Homeowners - Many household problems can be swept under the rug for "future you," but foundation issues are not meant to be one of them. Foundation issues can ruin your most precious asset and must be assessed as early as possible.
If you're worried that your home might be dealing with foundation issues now, or you want to be prepared for the future, read on and learn about crucial signs of potential foundation issues in your house.
The blog will also showcase the common causes of these problems and foundation repair methods so that you can better understand what's happening in your home. Stay informed and keep your house safe by recognizing these warning signs!
Tell-Tale Signs of Foundation Issues in Your Home
There are various signs that your home may have foundation issues, and most of them start with the dirt and soil underneath and around the building. The expansion can put a lot of pressure on the foundation, leading to minor structural damage. Here are some signs you should be aware of:
Exterior Windows & Walls Have Gaps
The shifting foundation can pull your walls away from the windows and doors. This might happen slowly, but it's incredibly harmful over time. The gaps create room for moisture and bugs to get in, causing more problems for the structure of your house.
A Sinking Feeling is Observed
When you realize that one side of the building is lower than the other, it's a sign that your foundation may be settling. The tiniest dip may not seem like a big issue now, but it can worsen over time and must be addressed immediately.
Counters, Cabinets & Other Structures Separating From The Wall
When you see the cabinets, counters, and other structures separating from the walls, it signifies a foundation issue. The floor and walls are no longer levels, so the structures attached to them may become distorted or lose their original shape. The detachment can also create gaps that allow moisture to enter the structure, leading to more significant issues.
Cracked or Leaning Chimney
When an excessive amount of moisture or an unbalanced or unleveled foundation is present, it can cause the chimney to be cracked or broken and even completely crooked. A leaning chimney should not be ignored because this may indicate that the foundation of your house is failing.
You can tell that your chimney is leaning if there is a gap between the exterior of your house and the chimney. Check for this sign frequently to identify any foundation issues early on.
Look Out For Wall & Floor Cracks
The cracks can happen in paintings, walls, floors, and even heavier materials. If the cracks are horizontal or at a 45-degree angle, more than an eighth of an inch wide, or wider at one end than the other, they should be checked out immediately. These types of cracks can indicate serious structural or foundational damage and lead to larger issues down the line.
Drywall Cracks
When there are walls with diagonal cracks creeping up, it's a huge red flag. While vertical and horizontal cracks are relatively common in older homes, if the crack is on an angle or worsens over time, it could be a sign that your foundation is shifting.
Small Nails Popping Out of Drywall
When there is excessive movement of the walls, you may notice that the nails start to pop out of the drywall. Again, if this occurs periodically, it's okay. You can just take a hammer and push the nails back in. But if this happens often, investigate further to find out what is causing the walls to move.
Warped Floors & Ceilings
The ceilings and floors that sage down or warp up may indicate that your house is settling or the building is compressing. This can signify beam issues when the foundation sinks, rises, shifts, or rots.
When you notice uneven floors, it's important to take note of and address this problem as soon as possible. The flooring may be uneven if the home has shifted due to a concrete foundation. It's important to fix this issue before it becomes dangerous and someone trips on an uneven surface.
Musty Basement Smells
If your basement smells musty or something unpleasant, it is best to get it checked out as soon as possible. Moisture your basement can cause serious health problems like mold mildew. It can also cause your foundation beams to rot, leading to more expensive such as attracting termites and other pests.
Too much moisture in your crawl space will lead to mold and mildew. If this happens, you may start noticing an unpleasant smell in your home and experiencing sneezing, runny nose, and other skin irritations. A professional crawl space repair company can help you determine the source of the musty smell in your basement and take steps to correct it.
Unusual Walls – Danger Ahead!
The bowing in of walls or pulling away from the house can indicate foundation failure. Walls should not move, twist, buckle, or bow in for any reason. If this happens to your walls, it's best to contact a professional immediately, as this could mean that the whole structure of your home is at risk if not addressed.
The Alignment of Doors & Windows
When you notice that your doors and windows are out of alignment, it is a sign that your foundation may have shifted. This can be caused by changes in the soil beneath your home due to expansion, contraction, and natural settling. This type of foundation movement can cause the doors and windows to be misaligned or difficult to open and close properly.
In addition to soil movement, high humidity can also cause the doors and windows in your home to become misaligned. If you live in a humid area, keep your vents open and run a dehumidifier regularly. This should help reduce the amount of moisture in your home and help to prevent doors or windows from becoming stuck.
Water Stagnates Near The Foundation
Water stagnating and pooling around the foundation is a serious issue. It can cause damage to the structure, making it unstable and prone to further damage from water or outside elements. Furthermore, this makes drainage systems less effective and creates an unpleasant view of your home.
To prevent it from happening, you need to take steps toward restoring the landscape around your foundation. This includes checking the drainage system, regarding the soil to ensure proper drainage, and correcting any water issues.
Related Read: A Complete Guide About French Drains & Other Methods.
Foundation Upheaval - Need To Fix Now!
The slab foundation moving upwards is termed "foundation upheaval" and is a clear indicator of an underlying problem with the foundation. When heavy rains and broken pipes lead to the accumulation of moisture in the soil, it becomes heavy and causes the foundation to shift upwards.
Frost heave can also cause this phenomenon, as when water freezes, it raises in volume by 9%, exerting pressure on the slab foundations and causing them to move up. To repair upheaval, professionals must be brought in to identify the underlying cause.
Fixing Foundation Issues - What You Should Know?
Foundation issues can be corrected with multiple methods, and the type of repair depends on the issue itself. Some common foundation repairs include underpinning with push piers, helical piers, slab piers, and drilled concrete piers.
- Push Piers are designed to lift and stabilize a structure by transferring its load to moving soil layers or bedrock. These piers are installed using hydraulic pressure and the weight of the building itself.
- Helical Piers are most commonly used for new construction projects in Tennessee but can also underpin existing foundations that need repair. They're screwed into the ground and use torque to support the building above.
- Slab Piers are inserted through the interior of a slab foundation and can be used for maximum recovery and successful stabilization.
- Drilled Concrete Piers are created by drilling holes into the ground to reach a stable soil layer before inserting steel reinforcement rods and filling them with concrete.
- Finally, crawl space support piers can usually be fixed by installing new screw jacks or removing and replacing the existing ones.
No matter which method you choose for your foundation repair Tennessee project, it's important to ensure you're dealing with a qualified contractor who will provide quality work that meets code and safety standards. With the right contractor and a little knowledge, you can be sure your foundation issues are fixed properly and efficiently.
Start Fixing Your Foundations Now & Get Free Estimates
Don't delay when it comes to fixing foundation issues. Hire a specialized foundation repair professional to carry out a comprehensive inspection of your property. Once they understand the underlying cause of your foundation problems, they'll suggest a suitable repair solution.
Start protecting your home from foundation problems by getting free and no-obligation estimates from trusted foundation repair contractors. After all, fixing your foundations now can help you save thousands of dollars in the long run and ensure your home remains structurally safe and sound.
