Running Pipes, and More!

Your home's foundation is subject to a lot of stress, strain, wear, and tear. When you consider the important role your foundation serves, you can understand why it's important to be vigilant about its condition. Unfortunately, many homeowners don't understand the signs that their foundation is in trouble, so they don't recognize the problem until it has progressed to severe circumstances. As a homeowner, it's in your best interest to know the common signs of issues with your foundation so that you know when to seek foundation repair.

Check Your Windows And Doors

When your home is constructed, the doors and windows are all properly aligned. That alignment is an important component because it ensures that your windows and doors open and close smoothly. As long as the window and door frames are properly aligned, they will continue to function easily.

However, if your home's foundation starts to settle, shift, or weaken, your home may no longer sit level. Even the slightest shifts can adjust the alignment of the doors and windows. As a result, you may start noticing that doors or windows stick, especially on one side of the house. 

Consider The Condition Of Your Floors

Your floors are another common indication that there's a problem with your home's foundation. When the foundation shifts or cracks, your floors lose the structural support that they need to stay level and secure. As a result, your floors are one of the first places where foundation problems become apparent.

If your previously level floors start to slope, buckle, or heave, all of those changes are indications that your foundation needs attention. When your foundation shifts or cracks, it alters the support structure under the floors, which can lead to changes in how the floor sits. You'll need to have the foundation damage repaired and fix the support of your floors to restore the natural condition.

Look At The Condition Of The Walls

Just like the windows, doors, and floors, your home's walls are another place to look for signs of foundation damage. When your foundation weakens or shifts, it can change the way that your home is supported. This can leave the home out of square, which may cause your walls to show damage.

You might start to see cracks in the walls if there's excess pressure on them from the foundation changes. You may also notice your walls bowing out or separating from the floor or the roof. Any time you see structural issues like this, you should reach out to a foundation repair technician right away. Even if you can't see visible damage to your foundation, these issues are clear signs that the damage is there.

Inspect The Foundation Itself

Many homeowners overlook the actual foundation when they are outside because it sometimes just blends in with the exterior appearance of the house. However, if you take the time to inspect your foundation on a regular basis, you can often spot signs of damage to the foundation's integrity.

Sometimes, you'll see cracks appear in the foundation. Those cracks may go in a variety of directions depending on the cause of the foundation damage. You might also find that your foundation appears to be sinking on one side if there's a problem with soil erosion under your house. 

As you can see, there are many different indications that your home's foundation could be damaged. When you understand what to look for, you can easily recognize when your foundation needs attention. If you see any of these signs, or if you have any reasons to be concerned about your foundation's condition, you should reach out to a foundation repair contractor for a thorough inspection and any necessary repair recommendations.