Prevent Your Home’s Downfall: Know the Signs of Foundation Damage – and How to Get Help

Prevent Your Home’s Downfall: Know the Signs of Foundation Damage – and How to Get Help

When we think about a home in ill repair, we often consider the exterior and interior of the home; we might look for peeling paint, scuffed floors, or collapsing porches. However, many of these are quite cosmetic and easy – though perhaps costly – fixes, ones which don’t necessarily mean that the home is in danger. Sometimes even the most beautifully kept houses are hiding a deadly flaw: foundation damage.

The foundation is one of the most critical components of a home. It is responsible for supporting the weight of the entire structure and transferring that weight to the ground. Over time, however, the foundation can begin to deteriorate, sinking or rupturing in certain areas.

Most of us realize that foundation cracks can cause serious issues, such as infestations and damage to the stability of the house, but we might not be able to identify the signs that something isn’t quite right below the surface. Here are some of the signs that your home’s foundation needs repair:

Foundation Damage Can Cause Wall Cracks, Too

One of the most common signs of foundation damage is cracks in the walls. These cracks can appear on both the interior and exterior walls of your home, and they can vary in size and shape. Horizontal cracks are usually more serious than vertical cracks and may indicate that the foundation is shifting or settling. If you notice any cracks in your walls, it’s essential to have them evaluated by a foundation repair contractor in Overland Park to determine the cause.

The cracks in walls and floors can cause water damage, which can spread quickly and seriously compromise not just your home, but your own health too. Water damage often brings mold, which can cause serious respiratory problems to those sensitive to these spores, such as children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised. If you notice any water damage, it’s essential to have it evaluated by a professional to determine if there is a foundation issue.

A Few Degrees Of Slant In Your Floor Might Spell Bigger Problems

If you notice that the floors in your home are uneven, it could be a sign of foundation damage. Uneven floors can be caused by a foundation that is settling or shifting; in severe cases, you may even notice that the floors slope or dip in certain areas. You can quickly diagnose this by rolling a marble or ball across the floor: if it slows down in a certain area, or you can see it visibly dip, you need to contact a qualified foundation professional to take a closer look.

Your Doors And Windows May No Longer Be Plumb With The Wall

Gaps around windows and doors can mean that your home has shifted, which can be a clear sign of foundation damage. As the foundation shifts or settles, it can cause the frame of your home to twist, creating gaps around windows and doors.

4 Safety Considerations for Your Home to Prevent Structural Damage &  Collapse

You might believe that your door or window has just become sticky due to age or humidity, but it might actually tell you that there’s something wrong with your foundation. Those gaps previously mentioned can make doors and windows grind against their jambs, which will make it more difficult to open them. While it’s not necessarily a cause for concern if only one door regularly sticks, if you find that numerous entrances are becoming harder to open, it’s time to schedule a consultation with a foundation repair expert.

Even Your Roof Can Be Impacted By Foundation Damage

It’s not just interior elements of your home that can be impacted by foundation damage, but exterior components as well. Just like with doors and windows, a twisting house frame can force a roof out of position, causing an uneven roofline. Because a compromised roof can cause even greater problems for your home, you must get your home assessed immediately if you see that your roof is sagging.

Be Sure To Check Out The Chimney Too

Leaning chimneys may look charming in paintings, but they can be incredibly serious in a real life situation. If your chimney is leaning or separating from the rest of your home, it’s possible that this is because your foundation has shifted. Not only is this a fire hazard, but it could easily collapse and seriously damage your house. Don’t use a compromised chimney, and instead contact a foundation repair professional immediately.

Final Thoughts

Foundation damage is a serious problem, as it can compromise nearly every aspect of your home and put your family at risk. Fortunately, there are a variety of signs that can alert you to the problem. If you notice several of these issues in your home, you should contact a qualified and reputable foundation repair expert to take a look at your foundation.