A foundation is an essential structural component in any building. It provides a solid support for your home and carries the weight of the structure and its occupants. With a functional foundation, your home is safe from water damage and enjoys the much-needed insulation. Despite these critical functions, the foundation doesn’t always receive the attention it deserves during home maintenance. And failure to repair minor foundation problems early can lead to home foundation failure and costly repairs running into tens of thousands of dollars.Any problem that compromises the integrity of your home’s foundation poses a big risk to your investment. For this reason, you should stay proactive in foundation maintenance by looking out for any signs of developing problems.
The following are some warning signs of foundation failure that you should keep an eye on.
1. Exterior Cracks
As the house settles, fine cracks might appear on the foundation walls. These cracks might also develop as water evaporates from the concrete mixture. While cracks are common on concrete walls, you should closely monitor them to check if they point to a bigger underlying issue — any large zigzag crack could portend foundation failure.
If you notice cracks above windows or doorways, or cracked and bowed walls, call in a foundation contractor for a closer inspection.
2. Sagging Floors or Ceilings
Any movement of the foundation affects other components of the house including support beams and walls. Eventually, these movements can force the house to shift and sit unevenly, and this affects the floors and ceilings too. If you notice slanted doors or sagging floors and ceilings, you may have an underlying foundation issue.
3. Crawlspace and Basement Moisture
The space below your home’s walls is susceptible to water problems. However, foundation contractors understand this and they mitigate the risk through waterproofing systems.
If you notice crawlspace or basement water problems in your home, this is a sign of a failing foundation. It could be due to foundation cracks, which allow ground water to seep through into the house.
4. Poor Drainage
After completion of a new building, you should inspect the effectiveness of the drainage system. With time however, the foundation might shift and affect the gradient of the slope around the house. This could lead to drainage issues such as standing water near walls or basement moisture.
5. Poorly Fitting Doors and Windows
The joy of every homeowner is to move into a functional home. This is mostly the case for a new house, but if foundation issues develop, some frustrating issues arise. Poorly fitting doors and windows are among the first signs of foundation trouble.
This is a problem which most homeowners try to correct by repairing the affected fittings. While this might temporarily solve the problem, the underlying foundation issue continues worsening. If you notice the doors and windows getting stuck, consult a foundation contractor who has the tools and expertise to inspect your home’s foundation.
6. Off-Kilter Chimney
A chimney that is pulling away from the house is a common problem with new homes, and, many times, it gets the wrong diagnosis. Often times, this is a problem caused by a shifting foundation. The best solution for such an off-kilter chimney is to check the foundation for any structural issues and carry out repairs.
7. Mold Infestation
If you notice signs of mold on window and door corners, it’s highly likely that your home’s foundation is failing. In case of foundation cracks or gaps, water seeps into the wooden parts of your home causing mold growth.
These warning signs present you an opportunity to repair your home’s foundation early enough. Due to the size and critical function of the foundation, you need an established contractor to do any inspections and carry out necessary repairs.
If you have any foundation related issues in Texas, talk to Du-West today. We have over 40 years of experience in foundation repairs using state-of-the-art construction technologies.
