19 Feb 6 Signs of a Sinking Foundation
Does it look like you have some foundation repairs to handle? One of the worst things a homeowner may have to contend with is a sinking foundation. There are many signals your foundation is sinking and in dire need of repair due to gaps, cracks, issues with nails, and so on. Here are signs of a sinking foundation.
1. Sticking Windows and Doors
Are you having a hard time opening up doors and windows? It’s one thing if one or two windows are stuck due to weather or because they haven’t been open in a while. However, it’s usually a bigger issue when almost all your doors and windows are stuck in a jam. A sinking foundation can cause things to shift around, including your frames. As a result, the frames that support your doors and windows will quickly become misaligned. You may even notice some gaps and cracks quickly developing around these frames.
2. Framing Gaps
Gaps appearing between walls and ceilings or between walls and floors can signal a moving foundation. These gaps often suggest that the house is settling unevenly, a condition that can lead to significant structural problems if left unaddressed. Homeowners noticing such gaps should see them as clear indicators of potential foundation issues, warranting a thorough inspection by professionals. Remember, your window and door frames won’t just randomly start developing gaps. Separation happens due to major underlying structural damage that lets you know it’s time for immediate foundation repairs.
3. Missing Nails
A moving foundation creates great stress throughout the entire home. The stress may get deep enough that nails start to pop out on your walls and ceilings. You’ll notice cracks and unsightly holes developing. When things have gotten to the point where nails are popping, your home wiring and insulation may also be affected.
4. Warped Walls
Have your basement walls begun to take a bow or lean inward towards you? This structure change happens because the soil is either expanding or contracting. As your foundation sinks, it’s also going through various moisture changes. Those changes in moisture create more pressure on those walls. If the problem isn’t handled immediately, your walls may completely cave in at some point. In other words, it’s a safety hazard as the above levels can also collapse at any time as the lower level weakens.
5. Moisture
A sinking foundation is going through different moisture levels in the soil. It creates another threat for your basement and house as a whole because it also creates openings for water to sink in. An unstable foundation will develop cracks, making it easy for such seepage. Moisture can be extremely damaging to your property in several ways. First of all, it damages the integrity of your drywall and the underlying foundational support. They can create wood rot and don’t forget about problems with mold.
It only takes 24 to 72 hours for mold to begin sprouting on any wet surface, according to CNET, and a moldy home is a health hazard to anyone inside, particularly for respiratory health. As your home continues to gain more moisture, it becomes more attractive to pests such as insects and rodents seeking a water source or a damp area to nest. You may begin to notice puddles, water stains, as well as musty odors developing in this situation.
6. Cracks
Cracks are one of the most obvious signs of a sinking foundation. When the foundation settles or moves, it can create cracks in different parts of your home, such as the floors, walls, ceilings, bricks, tiles, and chimneys. Cracks can vary in size and shape, but they usually indicate that something is wrong with your foundation. Some cracks are more serious than others, depending on their location, direction, and width. If you see any cracks in your home, you should have them inspected by a qualified foundation repair expert.
A sinking foundation is nothing to play with. When you see the above signs, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional foundation repairs. We’re an experienced company that handles these types of problems daily and are ready to assist you anytime. Contact B & B Basement Repairs LLC today for an appointment to assess your home.