5 Signs That Your Foundation Has Problems

February 22, 2017

5 Powerful Signs That Your Foundation is Having Problems

Your home’s foundation is normally made up of concrete poured over steel. After years of wear and tear, the concrete will begin to crack. It is important to be able to spot when that wear and tear starts to become a bigger problem and needs to be monitored or even fixed. Several indicators of foundation problems lie nowhere near the actual foundation. Here are a few obvious signs that your foundation is in need of some help.

Uneven and sloping floors

If you think you sense a slope in your floor, try placing a tennis ball on the ground near the slope and see if it rolls. If it does, the best thing to do is call a professional leveling company to come out and assess the problem. Be sure to check all over the house to identify if the sloping is happening in more than one place.

Doors and windows won’t open and close properly

All of your doors and windows should fit perfectly in place. They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. If you notice them become hard to open or you feel air leaking through, it could be a sign that your foundation has problems.

Cracks in exterior bricks

If the bricks on the outside of your house are cracking horizontally that means you definitely have a foundation problem. It is a sign that the soil under your home is pushing against your foundation, forcing the walls to cave inward. If it is not taken care of, it can lead to a bowed wall, which will eventually collapse potentially taking the rest of your house with it.

Cracks in interior walls and molding

Some cracks in the wall are natural. The materials are made to settle and give a little. But if the cracks in your walls are running at a 45-degree angle, it a sure thing that your foundation is an issue. This means your foundation is shifting a lot and is actually tearing the sheetrock apart.

Drywall nail pops

A drywall nail pop is where the head of a nail is peeking through the drywall and paint. They can be caused by a lot of rain one season, causing the soil to expand and push against your home’s foundation. Or the opposite, they can be caused by a drought season when the soil shrinks up creating gaps for the foundation to shift. Nail pops can sometimes mean your house is just settling, but keep an eye out. If they seem to happen frequently, it is more than likely a foundation problem.
If you’re concerned about your home’s foundation, give 1st Choice House Leveling a call today for your cost-effective solution to foundation repair!