A home is one of the most expensive assets individuals will purchase. It is important to protect it, and if something seems off about the foundation getting more information right away can help preserve and save it. It is common for many areas within the United States to have a home that develops foundation issues that require foundation repair. This can be caused by the climate, soil, plumbing leaks, or inadequate foundation drainage that leads to deterioration, settling, and even sinking. There are several signs that you should watch for to be proactive in safeguarding your home.
1. Foundation Cracks in the Walls, Ceiling, or Floor
These cracks can be seen on the brick exterior of your home. This often happens when the foundation is shifting, and gaps can be seen. Expanding and contracting soils can also cause the issue of cracks in walls. Fractures on the interior of the house should be closely examined. These could be from natural settling of the home or more serious foundation issues.
2. Doors That Stick or Do Not Open or Close Properly
Doors that are sticking or do not close are often an indication of issues with the foundation. Interior doors tend to stick or not close, but when exterior doors have damage, it is often seen in sagging near the frame. There are also issues of doors sticking or not closing due to humidity, heavy rain, or flooding. When this is paired with foundation cracking in walls, ceiling, or floor, it is often a sign that there are foundation issues, and a professional should look at the home and evaluate what steps need to be taken.
3. Gaps Around Window Frames or Exterior Doors
Gaps in the framing of the windows or doors on the exterior of the home is an issue often noticed by the homeowner. Doors may no longer latch, and the homeowner realizes there are problems with the foundation of the home. Doors may become crooked and cause issues operating properly. If these issues are noticed, it is especially important to contact a professional to come out to the home and examine the potential foundation issues.
4. Uneven or Sagging Floors
Floors in the home can appear to be sagging, bowing, or dipping. In an unfinished basement, the concrete floor may be cracking or parts of the floor rising, uneven, or out of level. Uneven or sagging floors can damage the appeal of the home and can be a sign of foundation movement that needs to be corrected.
5. Cabinets or Counters are Separating from the Wall
Sloping cabinets that are tilting or pulling away from the wall is one sign that is hard to ignore, not to mention a major sign of foundation damage. The cabinets may even begin to seem as if they have moved slightly, and before long, you may have major issues with the cabinet and the foundation of the home.
If you are having any of these issues with your home, contact us today. We can help get a professional to your home to evaluate if more action needs to be taken.