What Are Foundation Problems, And Do They Need a Foundation Repair?

As a home or business property owner, there are plenty that you need to be vigilant about.

Ensuring that the exterior is well maintained, keeping the gutters in good condition, and most likely have a beautiful interior worthy of a place in Homes & Gardens. 

But, have you ever had to deal with foundation repairs – and do you know what they are? 

Even the savviest of home and building owners aren’t always sure what a foundation repair is – until they need one. 

So let’s take a look. 

What are foundation problems?

Buildings take a few years to settle once they are built, and over that time, there might be some unevenness present – which is totally normal. However, if you begin to notice larger cracks, misalignment, doors jamming, or windows starting to stick closed – you might have an issue. 

Foundation problems are when the foundations of the home shift too much and cause it to be uneven and unstable. The only way to know if your home or building is safe and in need of repair is to contact a professional foundation repair company.

How can foundation problems occur? 

There are some things that you can do to prevent foundation problems and some unavoidable points too. 

Climate conditions

The climate of your location has a significant impact on how likely you are to need foundation repairs. Too much rain, followed by not enough rain repeatedly (and combined with the next point), and you have the makings of a foundation disaster. 

Surrounding area

Expansive clay soil expands when it’s wet, and when it isn’t, it becomes dry, shrinks, and cracks. This causes the surroundings of the foundations to be unstable. 

From time to time, foundations are also built on improperly compacted fill soils, tree roots growing too close to the home, or on an area with poor drainage. 

For some of these issues, the movement of the foundations is minimal; for others, it can be monumental. Unstable soils leave the foundations open to upheaval and differential. 

What are the signs of foundation problems?

It might not be noticeable at first, but foundation issues are usually quickly spotted when uneven or extreme. 

Here are a few of the most common warnings signs to look for on the exterior of the property:

• Garage door separating from the surrounding brickwork and walls
• Moldings becoming displaced
• Wall rotation
• Cracks in bricks and pointing
• Fractured or broken foundations

Here are a few of the most common warnings signs to look for on the interior of the property:

• Cracks and misalignment of the floor
• Uneven floors
• Doors and windows that are or become misaligned
• Cracks in sheetrock

It is also common to notice bulges on the flooring and have difficulty opening and closing doors due to the shift in the foundations. 

Do I have to have a foundation repair?

The only way to know for sure if you need a foundation repair is by calling in a structural engineer who can take note of all of the warning signs and recommend the best course of action.