The foundation is one of the most important parts of your house – after all, it’s what everything is built on and keeps your house from shifting or sinking. That is why, if there are issues with your foundation, it could spell trouble for the rest of your home. Luckily, there are signs that you can spot before any problems with your foundation become worse. Here are just some of them.
1. Basement Moisture
Water can seep in through cracks in the foundation. If you have a musty smell coming from your basement, it could be because of mildew from leaking basement walls. Though the problem could be caused by plumbing issues, it could also be because of outside moisture coming in through the cracks in the foundation.
Basement moisture is dangerous, as it can lead to mold growth which can, in turn, cause health issues. People with asthma are especially prone to the dangerous effects of mold. Make sure to inspect sources of mildew and mold to see if they’re caused by foundation problems.
2. Uneven or Sagging Floors
An uneven floor on any level of your home is a cause for concern. Aside from being unsightly, it is also dangerous, especially for children, the elderly, and people with physical impairments.
Uneven or sagging floors are a definite indication that there is something wrong with your foundation. Soil that shifts, humidity, and inadequate waterproofing are contributors to flooring issues. If you don’t get the foundation fixed immediately, the sagging in your home’s floors may worsen.
3. Cracks
While some hairline cracks are normal following the first few years of construction, cracks that are deeper than your paint or drywall can indicate problems with your foundation. Troubling cracks are large and wider than 1/8th of an inch. They are usually caused by soil movement under the foundation, poor water drainage, and hydrostatic pressure.
If you see a horizontal crack that is wide at one end and narrow on the other, then that is a likely indicator that part of your foundation is falling away from the rest. You should probably call a professional.
4. Sticking Windows and Doors
Though doors and windows that stick can happen because of moisture issues, a sinking or settling foundation could also be the culprit. When your foundation is sinking, it can cause the door or window to fall out of place, making them stick when you try to open them.
One way to determine if your sticking doors and windows are caused by foundation problems is to place a level on the top of the door or window frame. If it is level, then your problem is not your foundation, but something else. If it’s not, then there are issues with your foundation.
Early detection is important, since, if you wait too long to fix the problem, it will only get worse. This will make things more expensive to repair. If you see any of these signs of problems with your foundation, you should call a home foundation repair service. From Denver to New York, these specialized repairmen are uniquely equipped to handle home foundation repairs.
