Sticking Doors And Other Signs Of Foundation Issues

Your home’s foundations literally hold the building together. For this reason, foundation issues can be very dangerous and aren’t something you should ever ignore.

But just how do you detect foundation issues? A home’s foundations are usually hidden from view, so you often have to rely on visible signs of damage throughout the rest of the structure. Below are just a few of the most obvious warning signs.

Diagonal cracks in walls

Not all cracks in walls are a sign of foundation problems. Most hairline cracks that run vertical or horizontal are simply the result of plaster damage and can be easily sealed up without the need to hire a professional. You should be more worried by diagonal cracks – particularly large jagged cracks or cracks that follow the brickwork in a ‘staircase’ pattern. These cracks are more likely to be a sign of foundation problems and should not simply be filled with caulk. Large cracks over ¼ inch in width should be a particular concern.

Doors that stick (or don’t shut)

On top of causing cracks in walls, foundation problems may cause doorframes around the property to become misaligned. This may result in doors becoming jammed or doors refusing to stay shut. There are other reasons as to why this can happen (as explained here at The Spruce), however, foundation issues are a common cause.

Gaps around window and door frames

If you’ve noticed gaps emerging around windows and door frames, this too could be a sign of foundation issues. The shifting foundations could be causing frames to come apart from the wall. In other cases you may notice windows or french doors no longer aligning properly, making them difficult to close or open.

Uneven or sagging floors

Foundation issues can cause all kinds of issues with flooring. Cracks in tiles and concrete flooring are an obvious sign that there are problems. Another warning sign is uneven or sagging floors. It’s worth placing a ball on the floor and seeing if it naturally rolls to one side – this is a clear sign that the flooring is no longer level. Flooring can start to sag for a few reasons (check out this article at The Washington Post for a few other reasons), however, foundation issues are a common reason.

Fixtures separating from walls

If fixtures such as countertops or cabinets have become separated from the wall, this could be another sign that there are foundation issues. Structural movement could be causing walls to move, causing gaps to appear between fixtures. You should be particularly concerned if gaps between the wall and floor emerge.

What to do if you suspect you have foundation issues…

If you suspect that you have foundation issues, you should hire a professional to take a look. While you can hire a general surveyor, it could be worth hiring a specialist company such as Pinnacle Foundation Repair to get an accurate diagnosis of the problem – on top of solving the issue with your foundations, such a company will be able to carry out repairs for you. You can then rest assured that your home is structurally safe.