Most homeowners do not notice cracks or other imperfections on their foundation walls but if it goes unrepaired it could lead to foundation failure, with that comes with an expensive home project. The Basement Guys® want to help prevent those major projects from happening by offering free inspections to all homeowners. We also created a list of 9 signs of foundation failure all homeowners should keep in mind.
- Corner Cracks
- Vertical cracks are the least of concern because they are the most common crack found in the foundation. Even though these cracks don’t need an immediate repair it is still important to get them fixed. If vertical cracks do not get fixed in time, they can start spreading resulting in water leaking through during heavy rainfall.
- If you discover a horizontal crack on your foundation, you need to get them repaired as soon as possible because these are more serious than vertical cracks. Commonly formed in concrete block and brick foundation walls caused by the soil pressure surrounding the house. When water gets beneath the house it causes the soil to expand and move, resulting in horizontal cracks. It is crucial to have proper draining around the home to prevent your foundation from failing.
- Stucco Cracks
- Cracked stucco does create a cosmetic issue, but these cracks do represent a bigger issue. Cracked stucco is presented on the outside wall of the house and can warn a homeowner that their foundation is settling. Once you start noticing cracks around door/window frames that extend toward the edge of the foundation it is time to get those cracks fixed.
- Bowing Walls
- Experiencing bowing walls in your home is not a good sign, that means your walls are being pushed inward. There are two causes, expansive soils or hydrostatic pressure. Diagonal cracks in corners and walls leaning inward at the top or bottom are common symptoms homeowners should look for when dealing with bowing walls. If the walls are not repaired in a timely fashion, it could lead to serious structural damage to the home and a decrease in property value.
- Shearing Walls
- Shearing walls means that there is a structural break caused by strain on the wall, commonly seen in basements that are made of concrete blocks. The pressure causes the top part of the wall to move inward. However, the bottom block is embedded into the flooring making it less moveable than others. The movement at the top continues and the pressure will break the bond between the blocks. A shearing wall is a very serious issue in a home, there is a risk of the foundation collapsing causing a very expensive repair job.
- Stair-Step Cracking
- These types of cracks are present on the outside wall above the foundation. That area is usually the brick or concrete slab before going underground. The cause of stair-step cracks is commonly from the foundation moving or damage to concrete (or brick) walls. There are a few different types of step cracks, hairline, moderate, and very serious stair-step cracks. Determining the cause and type of crack is important to repair the wall.
- Cracked Poured Walls
- Unfortunately, cracks can develop immediately after construction or several years later. As the soil under your home changes, it affects the foundation walls by creating cracks that are not only unattractive but can cause serious damage to your home. Repairing your foundation walls as soon as you notice a problem is the best way to prevent an expensive project in the future. The Basement Guys® are happy to visit your home for a free inspection and if we notice an issue we will create a game plan for you.
- Chimney Separating
- Is your brick fireplace separating from the wall? A gap between a chimney and foundation is the first sign that foundation failure is beginning. Do not ignore these problems. The longer a homeowner waits to repair this, the more damage is done to the house meaning a more costly project. Not only structural damage occurs but bugs/insects start living in the gap, water damage, and cracked chimney liner can be present. The price to fix a chimney problem will depend on several elements and we suggest homeowners schedule an inspection to determine the cause.
- Floor Gap
- It starts as your door beginning to stick and the next thing you know, there is a gap between the floor and interior wall causing structural damage. There are several factors that can be the cause of this foundation failure, improper column spacing, column spacing, and weak floor materials are the most common in our region. As a homeowner, you should be checking often for the signs of foundation failure.
- Ceiling Gap
- If a homeowner notices a gap between the ceiling and inside wall that means, there is a problem developing under your home that needs to be solved fast. Problems in a crawl space can create serious damage to a home and will need to be addressed immediately! Small common signs, such as sloping ceilings, gaps around door frames, and cracks in the wall.
The Basement Guys® want to help with your foundation problems, don’t wait any longer to schedule your free estimate today!