Understanding the Warning Signs of Foundation Damage in Your Home
A firm foundation forms the basis of your home’s structural integrity and keeps it glued together. If the foundation is compromised or isn’t well-built, you could end up paying thousands of dollars in repairs.
Here are a few warning signs that you need to be wary of:
Cracks
Small, fine cracks are normal and aren’t usually something to worry about. However, if your external wall bears large cracks that form a zig-zag pattern, it’s a telltale sign that something’s gone wrong. Similarly, it would help if you looked out for any signs of zig-zagging or sheetrock cracks on the interior side of the wall. If there are any cracks near the junction of the wall, your wallpaper may start pulling away from the wall.
Foundation cracks are more common near doors and window frames. However, not all cracks are indicative of foundation problems. You should only call an expert to look if the crack is narrow on one end and wide on the other, wider than one-eighth of an inch, and slanted at a 45-degree angle. Leaking water is also a telltale sign.
Shifting soil
It’s natural for soil to shift and change its movement. If your soil contains minerals like smectite clay, it’s said to be expansive in nature. This is because such minerals are known to absorb water and increase in volume.
Under humid and wet conditions, the soil expands and shrinks, putting pressure on the foundation. The sudden change in soil volume exerts a force on the building and causes damage. Soil shifting is a problem even in graded and uneven zones. The best you can do to avoid the problem is to keep an eye out for damp areas and keep them dry. Fix any leaks immediately before the water makes its way to the soil.
Sticking Doors
If you feel like your doors are sticking or dragging at the top, it’s possible that something is wrong with the foundation. When the foundation or the slab cracks, the wood framing that it supports bends or twists too. As a result, windows and doors become difficult to open or close.
This happens when one side of the door appears a bit higher than the other. Even if the difference is that of ¼”, the overall door orientation could be affected and it might not shut properly. They either become too tightly fit or too loose.
The solution in each case is to reach out to a foundation waterproofing service and get your property restored. AMN Masonry has over 13 years of experience in this department. Take a look at their services if you’re based in Boston.