Do you know the top signs of foundation problems? Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make, so it’s important to follow the right protocols to keep your home in tip-top condition.

In this article, we’ll look at the implications of ignoring foundation issues and the common signs of damage.

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10 Common Signs of Foundation Problems and How to Inspect for Foundation Damage

Here are the most common signs of foundation issues.

  1. Window and door frame separation
  2. Windows and doors that don’t shut properly or are jammed
  3. Exterior and interior cracks
  4. Bouncy floors
  5. Rotten wood
  6. Wallpaper peeling from the wall
  7. Cracks in the wall and floor
  8. Expansion joint separation
  9. Uneven floors
  10. A damp crawl space

Check for Foundation Damage

Assess the Crawl Space

If your home includes a crawl space, monitor this area for any signs of mold or moisture buildup, as this can cause rot and weaken your home’s foundation.

Look at the Pipes

An excessive buildup of moisture on pipes can indicate foundation issues. Assess plumbing pipes for leaks. If you notice your plumbing is leaking, it’s a great idea to have your foundation inspected by a professional.

Check Windows and Doors

Since cracks in windows and doors can be a common sign of foundation damage, we suggest regularly opening and closing them to see if there’s any difficulty. If you can’t open them or they jam shut, your foundation might have moved.

Inspect the Interior and Exterior

Just a simple walk around the inside of your home can highlight any foundation issues that you might not have been aware of previously. Look out for uneven floorboards, cracks in the walls, loose wallpaper, and signs of dampness. You can even roll a ball along the floor to assess for any uneven patches to see if your foundation has moved.

Additionally, head outdoors to see if there are any visible signs of foundation implications surrounding your home. Look for pools of water near your home, rot, moisture buildup, and cracks near doors and windows.

What Happens If Foundation Damage Isn’t Repaired?

Foundation repair is important in preparing the current problem from worsening. Here are some of the main things you can expect to arise if you don’t repair your foundation damage.

Cracks Will Worsen

Don’t leave small cracks or they could grow bigger. Whether you have horizontal cracks or diagonal cracks, they’ll worsen if you don’t repair the issue at hand. More, bigger cracks will give you bigger problems.

Expect Infestations

No one wants an insect infestation in their home, but cracks in a home’s foundation provide easy access for insects or rodents to enter your home for warmth.

Utility Bill Increases

With cracks and holes in your home, warm air can escape easily while cold air can enter. As a result, you’re more inclined to increase the temperature in your home thermostat, which costs you more money in the long run.

Mold and Mildew

Excess moisture can enter your home through cracks and spaces, resulting in mold and mildew. If you notice patches of mold and moisture buildup inside of your home, you might encounter respiratory problems (which can worsen if you already have an underlying condition).

Plumbing Complications

If your foundation isn’t strong or secure, your home can sink, which can stress the rest of your home, affecting the plumbing efficiency. The area of your home with a poor foundation can put stress on the pipes, resulting in bursts, which could create significant damage.

Decreased House Value

If you plan on putting your house on the market, expect a reduced asking price if you don’t amend any foundation issues. Not only will you receive a lower price but it can also be more complicated to sell the house at all, resulting in a longer waiting time for you and a more stressful process.

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Benefits of Repairing Foundation Damage

Some homeowners neglect foundation issues, which can present more problems. Below are the main benefits of fixing foundation troubles.

Save Time

Significant structural issues require a lot of time, hassle, and money to solve. But making the repairs early on and not neglecting them, you can restore your home back to its original condition.

Foundation failure can devastate exterior walls, basement walls, and other areas of your home. Fortunately, making repairs early on can save you the energy of dealing with much bigger conundrums later on.

Increase Your Home’s Value

One of the biggest factors that can affect a home’s value is the condition the property is left in. Homeowners who consider amending any damages will not only increase their chances of a sale but the value of their property, too.

You don’t need to be in the position of moving homes to make any repairs, as dealing with the issues at hand in the present moment means you don’t have to fork out more money and deal with the bigger picture if you consider moving.

Feel More Comfortable and Safer

A home should be a relaxing haven, but sagging floors and foundation failure won’t make you feel at ease indoors. This can affect your way of life and general comfort in your home.

Foundation troubles can cause stair-step cracks and window frames and door frames to separate. In this environment, you won’t feel settled or safe, so managing these issues now can eliminate any significant stress and allow you to have that homely feeling.

Avoid Water Damage and Structural Problems

Many costly repairs are waiting around the corner if you refuse to take action now. One serious problem is ill-working plumbing and potential flooding issues in the basement. Other problems can then arise from this, such as wet furniture and structural damage.

How Foundation Damage is Repaired

Your best bet is to regularly inspect your home for any telltale signs of structural damage. If you notice any of the above warning signs or something you’re unsure about, contact a foundation repair expert to be safe.

A team of experts will use the most suitable method to make any amendments. This might include slab jacking, mud jacking, using concrete piling, polyurethane foam, or other techniques to properly secure your home’s foundation.

DIY or Professional Foundation Repair?

You might wonder whether you should consider a foundation repair contractor or amend any fixtures yourself. For the best, safest results, we recommend searching the top foundation repair services.

DIY is never a great idea if you don’t have the skillset or knowledge to make any repairs, especially when it comes to something so serious as your house foundation.

While some amendments can’t be made without a visual inspection first, it’s extra time and money it takes to undergo the repairs is still worth the guesswork involved in manually attempting them yourself.

It is always advisable to have warranty coverage for your home to handle specific repair costs. You can obtain a trusted home warranty that covers roofs, HVAC systems, and other essential systems.

Receive Estimates from Local Foundation Repair Experts
Typical Price Range: $2,000 – $7,500

Other Considerations

Any signs of foundation problems shouldn’t be ignored, so make sure to contact a professional service at the first sign of an issue. Most of the time, foundation damage is out of your hand and can’t be prevented, but leaving the problem to manifest into something bigger will only create more issues and involve a bigger expense in repair costs.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Alora Bopray

Alora Bopray

Staff Writer

Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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photo of Roxanne Downer

Roxanne Downer

Editor

Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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