Drought Induced Foundation Problems - 13 Signs to Look For

Lack of Rain Can Bring Foundation Issues to Kansas City Homes

The recent dry weather has wreaked havoc on many basements in many parts of the country, including the Kansas City area.  According to the Drought Monitor, the Kansas and Missouri areas are below precipitation levels in 2023. Foundation damage really intensifies when there is no rain, or very little. The damage isn't always instant, as it can be a slow progression of damage unseen by an untrained eye. As the Kansas City area has seen drought-like conditions since summer of 2022, the changing seasons continue to fluctuate the temps and impact the soil has on a home's foundation.

The damage really begins with the soil, then moves to the foundation.  As the soil dries, it shrinks and no longer supports the foundations of buildings. When foundations shift, they cause damage to buildings both on the inside and outside. The sooner you deal with foundation problems, the less expensive it will be. The longer they are allowed to go on, the worse the damage to your structure may get. Many home and business owners have early indicators of foundation problems that they may not notice unless someone points them out. 

Here are some signs to look for when evaluating your foundation for damage. 

• Nail Pops – when drywall shifts, it can cause the nails holding it to the 2x4s to pop loose and stick out.
• Curling or Wrinkling Wallpaper – When walls shift, they pull the wallpaper with them.
• Molding – crown molding will separate and crack when the walls attached to it move.
• Windows & Doors that Stick – if your windows are hard to open or your doors drag the ground when swung wide, settling has caused the frame to move out of square.
• Caulking – look at exterior caulking for signs it has pulled away from windows, doors and brick walls.
• Sunken Floors – check the corner where the floor and walls come together. If there is a space between the two, the floor is sinking.
• Gaps between Walls & Ceilings – when floors sink, many times walls drop as well. Look for separation between the ceilings and walls. This can also be caused by walls rotating.
• Cracks in Interior Walls-shifting foundations cause cracks. Look for cracks between the corners of doors and windows and the ceiling.
• Cracks Around the Fireplace – when the wall moves, the fireplace stays stationary causing cracks to form in the drywall around the fireplace. Cracks or a leaning chimney can signal  foundation damage.
• Cracks in Exterior Walls-brick and mortar will show cracks when the foundation shifts. Also look for windows and doors to pull away from brick walls.
• Patios- check for cracks and uneven elevations where the home attaches to the patio.
• Cracks in Foundations – walk around your house and inspect the foundation for cracks both outside and inside (if your basement isn’t finished).
• Cracks in Basement Floors – some small hairline cracks are normal, but if it is separated or if moisture is getting in, you have a structural problem.

The important thing is to find these problems early and fix them before they cause damage that will cost you even more to fix. Patching, caulking and repainting are simply temporary cures and merely symptoms of a much bigger problem. If you think your home in Kansas City needs foundation or epoxy crack repairs, don’t put it off. Call one of Kansas City's leading foundation repair specialists for a free inspection and find out what you can do before it’s too late.