Every well-built house starts with a good foundation. It supports everything else in the house- the walls, the windows, the floors, and the roof. So if your foundation is damaged, it can affect all parts of your home. Whether it’s soil, excessive moisture, plumbing leaks, or inadequate foundation drainage, your foundation is continuously exposed to environmental stress. It’s essential to identify any visible signs of foundation damage early and repair them as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the damage will become. It can even compromise the structural integrity of the building!
Fortunately, most of these problems are visible; you just have to be on the lookout for them. Here are some of the most common warning signs of a damaged foundation.
Exterior Cracks
Fine, small cracks on the exterior walls are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you see large gaps in a zig-zag pattern, it could be a telltale sign that something is wrong with the foundation. Horizontal cracks in brick exteriors and concrete walls in the basement can also indicate that your foundation is sinking too much.
Interior Cracks
Do you see fractures on the walls at a 45-degree angle? This could indicate that your foundation has moved. Other signs include zig-zagging cracks that run nearly the whole height of the wall and fractures at the corner where the ceiling and the wall meet.
Sagging Floors
If you notice that your floors are uneven, sagging, or dipping, this could indicate serious trouble with the foundation. As the foundation moves, it affects the walls and support beams and causes the weight of the house to sit unevenly. Sagging or slanted floors and ceilings are another telltale sign.
Doors That Don’t Open Properly
If you notice your doors sticking or dragging, it could indicate a problem with the foundation. Interior doors tend to stick at the top, while exterior doors tend to drag at the bottom or hang down and appear uneven. While other factors such as humidity and temperature can also affect how smooth your doors are, foundation damage has likely occurred if you also notice foundation cracks or other signs on this list.
Wet Crawl Space After Rainfall
If your basement and crawl spaces smell musty or feel damp, this usually means trouble for your foundation. The problem may be due to an ineffective plumbing or drainage system allowing moisture to seep in through the cracks in your foundation. It’s essential to determine the cause of the dampness and take steps to eliminate the excess water.
Schlager Excavating is here to take care of all your construction needs in the Parry Sound and Muskoka area. We offer a comprehensive range of quality services to residential and commercial clients alike, from landscape design and planning to snow removal. Whatever your budget and schedule are, we are dedicated to working with you to achieve your project goals. Contact us today for a free quote!