Foundation Flaws You Need To Know! Interior Edition

Many of the signs you'll see inside the home are similar to what you'll see outside the home (especially in your basement or crawl space). You can read about exterior signs of home settlement here. 

For example, stair-step cracking looks pretty much the same on the inside that it does the outside. But there are some differences while inside the home that you might notice, and we're here to help break it down. 

Foundation Wall Cracks

With foundation walls built from concrete block, stair-step cracking is very common. However, in a foundation constructed with poured concrete walls, vertical cracks are more common. In either case, foundation wall cracks resulting from settlement will usually start out narrow at the bottom, and widen as they progress up the wall. 

If your basement is finished, however, these symptoms may be hidden. 

Drywall Cracks

Cracks in the drywall throughout the home are one of the best indicators of settlement, and can be even more obvious in the uppermost levels. They might show up as cracks that extend outward from the corners of doors and windows, or cracks that follow drywall seams, or even drywall tape that buckles, pulls or rips. But, most importantly, remember: big cracks start as small cracks. 

Problem Doors and Windows

Just like the outside, problems with foundation settlement can be first noticed by problem doors and windows. Ask yourself this: Do any of your doors or windows 'stick' when you try to open or close them? Sometimes, homeowners will plane (or shave down) across the top of a door to make it open and close more easily. If you haven't done this, there could be evidence that a past homeowner has done this. Additionally, consider whether you've ever moved or replaced locking or latching mechanisms on doors so they would work properly. Is there evidence that a past homeowner has done this? These are all bad signs of home settlement. 

If you're concerned about your foundation settling, the problem won't go away. In fact, it can get much worse as time goes on, and the repairs can get much more expensive. It's important to call us right away and set up an appointment with a System Design Specialist, so we can address your issues and help you find a permanent solution. To get a FREE estimate, contact us HERE!