damage

If you notice any kind of dampness in your basement or crawlspace (whether by smell or by touch), or see leaks or any kind of water intrusion in the lower levels of your home, you should get your foundation checked out. Another worrisome sign is when water seeps into a basement due to a vertical crack. This could mean that there’s poor drainage around the foundation, which can weaken it over time. 

Sagging or Sloping Floors

Older homes may be more prone to sagging or sloping floors, but a new home in which the foundation was not properly constructed could also experience this problem. This issue may also appear on the exterior as shifting soil. A professional can evaluate the severity of this issue by examining how large of an area is sloped, determining whether or not the problem has worsened over time, and measuring the grade of the slope. 

Walls Pull Away from House

When you notice the walls separating from the ceiling, zig-zag cracks in drywall, or wall paper pulling away from the wall, this could be a sign that your home’s foundation is settling unevenly. When gaps appear suddenly, your home’s foundation may be experiencing rot or there may be an issue with the soil around your home. 

Nails Stick out of Drywall 

Sometimes nail pops in drywall can be caused by short drywall nails that are no longer attached to 2×4 studs; however, nails sticking out of drywall may also be a sign of foundation damage. When soil shifts due to poor drainage or grading related to foundation damage, a home’s drywall will also shift, causing nails to protrude. 

Expansion Joint Separation

Expansion joints are designed to compromise for any movement or settling that a home and its foundation may do after construction. These joints are built to adapt to forces like temperature changes, humidity and shifting soil. So, if you see that these joints are separating or causing widespread cracks, it may be time to get a professional examination of your foundation. 

If you notice one or more of these above issues, it may be a sign for a professional evaluation. Call South Sound Inspections today to identify foundation problems before they worsen.