If you’ve ever walked through a house with foundational issues, you’ll know from the signs every time. They are painfully obvious and easy to see. Here are 3 big warning signs of foundation problems you should know about before they get bigger.
3 Big Warning Signs of Foundation Problems You Should Know
The first time that you recognize you’re in a building or home that has foundational issues, it may come as a shock to you. What’s interesting about that is that once you see it, you can’t unsee it, making you cautious and aware of these things from that moment on. Here are some warning signs of foundation problems you should know so that you’ll never forget them.
Exterior and Interior Cracks
One of the most obvious tell-tale signs of foundational and structural issues comes when you look up and around your surroundings. If you notice cracks in the walls, whether inside or outside of a building, chances are there are structural issues with the foundation of that building.
Even hairline fractures to the sheet rock inside the home can mean that problems are on the rise. This is especially true if they are long hairline fractures that stretch and continually grow. Cracks generally spread over time due to erosion, water leakage, and foundational issues. So it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on them and treat the problem as soon as possible to avoid having more trouble arise in the future.
Cracks in Tiles and Floorboards
If you’ve ever walked through an old home, the floorboards beneath you will likely creek. This isn’t due to old materials necessarily. It could indicate that the structure is off and the foundation is no longer centered like it was. Make sure you’re making notes of these problems as they continue so that you can identify them and fix them immediately. Ignoring the issue could cause many problems in the future.
Another indicator is through the tile. It’s easier to justify with tile because cracks can happen and are easy to ignore. However, you may notice the grout cracking in select places or all over, which is more visible on tile than on wood floors. You could always attempt to repair the cracks in your foundation settlement until you can fix the larger problems, but it would be wise to do it all at once.
Door and Window Separation
It’s common to see old homes with doors that don’t sit in the doorway evenly and windows that separate from the walls in places that you haven’t kept and maintained well. That is a sure indication that you have erosion nearby or that something has compromised your foundation, and you need to fix it immediately.
Foundational issues are serious, so you need to handle them accordingly. If you ignore them, you could lose everything you have at any given moment, and the house could fall to rubble. So make sure you’re keeping a watchful eye out for the warning signs of foundation problems you should know to be ready at a moment’s notice.
Of course, these are the 3 biggest things to look for when it comes to foundation problems in a home or building, but it’s always best to go over the entire structure at least yearly to make sure everything is up to par. And if you’re reading this because you’re considering purchasing a home or property, always ask the previous owners or the real estate agent for a list of issues, if any.