Do You Have a Crack in Your Foundation?

A crack in the foundation is a homeowner’s nightmare because repairing a cracked foundation can cost as much as $7000, and sometimes even more. Even more frightening is this piece of information: trouble with the foundation isn’t always obvious. In fact, it can sometimes be difficult to even spot a crack in the foundation, because it won’t always look like a foundation crack. Sometimes, signs of a foundation problem appear nowhere near the foundation. Are you terrified yet? Don’t worry, we can help you identify the signs of a crack in the foundation.

Exterior cracks may be signs of a problem.

You probably don’t have to worry about fine, small cracks, but if there are large cracks in a zig-zag pattern, it could mean there’s something wrong with the foundation. Similarly, cracks in your bricks, or bricks that protrude from the wall can be signs of a problem. Gaps between your front door and windows and your façade are bad because they let water and termites into your house, adding more damage to the problems caused by the shifting foundation.

Interior cracks are even more of an issue.

When the interior sheetrock cracks in a zig-zag or the wallpaper starts pulling away from the wall, it’s time to call in an experienced contractor. When nails pop out of drywall, leaving small, round cracks where they’ve pulled away from the sheetrock, it might be a sign of foundation trouble. Any cracks in the walls or floors of your home warrant closer attention, because even though they’re not all due to serious foundation issues, they are often an indication that something is off.

Look to your doors and windows if you want to know if you have a foundation problem.

If you have a window or door that’s pulling away from a brick wall, it’s likely that you have a serious foundation issue. Doors and windows that are becoming increasingly difficult to close, however, can also be a sign of trouble. A foundation that is unstable shifts, and when it does, it will take the doors and windows with it. A door that is out of square is a problem, especially if it has cracks in the wall above it. You might also notice floors so uneven that water spilled on the floor only rolls in one direction.

Walls shouldn’t pull away from the house.

In fact, if you notice an exterior wall actually pulling away from the house, you should immediately call in a building contractor. Leaving this unrepaired can lead to the collapse of the wall.

Rotten wood is never a good sign.

If your piers and beams seem to be rotting, it could be a foundation problem, or it could be a host of other issues, all equally bad. In addition to a crack in the foundation, rotting piers and beams may indicate the presence of water in your basement, or termites in the wood of your home. If your floors are bouncing, that’s also a problem, because it could mean the wood is rotten.

Bowed, warped walls and sagging floors or ceilings are also trouble.

If the foundation is moving, it can pull move walls and support beams, either pulling them apart or pushing them together. When this happens, the weight of the house is distributed unevenly, resulting in warped, sagging, floors and ceilings. It may also manifest in bowed walls, both inside and outside of your home.

Tiles may crack for various reasons.

Tiles are brittle and can crack under many circumstances, but one of those circumstances is a settling foundation.

Damp basements are cause for alarm.

While a musty smell in the basement may be plumbing related, it can also mean that there’s moisture seeping into the basement through cracks in your foundation. Similarly, mold and mildew in the corners of windows and walls in your basement mean that moisture is accumulating. If foundation cracks are letting in water, it’s a problem your humidifier won’t be able to fix.

Though it may seem counterintuitive, look up.

Yes, the foundation is at the very base of your house, but up on top of your roof is a pretty good indicator of foundation trouble. If your chimney has shifted, it means you definitely have foundation trouble. If it shifts too far, it can endanger your family, because it could easily collapse. The moment you notice that your chimney looks a little off is the moment you should call in a professional.

If you need foundation repair, look to the expert basement foundation repair team at Budget Waterproofing. Dedicated to restoring your peace of mind with thorough, reliable work, we’ve got more than 55 years of experience servicing both commercial and residential customers throughout Maryland. We’re proud of our craftsmanship and confident in our skills, and all of our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and bonded. Whether your problem is a crack in your foundation or moisture, humidity, or mold in your basement, we have the experience and know-how to provide the solution. For more information, call 410.690.4970 or contact us through our website.