Foundation Settlement Warning Signs

When your foundation is sinking or settling, there are a number of warning signs to look out for. If you notice any of these things, it is important that you reach out to a trusted professional to evaluate your foundation and determine what type of repair solution should be put in place.

Sinking Foundation:Foundation settlement is the term used to describe a building or house that has wholly or a portion of, gradually sunken lower into the ground below where it was originally constructed. When this happens, your home can suffer a multitude of structural damage, and at worst, could possibly even collapse.

Basement or crawl space moisture: Basement water or crawl space moisture can contribute to several home issues including mold growth, musty smells, settlement issues, and sagging, uneven floors throughout the house. Water and moisture can seep in through foundation cracks.

Basement or crawl space moisture can contribute to several home issues including mold growth, musty smells, and sagging, uneven floors throughout the house. That moisture is generally a symptom of a larger problem as water and moisture can seep in through cracks in the foundation walls or the slab. That musty smell is a sign that you may have mold growth in your basement or crawl space.

Crooked windows and doors: When foundations settle, shift, or crack, problems such as crooked windows and doors often develop. Often windows or doors won’t shut all of the way or no long function as they once did. Drywall cracks also often develop at the corners of the window and door frames. These window and door issues are typically a symptom of differential settlement.

Uneven floors: Warped, uneven, or sagging floors can be related foundation problems. Shifting soil, improper bearing soil, humidity from water seepage, and inadequate foundation waterproofing can contribute to flooring issues. Uneven floors can also be the result of a failing structural member such as a joist, column, or truss due to improper design, installation, or deterioration.

Cracked and bowed foundation walls: Cracks, buckling, and bowing walls are often observed in unfinished areas where the foundation wall is exposed. Soil movement around or under the foundation, hydrostatic pressure, and failed drainage systems are common culprits. There are many foundation repair options for cracked and bowing foundation walls including underpinning, carbon fiber, epoxy injection, and struts for wall stabilization.

Cracked bricks or blocks: Cracks in foundation blocks or façade bricks are often more than just an aesthetic problem. Soil movement around or under the foundation, hydrostatic pressure, and inadequate bearing soil are common culprits that cause differential settlement.

Cracked bricks: Cracks in foundation bricks or façade bricks are often more than just an aesthetic problem. Soil movement around or under the foundation, hydrostatic pressure, and inadequate bearing soil are common culprits.

Standing water around the house: Rainwater must be diverted away from houses via gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems or ponding can occur and lead to more serious basement water issues as well as foundation settlement problems.

Leaning or cracked chimney: Poor exterior drainage or bearing soil can cause foundations to crack and settle, resulting in a cracked chimney or a chimney pulling away from the house. Tie backs or helical piles can be installed to secure an unstable chimney. Poor exterior drainage or bearing soil can cause foundations to crack and settle, resulting in a cracked chimney or a chimney pulling away from the house.

Tie back anchors or foundation underpinning can be installed to secure an unstable chimney. If you observe these warning signs on your chimney, you should contact a professional engineer to properly evaluate the issue.

Cracked blocks: Cracks in foundation blocks are often more than just an aesthetic problem. Soil movement around or under the foundation, hydrostatic pressure, and inadequate bearing soil are common culprits.

Pests or insects in the basement: Pests or insects such as mice, centipedes, carpenter ants, and roaches are drawn to wet basements and crawl spaces, and often enter through foundation cracks. These foundation cracks can cause basement moisture and mold, and be a result of foundation settlement. Pest control, structural or waterproofing repairs may be warranted to resolve the issue before it gets worse.

Drywall Cracks: Cracks in drywall can be a the result of an unstable or settling foundation. These cracks usually form slowly and are most notable at corners of windows and doors and travel diagonally.

Nail pops: Nail pops in drywall, even in an upper level can be a the result of an unstable or settling foundation. These nail pops are usually most notable in ceilings.

Stuck windows and doors: When foundations settle, shift, or crack, problems such as crooked windows and doors often develop. Often windows or doors won’t shut all of the way or no long function as they once did. Drywall cracks also often develop at the corners of the window and door frames.

Solutions

If you’ve got any of the problems we’ve described here, do not worry! There are solutions to these problems and our team knows how to decide which is the correct one to use for your specific issue. Please follow the link below to get more information about our foundation settlement repair solutions.