Foundation problems can lead to significant structural issues. Being able to recognize common signs of foundation stress is crucial, and they can manifest in various ways:
Exterior Warning Signs: • Wall rotation • Separation around garage doors, windows, or walls • Cracked bricks • Damaged or cracked foundation • Displaced moldings
Interior Warning Signs: • Misaligned doors and windows • Cracked sheetrock • Cracks in the floor • Uneven floors
Problems like bulging floors, cracked walls, and doors that won’t close are all indicators of foundation distress. Approximately 60% of homes built on expansive soils experience foundation problems. These issues often arise when only a portion of the foundation shifts, causing cracks and other damage.
The leading cause of foundation problems is water. Variations in moisture cause soil components to swell or shrink, leading to movement under the foundation. Several factors can make a property more susceptible to foundation damage, including:
• Construction on expansive clay • Improperly compacted fill soils • Poor drainage around the foundation • Extreme seasonal changes in the area • Plumbing leaks beneath the home • Tree roots encroaching on the foundation • Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or droughts
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