Expert Tips and Information on Structural Moving and Lifting

What are common signs of foundation damage?

Written by Expert Team | Dec 21, 2023 1:32:23 PM

As your home ages, it is sure to adopt some new characteristics that give it personality. But there are some changes that you should take notice of: doors that stubbornly refuse to close, sagging or slanted floors, and cracks in the walls and ceilings are things that should not be ignored. These could mean that there are serious problems with your home’s foundation. Fortunately, Expert House Movers and Lifters has solutions to alleviate these problems permanently.

The importance of foundation stability

The stability of your foundation plays a major role in the overall condition of your home. The foundation is the support for your entire home, as long as the weight of your house is evenly distributed in order to prevent settlement. Foundation damage results when soil shifts, expands, contracts, or causes drainage problems all of which can cause your foundation to settle. Foundation issues can present themselves in many ways, including cracks in walls and ceilings, sloping floors, and many more problems that can put you, your family, and your home at major risk.

How do cracks form in my foundation?

Cracks in a foundation wall can often occur due to the gradual shift of the dirt underneath your home. Over time, that movement can create cracks in the foundation. In other cases, moisture can worsen existing cracks and allow water to seep through the cracks.

A change in climate also causes the soil around your home to expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall. Long dry spells, lack of moisture, and the heat of summer can cause the foundation concrete to stress and reflex and eventually crack. It can be a fast and easy remedy to fill these cracks, if the foundation damage doesn't extend beyond superficial cracks. However, you should call in an expert to get an analysis because many foundation issues extend deeper than these cracks. 

What are the common signs of foundation damage?

  • Cracked foundation
  • Crumbling foundation
  • Water seepage
  • Water in the basement
  • Water in the crawl space
  • Cracked brick veneers
  • Collapsing or leaning chimney
  • Bowing or buckling walls
  • Musty smells inside or around the home
  • Damaged concrete steps outside the home
  • Damp walls inside and outside the home

If you notice any of these symptoms, your foundation could be at risk and you should not neglect them. Get in touch with the foundation repair experts at Expert House Movers and Lifters before these cracks put you and your family at further risk. No matter the size of the cracks, any compromise to the structural integrity of your home can lead to living conditions that are dangerous.