Many homeowners do not give their home’s foundation much thought. Purchasing a home comes with responsibility for the repairs and maintenance of your property. Foundation repairs are not usually the first thing homeowners consider when making a significant investment. However, it is important to know the different signs of foundation problems before they turn into serious disasters. Here are a few signs that your home requires foundation repair.
Cracks in Interior Walls
Cracks can appear in your drywall for many different reasons. If you live in an area with high humidity, the moisture can lead to cracks in your walls over time. Water damage from your roof can also cause cracks to form in the walls. But if there’s no sign of water damage, no insulation issues, and humidity is not a concern, these cracks could mean your foundation is uneven.
Cracks in Exterior Walls
While interior wall cracks can develop for various reasons, exterior wall cracks are almost always a sign of foundation failure. The brick siding can become uneven as the soil moves around under the house and the building adjusts to the movement. When inspecting your home’s exterior, look for long, horizontal cracks and cracks in the steps. Vertical cracks are a sign that the wall is rotating, which can also suggest an issue with the foundation.
Uneven Floors
As your foundation shifts, your floors will too. You might notice you can easily roll a ball down your living room floor, or there are soft spots in the flooring. You can identify this using a tape measure. Check the floors in multiple rooms and along the wall in several places. Uneven floors could also signify sagging beams or joists in your home, but regardless you should address this issue. Poor waterproofing can also cause water to creep in and warp your floors.
Moisture in Your Basement
Some homes with foundation issues will have moisture in their crawl spaces or a wet, leaky basement. The water seeps through cracks and can cause unpleasant smells, mold growth, uneven floors, and sagging floorboards.
Leaning Chimneys
If you notice that your chimney is leaning to one side or cracking, it could indicate foundation problems. If your home was built with a chimney and requires repair, it is worth checking on your foundation.
Doors and Windows are Sticking
Have you noticed your doors or windows have started sticking when you shut them, or they do not fit in the frame anymore? This is a common sign that your foundation requires maintenance. It is important to address these concerns as any gaps in your windows or doors could lead to higher energy bills by allowing the heat to escape.
Contact DryMaster for Basement Waterproofing Today!
If you are ready to get a professional to waterproof your home’s basement, contact DryMaster, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, footings, foundations, and crawlspaces, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling (609) 403-3100 or (877) 376-1815.
