cracks in wall of house showing foundation damage

5 Signs Your Home Needs Foundation Repair

Your home’s foundation is one of the most crucial components of your property. It supports the weight of your house and ensures that it remains stable and safe.

If your foundation is damaged or compromised, it can lead to serious structural problems that could threaten the safety of your home.

Foundation damage can be caused by various factors, including soil movement, natural disasters, and poor construction practices.

It’s important to know the signs of foundation damage to get it repaired promptly.

Here are five signs that your home needs foundation repair.

settlement (collapse) on exterior of house foundation

Cracks in the Walls and Floors

Cracks in your walls or floors may be a sign of foundation damage. These cracks can appear in various shapes and sizes but typically start small and gradually become larger.

Look for cracks in the corners of walls, near windows and doors, and on the floors. If you notice any cracks that are wider than a quarter of an inch, it’s time to call a foundation repair specialist like FCS Foundation Repair Dallas.

Uneven Flooring

Uneven floors can be a sign of foundation damage because the foundation provides the base upon which the floors of a building rest. If the foundation is damaged or shifting, it can cause the floors to become unlevel.

You may notice that your floors are sloping or feel bouncy or spongy. This can signify that your foundation is sinking or settling unevenly, causing the floors to shift and become unlevel.

Uneven floors occur due to various factors such as settling, soil movement, or inadequate drainage. When the foundation shifts, it can cause parts of the floor to sink, resulting in an uneven surface. This affects the floors’ appearance and can lead to other structural problems. It’s best to consider fixing your tiles by replacing them with Mannington Adura Max tiles.

Doors and Windows That Stick

When your home’s foundation is damaged, it can cause your doors and windows to stick or become difficult to open or close. This is because the foundation is no longer level, and the doors and windows are no longer properly aligned.

If you notice that your doors or windows are sticking, it may be time to inspect your foundation.

Gaps around your windows and doors may also indicate foundation damage. These gaps can be caused by the shifting and settling of the foundation, which can cause the frames of the windows and doors to become misaligned.

Due to how serious they are, you must investigate and repair any hints of foundation damage promptly.

Water Damage in the Basement

Water damage in the basement can be a sign of foundation damage because the foundation of a building plays a crucial role in protecting against water intrusion. If the foundation is compromised, water can seep into the basement, leading to water damage. 

This can happen due to various factors, such as cracks in the foundation, improper grading around the foundation, or poor drainage. Water entering the foundation can weaken the structure and cause further damage over time.

It’s important to promptly address water damage in the basement and investigate the underlying cause, which may require assessing the foundation’s condition.

Cracking or Tilting Chimney 

A leaning or cracking chimney can be a sign of foundation damage because the chimney’s weight places significant stress on the foundation. If the foundation is damaged or shifting, it can cause the chimney to lean or crack. 

This is particularly common in older homes or homes built on unstable soil. As the foundation shifts, the chimney may separate from the house, causing cracks or tilting. It is important to promptly address any signs of a leaning or cracking chimney, as it can lead to further structural damage to the home. 

If you notice any of these signs of foundation damage, it’s important to act quickly. Delaying repairs can lead to more serious and costly damage down the line.

Contact a foundation repair specialist to inspect your home and recommend the best course of action to repair the damage and ensure the safety of your home and its inhabitants.