The foundation of a home serves as its literal backbone, bearing the weight of the entire structure and providing essential support and stability. Without a sturdy foundation, walls may crack, floors may sag, and doors may no longer fit properly in their frames.
With a severe foundation issue, the entire structure of the house could be compromised, leading to unsafe living conditions and substantial repair costs.
If you’re starting to see signs of foundation issues, it’s important to seek out reliable foundation repair contractors as soon as possible. A licensed company can offer skilled foundation repair work to get your home back to the way it should be.
From wet basements to cracked walls, there are red flags you can watch out for if you think you might be dealing with foundation issues. Here are 10 signs your home could require foundation repair services.
1. Cracks in Walls and Floors
Cracks in the walls, floors, or ceilings of your house are red flags for potential foundation issues. These cracks can manifest in various directions – vertical, horizontal, or stair-step cracks. The type of crack can help you understand the issue at hand as well as the severity of the underlying foundation problem. In some cases, even a single foundation crack can indicate a serious issue.
Types of Cracks
Vertical cracks
Vertical cracks typically indicate normal settling and may not be cause for immediate concern. However, if they widen or appear suddenly, it could signify ongoing foundation movement that requires attention.
Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks, especially in basement walls, are more concerning as they suggest lateral pressure from the surrounding soil or water. These cracks can compromise the structural integrity of the foundation and necessitate prompt intervention.
Stair-Step Cracks
Stair-step cracks, often seen in masonry or brick walls, are a common indicator of foundation settling. The zigzag pattern signifies differential movement between foundation sections, potentially leading to further structural issues if left unaddressed.
Monitor Every Foundation Crack
Regardless of their direction, monitoring the size and progression of cracks is essential. Small cracks may widen over time, indicating ongoing foundation movement. Additionally, changes in direction or appearance of cracks could signify shifting conditions that warrant professional inspection.
By paying attention to these visual cues and promptly addressing any concerning cracks, homeowners can mitigate potential foundation problems and safeguard the stability of their homes. Be sure to seek out crack repairs from a reputable, professional service provider. You can contact ProCore for a foundation crack repair quote today!
2. Uneven or Sagging Floors
A foundation crack isn’t the only sign of possible issues with your house’s foundation. Uneven or sagging floors are a telltale sign of possible foundation issues. Homeowners can easily detect these problems by simply observing the levelness of their floors or using a basic levelling tool.
How to Know if Your Floors Are Sagging
When walking across a room, if you notice a distinct slope or dip in the floor, it’s likely that there is foundation settlement or shifting. Using a level can provide a more precise measurement, confirming whether the floor is indeed uneven.
Pay attention to how door frames and windows interact with the floor. If doors no longer close properly or if there are visible gaps between the door frame and the floor, it’s possible the foundation has shifted. This causes a structural misalignment.
Windows may become difficult to open or close smoothly if the floor beneath them has sagged or tilted. Observing any changes in the alignment of doors and windows over time can help homeowners identify ongoing foundation issues before they worsen.
Get a Professional Opinion from Our Foundation Experts
Addressing uneven or sagging floors promptly is essential to prevent further damage to the foundation and the overall structure of the home. By recognizing these signs early on and seeking professional inspection and repair, homeowners can mitigate the effects of foundation problems and ensure the stability and safety of their living environment.
3. Doors and Windows Sticking
When the foundation moves or settles unevenly, it can cause the frame of the house to warp, leading to misaligned door and window frames. As a result, doors and windows may stick, making them difficult to open or close smoothly.
Why Are My Windows Stuck?
Addressing sticking doors and windows promptly is crucial. In cases where doors and windows are sticking, you should reach out for a professional assessment so that any necessary repairs can take place. Ignoring these issues can lead to worsening existing problems, potentially resulting in costly repairs down the line as well as safety issues.
Misaligned doors and windows can also compromise the security and energy efficiency of the home. A door that doesn’t close properly may leave gaps that allow drafts, moisture, mildew growth, and even pests to enter the home. Similarly, poorly sealed windows can lead to energy loss and higher utility bills.
Get Help with Misaligned Doors and Windows
Seeking professional inspection and repair from fully insured foundation experts is essential for accurately diagnosing the underlying problem with a building’s foundation and implementing effective solutions to restore the integrity of the home’s structure.
5. Cracks in Exterior Brick or Concrete
Cracks in exterior brickwork or concrete can indicate underlying foundation issues. These cracks may vary in type and significance, but all should be addressed promptly to prevent water intrusion, which can exacerbate the problem.
The Problem With Exterior Cracks
Exterior cracks are cause for concern. Water entering through these cracks can exacerbate the problem by further compromising the integrity of the foundation. It can lead to mold growth, deterioration of materials, and even structural instability over time. Be sure to address this right away to keep your property clean, safe and water free!
Depending on the severity of the cracks and the underlying cause, there may be safety concerns associated with them. For instance, if the foundation is significantly compromised, it can pose a risk to the people living in your home.
Address Exterior Foundation Problems Quickly
Depending on the severity of the issue, repairs may range from simple sealing of cracks to more extensive foundation stabilization efforts. Waterproofing services can also help to address cracks in exterior brickwork or concrete. Waterproofing services will help you prevent water from entering the building through cracks or gaps in the exterior walls or foundation.
