What Does It Mean If I Have Cracks Around Doors and Windows?

When pointing out a crack in a home or property’s drywall, you’ll hear a plethora of explanations from the armchair repair person. “It’s the weather.” “It’s the house settling.” “These are normal.” “It’s the humidity.” You’ve probably heard some of these explanations yourself. In fact, these observations do make some sense, as cracks are to be expected to arise in any structure over time. 

However, there are specific cracks that needs more attention, specifically those found around windows and doors. These cracks are indicative of a deeper issue that needs to be addressed, which we will outline below, so that problems can be addressed, repaired, and you can return to your life feeling secure and safe about the integrity of your home. 

Cracks in the Basement Wall Are the First Sign that Foundation Repair is Needed

Before we move on to the cracks upstairs, let’s focus on the place where most issues show up: the basement. This is where most foundation repair experts begin, taking note of cracks in the basement wall, and determining the severity of the issue. The basement is essentially the supporting pillar of the home, so a foundation repair company will typically begin downstairs to assess the damage. Cracks are the most obvious sign that concrete foundation repair and careful remediation are necessary.

These cracks present several issues, the most obvious being moisture in the home. Water in the home leads to mold as well as damage to interior wood or personal property. Additionally, a crack in the concrete foundation can signal more significant structural damage.

Are some of these cracks normal? While we can google all day about the normality of a crack’s shape, size, direction, etc., it’s always best to have professionals take a look, especially if they are offering a free estimate. PierMagic Kansas City offers a foundation repair guide, which lists out some of the common questions and issues we’ve been fixing for customers in Kansas City for over 15 years. 

Cracks Around Doors and Windows: An Overlooked Sign That Your Basement Needs Foundation Repair

Many home and property owners can determine a need for a foundation solution in their home or basement by looking for wall damage. While our mind’s eye tends to fixate on the basement to signal an issue, it is important not to overlook cracks around doors and windows on the first floor of the home. Have you ever had a crack above your doorway or window and think it’s normal wear and tear? Not always. In addition, having issues with sticky doors, windows that won’t close properly, or doors that have a gap when closed. 

Soil movement directly impacts your foundation,  causing a shift and settlement, which can result in cracks within the ground-level floor of your living space. While basements aren’t typically your main living space, the warning signs for foundation repair needs can be neglected because the signs simply aren’t noticed. It’s always a good idea to evaluate your foundation when you change your batteries to your smoke detectors, or other routine maintenance items. 

Unsure of what’s normal vs. not normal? Have a professional come take a look and give you a straightforward diagnosis. Troubleshooting online is helpful, and we encourage you to take a look at PierMagic’s resources, including how to compare estimates to make an informed decision.

Nothing, however, replaces a transparent conversation with a professional who has experience with basement and home foundation repair in Kansas City. This can make all the difference, especially when you have established a relationship with the foundation repair company. 

Don’t Count Out the Second Floor When You’re Thinking About Foundation Repair

We’ve covered the basement as well as the first floor, but the second floor may seem counterintuitive when considering a foundation-related solution.

Cracks around door frames and windows on the second floor, however, provide another layer of warning signs for a foundation repair professional. Although second floors and basements don’t appear to have a relationship, the two actually have a strong correlation. The base affects the top story when there is a foundation repair issue at play. That’s why you should keep in mind that these cracks on the second floor are not always related to climate or settling but could be damaging your home in conjunction with cracks in the basement wall.

Solution-Driven Repairs Are Our Expertise

If you’re a professional in the home service industry, or if you’re a homeowner noticing the tell-tale signs above, PierMagic wants to collaborate with you to ensure that you’re catching issues in your home before they worsen. 

We never want to hear that a homeowner has ended up with a handful of dilemmas that could have been prevented with the right processes, experience, and relationships in place. 

Give PierMagic a call at (816) 765-4800, or tell us what’s going on with a message online. We’re Kansas City’s foundation repair experts and we’ve heard it all. We look forward to providing solutions that fit your specific needs.