We’ve probably all heard about the Leaning Tower of Pisa and how it became the iconic statue it is today. The shallow foundation, due to a miscalculation of the height and weight of the tower, and the unstable soil beneath it cause the tower to lean slightly on one side. Although many engineers and architects made it possible for the tower to stay that way for centuries to come, there is always the possibility of it falling over. Now, your house cannot be compared to the Tower of Pisa per se but the foundation is essentially the platform holding it all together. Over time, certain natural factors similar to those we explained in the example above, from the subsoil to the way the foundation was built, can cause serious damage and result in your house slowly sinking. But if you notice the changes on time and act accordingly, there is still a way to save the house and make sure the foundation lasts for decades to come. In the text below, we’ll discuss what signs to look out for when it comes to the foundation.
Doors and Windows That Stick or Don’t Close Properly
You’ve probably noticed how your doors and windows won’t close properly, no matter how hard you try. You close them eventually, but there is always that little bit of air that seems to be getting through. Sometimes, when you’re looking at it from a certain angle, it’s as though windows or the doors are not in a straight line from top to bottom. If they’re starting to stick, jam, or simply refuse to be closed correctly, that probably means the foundation has started to shift, disrupting the balance of the whole house. Those almost unnoticeable movements can distort frames, and you also might notice cracks underneath the doors where the air is coming true when it’s cold or the wind is blowing. Simply, it means the house is not supporting its weight on a square-like platform that is perfectly straight; rather, the foundation started to tilt due to the shifting soil underneath. Something is happening, and it’s time to call a professional to take a look.
Visible Cracks in Walls and Floors
One of the first signs of a deteriorating foundation is small cracks. Let’s take a look at the nature of the cracks themselves. They can appear on walls, floors, or even ceilings. Horizontal cracks are particularly concerning, as they often indicate severe pressure against the foundation walls. Stair-step cracks in brickwork and vertical cracks in drywall can also signal movement in the foundation. While small hairline cracks might be a result of settling and are not always a cause for alarm, any crack wider than a quarter of an inch should be inspected by a professional. If you notice even the slightest sign of any of these, don’t wait any longer. Many companies are offering their services when these issues appear. You can always look for someone locally based and search, for example, for concrete repairs in Brisbane or any other city. The idea of going locally depends on the nature of the soil and the built regulations of the specific county or state. Whatever the case may be, the longer you wait to seek professional help, the higher the risk of your house sinking with each passing day.
Uneven or Sagging Floors
Uneven and sagging floors can happen due to many different reasons. We’re mentioning them because, among all others, foundation shifts are on the list of possible causes. One other cause can be as simple as water getting through the small cracks in between your floorboards (this is especially the case with laminate) and simply creating air bubbles underneath, shifting the boards, and making the floor saggy and moving. If this is not the case, there might be a possibility that you have a bigger issue at hand. Before jumping to any conclusions and causing yourself an unnecessary headache, just consult with a professional for a second opinion. Whatever the case, there’s no need to just ignore it.
Bowing or Bulging Walls
In the case of bulging walls, factors such as simple mold and water being soaked by the walls might be an explanation. But if that’s not the case and you never had mold or the roof is waterproof, then keep in mind that foundation problems can cause basement walls to bow or bulge inward. The simple explanation is that it’s caused by the external pressure from soil expansion, which is often the result of a sitting foundation. Once again, no need to panic immediately; it can also happen because of inadequate drainage systems and simple water damage. Bowing, on the other hand, indicates severe structural issues and is something you’ll have to address immediately to prevent a potential catastrophe.
Water Damage and Moisture
If the water damage seems persistent and occurs regularly or if you’re seeing high humidity levels in your basement or crawl spaces, and if there is molding appearing where it never was, then it might be possible that the foundation is slowly giving away. Water seepage through cracks in the foundation can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and the deterioration of building materials. Poor drainage, plumbing leaks, or inadequate waterproofing can exacerbate these problems, making it an absolute must to address the root cause of the issue.
Foundation Settling or Sinking
The most obvious sign is looking at your house from different angles and seeing unusual tilting of one part as opposed to the other. Sure, the human eye is not as precise sometimes as we would like it to be but any serious structural damage to the foundation should be seen from near and far away. While parking your car, approach the garage slowly, take a few moments, and take a look at your home. If it seems as though it’s sinking, something is going on with its foundations.
Expansion Joint Separation
Next time while you’re mowing the loan and going around the house, take a few moments to look at the expansion joints of the house. Every home has a few of them in several different places, they are simply designed to absorb the movement between different parts of a building. If the joints seem to be separating more than usual and if cracks are appearing along the joint lines, it’s time to consider repairing the foundation. The best way to be sure is to take a measuring tape and simply look at the width of the joints. Take regular measures every two weeks or once a month and look at the numbers after some time.
Nothing is lost; even if the foundation is having a hard time, but with the help of professionals with years of experience, the issue can be fixed. Don’t give up yet and don’t fall into despair; almost anything can be repaired.
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