6. Bowing Basement Walls
Bowed basement walls are a big red flag for foundation trouble, usually caused by too much pressure or water damage. When the walls start curving inward, it’s a sign that the foundation might be in trouble, and there’s a risk they could collapse.
What Should I Do About Bowing Basement Walls?
It’s super important to act fast when you notice bowed basement walls to avoid a disaster. If you ignore it, the pressure on the walls can keep building up, leading to serious damage or even making the walls cave in. So, it’s crucial to take quick action to stabilize the walls and stop things from getting worse.
Understanding why the walls are bowing is key to fixing the problem properly. Things like waterlogged soil putting too much pressure on the walls, bad drainage systems, or shoddy construction work can all make the walls start to bow. Plus, if water’s sneaking in through cracks or leaks in the foundation, it’ll only make things worse.
How Do You Fix a Bowing Basement Wall?
Fixing bowed basement walls needs a custom approach depending on what’s causing the issue. You might need to install anchors or braces to prop up the walls from the inside, reinforce them with special materials like carbon fiber or steel, or even dig up around the foundation to waterproof it and ease off the pressure from the outside.
7. Standing Water or Moisture in Basement
Water pooling up or excessive dampness in your basement isn’t just annoying—it could be a signal of trouble with your foundation. Wet basements need immediate attention. When water hangs around in the basement, it can sneak into the foundation, weakening it over time and even causing serious structural damage. And if that’s not bad enough, it can also create a breeding ground for mold, which is not only unpleasant but also bad news for your health and the stability of your home.
Why is there water in my basement?
Figuring out where the water’s coming from and stopping it in its tracks is crucial to avoid more damage and keep your foundation safe. Common sources of basement water infiltration include poor drainage near the foundation, leaky pipes, cracks in the foundation walls, and water seeping in from the ground. You may have noticed water on your basement floor, or maybe even on the walls. Basement leaks should always be taken seriously.
Basement Waterproofing is The Answer
Once you’ve pinpointed the source of the water infiltration, it’s time to take action. Foundation repair companies have the expertise to waterproof basement walls, keeping your basement dry and your foundation strong. They might set up drainage systems inside or outside, seal up any cracks in the foundation, and make sure the ground around your house slopes away from it to keep water from pooling up.
Getting advice from a professional in basement waterproofing and foundation waterproofing can help you figure out the best plan to stop water damage and keep your basement nice and dry for years to come. Basement waterproofing can be an extremely helpful solution to homeowners finding issues with moisture on their basement walls or floors.
9. Soil Shifting or Erosion
When you notice the soil around your foundation shifting or eroding, it’s a sign that your foundation might be in trouble. The foundation of any structure relies on the surrounding soil for support. If the soil shifts or erodes, it can compromise the stability of the foundation, leading to structural issues such as uneven settling, cracks, or even structural failure.
How Can I Tell If The Cracks In My Soil Are Normal?
Distinguishing between regular soil cracks and ones that might spell trouble takes a bit of know-how. Normal soil cracks usually pop up when it’s dry out and the soil shrinks a bit, making tiny fissures on the surface. They’re random, not too wide, and don’t go too deep. No biggie unless you notice other problems around, like buildings shifting or walls cracking. But if you see cracks that are super big, deep, or follow a weird pattern, it might be a sign of something more serious going on below.
Checking out soil cracks means paying attention to their size, depth, and shape, as well as when they show up. Regular cracks tend to come and go with the weather, while unusual ones might stick around or get worse. Keeping an eye on them and getting expert advice if you’re unsure can help keep everything stable and safe.
Catch Soil Shifting Issues Quickly Before They Escalate
Addressing soil issues promptly is essential to prevent further deterioration of the foundation and the overall structure. By stabilizing the soil and repairing any damage to the foundation, you can mitigate the risk of more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
If the foundation has already been damaged, repairs may be necessary to restore its stability. Foundation contractors use many techniques for successful foundation repairs. When soil shifting is involved, this can involve techniques such as underpinning, foundation piering, or slabjacking to lift and support the foundation.
Can I Fix Foundation Problems Myself?
DIY foundation repairs can be a tempting cost effective solution, but when it comes to foundation repair, it’s best to leave it to the pros. Foundation problems can be complex, and attempting to fix them without the necessary expertise and equipment can lead to further damage or incomplete repairs.
Foundation repairs typically require specialized techniques and top quality materials that may not be readily available to DIYers.
Don’t Ignore Foundation Problems
Recognizing the need for foundation repairs is crucial for homeowners to preserve the structural integrity of their homes. Don’t wait to have your foundation repaired – take action as soon as you can to protect the safety of your house and your family.
Trust The Foundation Repair Ottawa Experts
At ProCore, repairing foundations is what we do best – just ask our satisfied clients! If you’re struggling with foundation cracks or other issues that require foundation repairs, we can help and ensure a successful outcome. Our fully insured, experienced professionals are here to support you throughout the entire process.
We offer foundation repair in Ottawa, Gatineau, and many areas across Ontario and Quebec. Contact us to discuss your repair needs and get a quote for foundation repair.