Key Signs of a Bad Foundation

February 4, 2022

The foundation is one of the most essential parts of your home. A good foundation not only supports your home but also provides insulation and moisture resistance. That’s why it’s important to check for foundation problems before moving into a new home.

Over time, even the strongest foundations can experience damage, resulting in the need for a home foundation repair. If you notice any of the key signs of a bad foundation mentioned below, be sure to contact a foundation repair expert right away:

  • Exterior brick wall cracks: Brick homes with a bad foundation may develop stair-like cracks along the exterior. When resting on a bad foundation, bricks can settle or get pushed upwards, often forming these stair-like cracks. Most often, you’ll find these cracks on exterior walls near windows.
  • Interior wall cracks: When you have a bad foundation, cracks can appear on interior walls as well. These cracks often occur diagonally and appear alongside doorframes and window frames. Interior wall cracks occur when a bad foundation causes the wallboard to settle or get pushed upwards.
  • Exterior trim gaps: Occurring when walls move due to a bad foundation, exterior trim gaps are one of the most common signs of a bad foundation. These gaps can occur near any piece of horizontal trim on your home.
  • Problems with doors: When your doors stick or don’t open properly, there could be a problem with your home’s foundation. Movement from a bad foundation can cause doors to come out of their frame. That said, a bad foundation isn’t always the cause of door problems, as high humidity can cause similar issues.
  • Movement of indoor fixtures: Have you noticed your countertops sticking out a little more than usual? If so, check behind them for gaps. A bad foundation can easily cause gaps between countertops and tiles. These gaps will only get worse over time, so it’s best to have them taken care of right away.
  • Uneven floors: One of the most noticeable signs of a bad foundation is a sagging floor. Not only do sagging floors negatively affect your home’s aesthetics, but they can also be dangerous, especially if you have elderly people living in your home. A bad foundation can also cause your floors to squeak, bow and dip.
  • Movement of built-in fixtures: As with countertops, a bad foundation can cause gaps between a wall and built-in fixtures like cabinets and bookshelves. If you’ve noticed some movement with your built-in fixtures, check the trim surrounding them for gaps.

Don’t hesitate

You should never take any signs of a bad foundation lightly. Over time, these foundation problems may get worse, resulting in the need for extremely expensive repairs. Let a reputable contractor inspect your foundation and take care of any repairs.

If you’re in need of home foundation repairs or an inspection, contact the experts at Langenfeld Masonry & Concrete. We have years of experience in handling all kinds of home foundation problems. You can trust us to quickly and efficiently take care of all your home foundation repair needs.

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