There are many reasons to update your home. For some, the appeal of increasing their market value is the biggest drive to make improvements. For others, aesthetic value and customization reign supreme. Nevertheless, when it comes to home repair, one thing’s for certain: you never want to neglect serious structural issues.
When it comes to foundation repair, you need to call a professional to address these issues before it’s too late. If you’re unsure how to spot foundation issues, here are seven signs your home might need foundation repair to know.
What’s Causing Foundation Issues?
Before diving into the signs to look for, it’s important to understand what causes foundation problems in the first place. Foundation issues can be either internal or external—inside or outside the house. Commonly, water damage from poor plumbing, evaporation, and improperly installed gutters and downspouts can weaken the base of the property. Soil can also contribute. In humid regions especially, soil shrinks and expands. The continual shift causes your home to move over time, leading to greater issues in your foundation.
Of course, construction can also lead to foundation issues. If the construction teams improperly prepare the soil or the foundation itself, your home can face structural issues in time. This is typically due to poorly installed concrete, broken rebar support, or unpacked soil. With these in mind, it’s important to know what to look for so that you can call a professional when these issues occur.
Broken Drywall
Cracks in the drywall are a guaranteed sign that there is a foundation issue in your home. Small fissures may not seem problematic, but in actuality, they may pose a greater problem later on. These cracks can form larger, horizontal cracks that signify gradual structural decay. Your home may sink into the ground or weaken due to an unbalanced structural design. You should also look for cracks above doors, windows, or trim, as damage in these areas can also indicate structural problems.
Water Damage
You should also keep an eye open for water damage. Plumbing is a serious housing concern as poor plumbing systems can result in serious water damage if not addressed.
One such issue is poor water drainage. As you can imagine, wet soil expands and creates an uneven surface. In turn, this places more pressure on your home’s foundation. If it hasn’t rained recently and you notice wet soil near your property, you have a water drainage problem.
Similarly, a wet basement does not always indicate plumbing issues. If you notice puddles or wet basement blocks without the presence of a leak or burst pipe, that may be a sign your walls are failing to keep rainwater out.
Detached Cabinets, Windows, and Doors
Keep in mind something that few people look for: detached cabinets. Cabinetry should remain upright, level, and uniform. If at any time you notice your cabinets detaching from the wall, you may have a foundation problem at hand. Look for gaps in your cabinets, as this can indicate a shift in your walls. Likewise, if you notice your windows and doors cannot close properly, this is a solid indicator of an issue with your foundation.
Leaning Walls
Another common sign your home might need foundation repairs is a bowing wall. Bowing refers to a bend with age or pressure. This is especially pertinent if you live in an older home.
Consider the seriousness of a bowing wall. Leaning or bowing walls can further lead to your home collapsing. Therefore, it’s important to call a professional to inspect and repair the foundation as soon as possible. Structural beams are especially susceptible to bowing in older or neglected homes. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe and address these concerns as soon as possible.
Cracks in the Ceiling and Floors
Many of these issues often feed into each other. For example, bowing walls can lead to cracks in the ceiling. Cracks in the ceiling or floors further indicate foundation issues. You also want to look out for cracks in corners—specifically, long vertical cracks or cracks that run along the entire ceiling, which highlight major foundation issues to address.
Uneven Floors
A sagging floor can be annoying. Creaks, uneven surfaces, and sloping are all signs your floor is in trouble. However, this sign can be a useful tool in spotting where foundation issues lie. For example, where the floor slopes may indicate where the foundation damage is.
Relatedly, you should try to spot any foundation slab cracks. Typically, you can find these under flooring or in an unfinished basement. This issue may be due to poor construction, erosion, weathering, improper concrete curing, or poor soil preparation. It can be difficult to spot a foundation crack for the untrained eye. If you notice a stair-step pattern or if cracks develop approximately three millimeters over time, these are typical signs of foundation damage.
Gaps in the Ceiling
Finally, look out for gaps in the ceiling. Foundation neglect will lead to issues throughout the entirety of the house. You may not realize it, but foundation issues can and will affect the ceiling as much as the floors. That’s why it’s imperative to spot any foundation issues as they arise.
As the ground sinks or shifts, the movement may create gaps or holes. Naturally, this can be startling and scary as your initial thought may be that your ceiling is about to collapse. However, this typically is not a ceiling issue but rather a sign that your foundation is sinking and another reason to call a professional right away.
Fortunately for you, The Crack Guys have the knowledge and experience to service any minor or major foundation repairs you face. Whether you see cracks in the brick or stone, malfunctioning windows and doors, uneven floors, or gaps in the trim, we’ll fix it. The Cracks Guys are the perfect solution for foundation repair in Mississippi. There are many internal and external issues that can lead to foundation problems, so call us now to schedule your inspection. We offer 100% financing to ensure our customers receive the best quality service that still fits their budget.
