Learning the Warning Signs
What may look like a simple home improvement project — a door that jams, a small crack in the plaster — may be a symptom of a more serious foundation issue.
Detecting a problem early may save you from more serious and costly foundation repairs later.
- Cracks in Exterior Brick
Cracks in exterior brick walls are a warning sign of foundation problems in your home. When soil under your home settles, the exterior walls of your home settle and rotate. As the walls rotate, they put stress on the bricks and on joints in the home. Small cracks in brick will grow into larger cracks over time.
- Bowing and Bending Basement Walls
As moisture builds up in the soil surrounding your home, the soil becomes heavier and puts pressure on basement walls. As the soil dries out, it contracts and pulls away from the wall. Over time, this pushing and pulling on the basement walls causes them to become bent or distorted. It can also lead to cracks in basement walls.
Filling cracks in basement walls and painting over them is NOT a solution. This only masks a very serious foundation problem. Ignoring the problem puts your home at risk. Don’t try a DIY foundation repair. If your basement walls are bending or warping, call a foundation repair expert for an on-site analysis and repair estimate.
- Cracking Interior Walls
You typically discover interior wall cracks when your home’s foundation starts settling. A well-constructed home can tolerate a fair amount of compression stress, concrete shrinkage, soil expansion and contraction. When the soil around your home settles, though, even an expensive home can experience foundation settling. The cracks in interior walls are telltale signs of foundation issues.
- Leaning Chimney
Your chimney is often the first place to show signs of foundation damage. A brick chimney is heavy, and as a result, it may sink significantly due to soil moisture. As it does, the chimney will arc away from the structure of your home.
A leaning chimney can significantly decrease the value of your home, as it may be a sign of a serious foundation problem. If you notice chimney deterioration, call us for a chimney repair estimate. We’ll also inspect your foundation to alert you to other potential problems.
- Damp Crawl Spaces
When moisture leaks through cracks in the foundation, it could lead to the crawl space becoming soaked. This may cause a musty smell emanating throughout the home. Dampness can attract mold, mildew and termites — as well as cause water damage to wooden beams. All of these issues can develop into serious problems for the structural integrity of your house.
- Windows and Doors That Don’t Close Properly
A window or door that won’t close properly or is too snug could indicate foundation problems. You may have a door that sticks when you try to open it, or windows may be more difficult to open. Gaps around doors and windows can be early indicators that the foundation is changing. Before you replace windows or doors, get a foundation inspection to make sure you’re not repairing the wrong problem.
If you’ve noticed any of these early signs of foundation problems, don’t delay. Foundation Repair Services has the skills and capabilities needed to address these issues and many others before they have a chance to wreak havoc on your property. Call today to schedule a visit or to learn more about what we can do for you.
Let Us Help You Detect Your Problem Today
Before It Gets Worse
Charlotte: 704-545-0206 | Asheville: 828-274-2101 | South Carolina: 803-802-2477
2008 Gateway Blvd