5 Signs Your Home May Have Foundation Issues

A strong foundation is essential to the overall stability and integrity of your home. Unfortunately, foundation problems are not always easy to spot. But there are some clear indicators of foundation issues which might prompt you to get it inspected.

Cracks in the Foundation.

Signs of a foundation issue can be subtle, but they will slowly worsen if not addressed. That’s why it’s so important to be on the lookout for early warning signs of foundation trouble, like cracks for instance.

Cracks in your foundation walls might be the most obvious sign that there’s something wrong with your foundation. The big issue to look out for are horizontal cracks, which indicate that your foundation is shifting, often from hydrostatic pressure.

You’ll want to call a foundation specialist to come and assess the issue and determine the best repair solution. Horizontal cracks can lead to structural instability and significant water leakage.

Windows and Doors Start to Stick

You might also have doors or windows that stick or won’t close properly. Doors and windows slide, tilt or swivel in their frames, and that movement means they are especially vulnerable to changes in the foundation.

If you feel some of your doors and windows feel harder to open and close, or notice gaps appearing around them, call a professional.

Baseboards and walls are no longer flush.

Baseboards and walls that are no longer flush could be pointing to the same issue. Look for gaps or cracks where these meet. This is a sign that will almost always accompany another visible issue, so don't solely rely on this as a solid indication of foundation issues.

Brick and Mortar Cracks.

Owners of brick homes may notice another sign of foundation issues, which are cracks in the mortar or bricks. A home settling after its initial construction can cause small and superficial vertical cracks to appear in the bricks, which is relatively normal, but keep an eye out for wide vertical cracks.

Floors aren't level.

Finally, one of the most obvious signs of a problem foundation is when your floors are no longer level. If you find a slope in your floors, it could be from the soil beneath the foundation having shifted or it could indicate the foundation wasn't poured property.

Settling isn't always even, and this can cause one side to sink more, causing visible slope and distortion of the home's framing. Most of the time, these issues happen due to changes in moisture levels, and rapid ground freezing and thawing.