Let's talk about what to look for and what you should do about it.
Why Foundation Problems Happen
Foundation issues can happen anywhere, but they're especially common in areas with:
- Clay soil that expands and contracts
- High moisture or humidity
- Extreme temperature changes
- Poor drainage around the home
- Older construction methods
Even newer homes aren't immune if the construction cut corners or the soil wasn't properly prepared. The key is catching problems early, regardless of where you live.
Cracks That Actually Mean Something
Not every crack is a disaster. Hairline cracks in your drywall? Usually just settling. But some cracks are telling you something important:
Look for cracks that:
- Are wider than a quarter inch
- Run diagonally from corners of doors or windows
- Appear in multiple places
- Keep getting bigger
- Show up in your basement or crawlspace walls
Horizontal cracks in basement walls are especially concerning. They often mean soil pressure is pushing against your foundation. Stair-step cracks in brick or block walls also deserve immediate attention.
One crack by itself might not be a big deal. But multiple cracks, or cracks that grow over time, are your house telling you to call a professional.
Doors and Windows Acting Strange
Has a door that always worked fine suddenly started sticking? Windows getting harder to open? This isn't just annoying, it's often an early sign of foundation movement.
When your foundation shifts, it throws your door and window frames out of alignment. You might notice:
- Doors that won't latch properly
- Windows that stick or won't close all the way
- Gaps appearing around door frames
- Doors that swing open or closed on their own
Don't ignore this. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. And by then, you're not just dealing with foundation issues, you're also replacing damaged doors and windows.
Floors That Feel Off
Walk around your house and pay attention to your floors. Do they feel level? Or is there a slight slope you've been ignoring?
Uneven floors are a common sign of foundation problems. You might notice:
- A visible slope in one direction
- Soft spots that feel bouncy
- Gaps between the floor and baseboards
- Cracks in tile floors
Sometimes the change is so gradual you don't notice it happening. Try rolling a ball across the floor. If it rolls on its own, your floor isn't level anymore.
Water Where It Shouldn't Be
Moisture problems often go hand-in-hand with foundation issues. Watch for:
- Standing water in your basement or crawlspace
- Damp spots on walls or floors
- Musty smells that won't go away
- White, powdery deposits on basement walls
- Mold or mildew growth
Water intrusion doesn't just create foundation problems, it makes existing problems worse. That moisture can weaken soil support and cause more foundation movement. Plus, nobody wants to deal with mold in their home.
Outside Warning Signs
Don't just check inside your house. Walk around the outside too. Look at:
Your foundation walls - Are there visible cracks? Sections that look like they're bowing or leaning?Areas where the brick or stone is pulling away from the rest of the house?
The ground around your foundation - Is the soil pulling away, creating gaps? These gaps let water flow straight toward your foundation instead of away from it.
Your basement windows - Are they still level? Or are they tilting?