Signs Your Home Needs Foundation Repair | Pier Magic

Is your home at risk? Uncover 7 signs of foundation issues and secure reliable repairs with our professional team. 

A strong home foundation contributes to stability, longevity, moisture and pest resistance, and insulation in the ultimate goal of protecting your home. In other words, a weak foundation may compromise your house's safety and the safety of your family. Besides, if left untreated, the problem may gradually work its way up. 

Keeping an eye out for foundation issues is essential. And as soon as you detect any of these 7 signs of foundation issues, be sure to address them immediately. 

Here are some early signs that can help you identify foundation problems. Also, consulting a foundation repair expert is recommended to identify and help you resolve the issue.

Top 7 Early Signs That Tell You Foundation Repairs Are Needed

When you drop something, does it roll on the floor? Have you noticed gaps between the doors and windows? These incidents may sound simple, but these are often some early signs that tell you the foundation has a problem. Our discussion today covers 7 early signs of foundation issues. 

1.   Uneven Floors

An uneven floor is one of the first signs of a foundation problem. The floor may only be slightly or significantly uneven. 

How do you know the floor is uneven? Well, floors with uneven surfaces can slope, bounce, or sag. Simply by looking at a floor, you might notice that tiles or hardwood floors are at different levels.  

The uneven floors are more common with older infrastructures, which is typical in the Kansas City area. As the foundation shifts over time, older buildings around 15 years or more face slanting floor problems. Don't think that this is just on older homes, because the same could happen to a newer home as well. 

2.   Window & Door Gaps

If you blame humidity for gaps between your windows and doors, you need to rethink that. In reality, it could be a severe issue like a foundation failure. It is, in fact, one of the early signs of a foundation problem. 

Besides, you may notice gaps in closet doors, sliders, and garage doors. In such a case, you should look for the other signs we have discussed in our article to make a solid decision and take further action. 

3.   Cracked Drywall 

As we explore the age old question... Do I Have a Foundation Problem? Top 7 Signs Repairs are Needed, if you notice cracks in your drywall around the windows, doors, or wall openings, and the seams between the sections, it may be a sign that your foundation is failing. 

A diagonal or "stair step crack" usually occurs when the foundation sinks into wet clay. Horizontal cracks may indicate poor soil quality under the foundation. If you need more clarification, hire an expert to assess the issue better. 

4. Cracked or Leaning Chimney

A weak foundation or a foundation set on poor-quality soil may lead to issues like chimney leaning or cracking. Besides, a non-level foundation may also lead to bowed roofs. 

A tilted foundation once again may cause cracks in the roof. Plus, if there are any cracks on the foundation, it may travel right to the top and result in cracking.

A foundation problem, thus, minor or severe, can adversely impact the entire infrastructure if not addressed adequately. 

5.   Leaks 

Plumbing systems are usually installed beneath foundations. Older homes often need more moisture barriers than new homes have. It results in the foundation shifting, leading to plumbing issues such as leaks. 

In vice versa, the leaks underneath the foundation can result in problems such as faults or cracks. 

6.   Mold and Mildew 

Despite keeping your house clean, some homeowners can find a sign of a foundation problem as a lingering moldy smell. It may surprise you that the house's damp odor originates from a faulty foundation.  However, do remember that it may not always be the case. You may connect mold odor with foundation issues if your basement or crawl space has a persistent smell. Mold or mildew accumulates in these zones due to moisture entering the foundation's crack. When not addressed in time, the moisture can cause a continuous cycle, leading to mold buildup, rotting, and pest infestations. 

7.   Poor Water Drainage 

Whenever you notice poor water drainage issues in your house, you should inspect the foundation to see if there are any problems. As the drainage system and the foundation are interconnected, level issues or cracks in the foundation will also affect the drainage system. In reverse, the drainage system can also affect the foundation. If the system is inadequate surrounding the house  foundation, it may cause substantial structural damage. 

RELATED: When Should You Consider Hiring a Professional for French Drain Installation

Get Professional Help

If you encounter any of these situations, it's time to act quickly. First, you should contact an expert to evaluate the situation better. If it is a foundation problem, the expert can assist you in finding a solution or a foundation repair expert in your area.

It is NOT recommended to try solving the issue with any DIY methods. It is important to remember that foundation problems are something serious. You can not merely use a simple method to solve the issue on your own. There is a risk of further ruining the situation. 

If you don't address the problem in time and take appropriate action, you'll have to deal with further complications. Hence, the same is true... the longer you put off the repairs, the more extensive the damage becomes.

Now, If you are a Kansas City area resident, PierMagic can assist you in detecting and solving any foundation problems. 

Regular Upkeep and Inspections

Carry out regular inspections and maintenance. You will be able to detect problems early and take action before they become serious. Taking this step will prevent severe issues and save you time and money. 

The likelihood of foundation problems with new infrastructure may be low, but it is always wise to keep an eye out for any signs. Some early indicators include gaps between doors and windows, leaks, cracks on walls and roofs, faulty drainage, moldy smell and more.  When you notice any of these issues, don't ignore them since they can lead to more severe problems. As a final step, hire a foundation repair professional to help you identify and address the issue in the most effective ways. 

If you're in the Overland Park, Leawood, Olathe, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, or anywhere in Kansas City metro, call us at 816-765-4800 or complete this form at https://www.piermagic.com/Contact.