A damaged foundation can affect the structural integrity of your entire home. If you know what to look out for, you may be able to detect a foundation issue before it becomes serious.
How Your House’s Foundation Can Become Damaged
Soil under your home can expand when it absorbs moisture and contract when it dries out. Changes in the volume of the soil can put fluctuating amounts of pressure on your home’s foundation, which can cause damage over time.
Foundation problems may have other sources. Tree roots that grow too close to the house can put pressure on the foundation. Underground pipes or sewer lines can become damaged by a tree root or by another cause.
If your gutters are clogged or aren’t installed correctly, or if your property is sloped in a way that causes water to flow toward your home instead of away from it, it can collect and pool beneath the house, damaging the foundation. Differences in amounts of moisture may cause one part of the house to be affected before others.
How a Foundation Problem Can Affect Your Entire House
Foundation damage can cause walls to bow, crack or separate from the ceiling. Cracks in a foundation are common and don’t always indicate that there’s a problem. If cracks run horizontally, however, that may mean that your foundation has been compromised. You may also notice that baseboards are separating from corners and cabinets and countertops are separating from walls. Cracks and settling in the foundation can even cause your chimney to crack or tilt.
Damage to the foundation can allow moisture intrusion. The basement or crawl space can become damp and musty, causing mold to develop, which can create a health hazard for your family. Your basement can also become susceptible to other allergens and insects.
Water that seeps in through the foundation can cause floors in other parts of the house to sag and become uneven. Hardwood flooring may warp and tiles may crack.
Foundation damage and related moisture issues can affect the alignment of doors and windows. If you have noticed that doors are difficult to open or close because they aren’t hanging straight, that may point to a problem with the foundation. Swelling due to humidity is another possible cause that may have to be ruled out.
Moisture can cause foundation upheaval, possibly due to rain or a plumbing leak. If you notice a sudden and unexplained spike in your water bills, that may point to a leak that is ultimately damaging your foundation.
What to Do If You Suspect Your Home May Have Foundation Damage
If you have noticed any of these signs of a potential foundation problem, don’t wait to act. Have a contractor with experience in foundation repair conduct an inspection. If there is an issue, addressing it quickly can keep it from getting worse.
