Foundation Repair

Your property sends clear signs in the event of foundation issues and it’s important for you to recognize the signals of potential problems. Contact us if you see any of the common symptoms of a compromised foundation, including:

• Interior Wall Cracks: Cracks in your drywall mean problems behind the scenes, including a shifting floor or foundation. Wall cracks come in a variety of types — horizontal or vertical cracks appear along stair steps or the length of a wall, while diagonal cracks appear in corners around doors and windows, and all can point to a shifting floor or unstable foundation. Small cracks can be nothing but damaged drywall or paint. However, larger cracks, cracks that are wider on one end, or cracks that rapidly grow in length or width point to a more serious foundation problem.
• Foundation Cracks: Damage and cracks in your foundation is one of the clearest signs you need foundation repairs. As your foundation settles or the ground around it shifts, it puts pressure on your foundation that’s relieved through cracks and unintended movement. Similar to potential cracks in your walls, some foundation cracks are small, harmless, and require minimal or cosmetic fixes. Larger cracks, especially those that are vertical or exceed a quarter inch in width, require immediate attention.
• Floor Cracks: If your home’s concrete slab flooring develops a crack, it’s time to call for foundation help. In addition to creating a tripping hazard if wide or uneven enough, floor cracks point to an uneven foundation putting pressure on the slab. Shrinking soils, soil erosion, and poor compaction can all lead to your foundation slab sinking and settling.
• Brick Cracks: Foundations made of brick or brick exteriors send unique signals of potential foundation issues. The grout that binds bricks together also frequently serves as a weak point when pressure — such as a shifting foundation — is applied. Brick cracks often follow the stair-step nature of grout, separating the bricks and introducing vulnerabilities to the wall and foundation.
• Sloping or Warped Floors: Some signs of foundational distress are more subtle. Floors covered by laminate, hardwood, or other more flexible flooring are more resistant to cracks and instead exhibit distress in other ways — many homeowners don’t notice a sloping floor until something falls and rolls away on its own. If you notice a warp, slope, bulge, or sag in your flooring, it’s important to investigate.
• Stuck Doors and Windows: Door and window jams are often vulnerable points in your walls where signs of foundation problems can appear. In addition to cracks around the corners, shifts in your foundation can offset the angles of the window or door jam, resulting in the door or windowpane getting stuck or fitting too loosely in the jam.
• Gaps Between Structures: Foundation issues can also cause your walls to pull away from your windows, doors, cabinets, or counters, causing gaps. As your floor shifts and is no longer even with your walls, anything that is connected to the floor or walls detaches or cracks. These gaps not only signal potential foundation issues, but can also let in moisture, insects, and other pests that can cause further damage to your home.
• Leaning or Cracked Chimney: Chimneys are heavy fixtures in your home, making them susceptible to damage if your foundation shifts. Cracks in the material of your chimney or gaps between your chimney and home walls often point to foundation problems, as do leaning or crooked chimney structures.
• Protruding Nails: Though it sounds like an odd sign of foundation issues, nails working their way out of your walls can be just that. As your flooring and drywall shifts, the nails also move and can fall out. If you notice an increased frequency in fallen nails or damage around the nail, look for other signs of foundational distress.

If you notice any of these issues, don’t hesitate to schedule a free foundation inspection.