Some typical indicators that your home requires foundation repair include wall or ceiling cracks, floors that aren’t level, and doors that don’t open or close smoothly. Additionally, if you observe spaces between the wall and floor or cracks in the exterior brickwork, it’s a sign that your foundation needs attention.
Make sure to contact a foundation contractor if you believe you need house underpinning.
For this blog, we’ll talk more about each of these signs to help you decide when to get foundation repairs.
How Will I Know When My House Needs Foundation Repair?
Noticing cracks, uneven flooring, sticking doors, wall gaps, and exterior gaps are signs your home may need foundation repair.
Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
One of the most noticeable signs of foundation issues is the appearance of cracks in walls or ceilings. These cracks often emerge over doors and windows or where walls meet ceilings, ranging from hairline fractures to wider gaps.
They typically indicate that the building is experiencing uneven settling, a key symptom of foundation movement. Monitoring these cracks over time is crucial, as their progression can offer insight into the severity and speed of the underlying foundation issues.
Uneven or Sloping Floors
If your floors start to slope or become uneven, it’s a strong indication that your home’s foundation may be shifting. This can be caused by various factors, such as soil expansion and contraction beneath the foundation or improper foundation installation.
Uneven floors often lead to difficulties in opening and closing doors and cabinets and, in severe cases, can cause furniture to tilt or move. Promptly addressing these issues is important to prevent further damage and maintain your home’s structural integrity.
Sticking Doors or Windows
Doors or windows that stick or fail to close properly can signal foundation problems. As the foundation shifts, it can warp the frames of doors and windows, making them difficult to operate. This is often more noticeable during or after periods of extreme weather, which can exacerbate foundation issues.
Regular inspection and maintenance of doors and windows can help identify these problems early, allowing for a more manageable foundation repair timeline.
Wall and Floor or Ceiling Gaps
Gaps between walls and floors or ceilings are a telltale sign of foundation issues. These gaps appear as the foundation settles or moves, causing a separation between different elements of the house’s structure. They can vary in size and may widen over time if the foundation issues are not addressed.
These gaps indicate a problem with the foundation and can lead to energy inefficiency and pest infestations, making timely repairs crucial.
Exterior Cracks
Exterior cracks in the foundation or brickwork of a house are a clear sign of foundation problems. These cracks, such as bricks or siding, are usually visible in the foundation or exterior cladding. They can range from small hairline cracks to large, visible ones.
While some minor cracks can be normal due to settling, significant or growing cracks suggest more serious foundation issues.
Is Getting Foundation Repair Expensive?
Foundation repair can be expensive depending on the extent of the repairs necessary. The overall expense will highly depend on the severity of the problem.
Who Do I Call for Foundation Repairs?
You need to call a foundation repair specialist for foundation repairs. These experts can handle foundation issues and can provide a thorough assessment and proper solution.