How Do I Know if My House Needs Foundation Repairs

14 Easy Ways to Know if You Need a Foundation Repair



The foundation is the main structural component of your house that supports the entire home. It’s also crucial to the health and sustainability of your home, as any minor problem in the foundation can make the home collapse. That’s why it’s very important to repair the foundation as soon as a problem arises.

There are many warning signs that you can see whenever foundation repair is needed. The signs include cracks, dampness, uneven structural components, and so on. This article provides 14 Easy Ways to Know if You Need a Foundation Repair.

Explore the 14 Reasons Why Your House Needs Foundation Repair

As a foundation repair company, PierMagic continually experiences the same issues when it comes to home’s foundation concerns. Here are 14 ways to know if your house needs foundation repairs. If you begin to notice any of these, reach out to a reputable foundation repair company in your area for an honest assessment. If you’re in the Kansas City area, reach out to PierMagic for a free inspection. 

Cracks 

Cracks in the structural members of your house can indicate that the foundation needs repair. Alongside the foundation itself, cracks can form in different components, including:

Drywall 

If the drywall in your house has cracks, then it’s time to repair your foundation. Structurally speaking, there should be no changes in your drywall over the years if the foundation is strong.

Exterior Wall 

An exterior wall crack is the first sign you may notice from outside your house. It indicates serious structural and foundation problems.

Tile Wall

Tiles are pretty tough materials. However, if you see cracks in those strong tiles, then the reason is most likely a weak foundation and the shifting of the base from its original place.

In frames

There can be cracks in the door and window frames because of twisting, expanding, or other problems related to the foundation.

Bouncy Floors

If your wooden floor feels soft, bouncy, or spongy, then it’s most likely infested with termites or has moisture issues, or both. Also, there can be poor structure and foundation problems behind this problem. So, make sure to check the basement area for possible repairs.

Dampness

A wet and untreated crawl space makes the basement area full of moisture. The dampness there can boost mold growth as well as weaken the foundation. Specifically, when there are cracks in the foundation, dampness can weaken the structure rapidly.

So, whenever you sense the moisture level inside your house is increasing, check the basement area, take action to seal the crawl space, and repair the issues with the foundation.

Leaning Mortar Joints

Checking the level of mortar joints is one of the easiest ways to check if there is any problem with the foundation. The masons are always so precise with their work; they even lay every brick with the utmost care, maintaining the same level.

That’s why whenever you see the mortar joints slanted, then it can only happen when the foundation and soil get shifted from their positions. It can be dangerous as the house may collapse at any time, so you should have an expert look at your foundation immediate. 

Bowing Walls

Bowing walls look like a bow or simply as if they’re folding inside. This happens when the foundation or soil moves from its position, causing moisture buildup in walls. Also, when the cracks in the walls remain untreated, they make the wall and structural components improperly balanced. That’s why it’s a must to inspect the foundation while fixing the bowing walls.

Damaged Siding

If you notice that the siding of your house has cracks, buckles or is warped, then it means there are severe structural issues and moisture-related problems. You’ll see gaps between planks or see them overlapping. Check the foundation and consult a professional when this happens.

Surrounded Ground Sinking

When there are serious drainage issues, the soil around your house can sink or move. This problem affects the foundation severely. So take the necessary steps to deal with it without delay.

Walls Separation

The movement in the soil caused by earthquakes or any other calamity can make the walls of your building separate from the roof, floors, and foundation. Sometimes bowed walls also get separated, and that’s also a foundational problem. Whenever the walls get separated from the structure, repair the foundation quickly.

Drainage Problems

Normally, the drainage lines get in trouble for several reasons, which is why this system needs frequent maintenance. The two main reasons behind drainage problems are leaking pipes and clogged sewer, where both of which are usually caused by an imbalance of soil terrain.

When the soil imbalance occurs, the foundation of your house also gets affected and shows cracks or other problems. So, when you see drainage problems, it’s better to check if they’re caused by soil problems.

Sticky Doors and Windows

If you see the doors and windows of your house getting stuck often and getting hard to open or close, there can be two underlying issues. One is excessive dampness that causes the wooden door and windows to expand, so they can’t fit the opening and get stuck.

Another one is the shifting of the foundation. The movement in the base also causes other structural components, including the door and window frames to shift or twist from their positions. When it happens, doors and windows won’t fit their frames properly.

Efflorescence

Moisture can enter the house in many ways. However, when it leaves, the residue turns into a brown, yellow, or white powdery substance on the walls. This chalky essence is called efflorescence, and it’s very dangerous for the house and its residents.

Since foundation problems and drainage problems are the main reasons for moisture in the house, whenever you see efflorescence, you should consider inspecting and repairing the foundation as soon as possible.

Crawlies in the House

If there are a lot of bugs and insect invasions in the house, then you should consider inspecting the foundation area. Bugs are usually attracted by moisture in the crawl space, and they can get inside through the cracks of the foundation and walls in the basement. You need to deal with the dampness and cracks promptly.

Weeds Around the Foundation

Scattered weeds around the basement area aren’t  much of a concern. But when you see clusters of weeds near the basement, it’s a sign that the crawl space has too much moisture. Also, weeds in the foundation indicate cracks in it. Make sure to inspect the entire basement if you see a surge of weeds.

Uneven Floors 

Uneven floors are usually found in older homes. The reasons for the sagging or uneven floors are foundation problems, damage to the floor wood, and termites. Usually, the termite problem and damaged floor are caused by the moisture in the crawl space. The foundation needs quick repair in this case, or it may turn into a severe problem. 

Foundation problems are grave, no matter how small the warning signs are. It’s better to fix the problem as soon as you find it. However, make sure to consult your contractor or a foundation repair expert before trying to repair them yourself.

In the Kansas City area and looking for a free foundation repair estimate? Reach out today!