3 Common Sings of a Foundation Problem
No homeowner wants to deal with a foundation repair, but foundation problems can affect your home’s safety, appearance, and value. That’s why we came up with a simple list of 3 common signs of a foundation problem, so you can be proactive and identify if your home needs a permanent solution.
More than ever, homeowners are stuck inside, and this is the perfect opportunity to address your foundation concerns. Let’s work together to make the most of this unexpected time at home.
Sign #1: Foundation Wall Cracks
Foundation wall cracks vary in severity from a simple cosmetic issue to a major structural problem with your home. However, even serious foundation problems, when addressed early on, can be quickly and permanently fixed.
What should you be on the lookout for?
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Horizontal or vertical cracks.
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Stair-step or diagonal cracking.
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Bulging, buckling foundation walls.
Helpful tip: Try not to assume that a crack in your foundation is just a shrinkage crack. If you see cracks in your foundation wall, be sure to monitor them regularly. If the crack widens enough to fit a dime in, or one end of the crack grows wider than the other, you should consult us right away.
Sign #2: Sinking/Settling Concrete Floors
A sinking concrete floor can mean serious damage to your home. A common cause of this settlement is almost always due to the soils underneath being unable to support the weight of the concrete.
What should you be on the lookout for?
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Cracks in the concrete floor.
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Floors dropping and separating from the walls, forming a gap between the floor and wall.
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Interior walls separating from the ceiling, forming a gap between the wall and ceiling
Sign #3: Sticking Windows and Doors
Do you have an issue with your windows and/or doors sticking, jamming or your doors have non-functioning locks? While there can be many issues causing this, there are two main ones:
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Foundation settlement.
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Crawl space supports have settled, shifted, or deteriorated.
What should you be on the lookout for?
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Doors don’t open or close properly.
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Windows need extra force to open and close.
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Diagonal cracks that start at the top corners of windows and door openings.
How can I tell if my issue is from foundation settlement or the crawlspace? Great question! Refer to this chart below.
If you have a foundation problem, we can help! All of our patented foundation repair solutions are custom designed for your home. Contact TerraFirma for a free evaluation!