5 Early Warning Signs Of An Improperly Settling Foundation
Every foundation settles a small amount in the first few years after construction. Issues arise if the foundation settles too much or if it suddenly begins to settle in a home that is many years old. The following early warning signs of major settlement problems can alert you to make repairs before the damage becomes too severe.
1. Exterior Trim Gaps
Any gaps that form between the exterior trim and the main home structure should be investigated for the cause. Examples of trim include those around windows and doors, at the joint between siding and roof eaves, and between the siding and foundation. Gaps can sometimes indicate that the house is coming out of square due to a settling foundation causing the trim to pull away from the structure.
2. Interior Diagonal Cracking
Cracks in the interior drywall or plaster can be more than a cosmetic issue. The type most likely to indicate a foundation issue are those that originate from a corner, whether it's the corner of the room or a corner of a door or window frame. These cracks are typically formed diagonally as they stretch up or down from the corner, and they are a direct result of uneven foundation settling.
3. Exterior Stepped Cracks
Exterior cracking is also a red flag of potential foundation problems. If you have a brick exterior, brick foundation, or concrete block foundation, the cracks will likely look like a stair step traveling between the bricks or blocks. Settlement cracks on poured concrete foundations are typically roughly diagonal. Much like interior cracking, stepped or diagonal exterior cracks should be examined by a foundation contractor.
4. Out of Square Frames
Window and door frames can sometimes hint at a foundation settlement issue before any other signs manifest. If your windows or doors suddenly begin sticking out of nowhere, or if they become nearly impossible to open and close, then the opening frames may be out of place because the foundation has settled unevenly. An inspection is necessary, as sometimes moisture and temperature can be the culprits of sticking doors and windows.
5. Flooring Problems
On a slab foundation, the main flooring problem of settling is that the floor is no longer level, so dropped objects will roll toward the lowest point. When settling is severe cracks can form in the slab, causing uneven uplift of the flooring. Homes with basement foundations may notice slanting floorboards or the joists and floorboards may pull apart in response to the uneven settling of the foundation.
Contact a foundation contractor such as EGE Construction if you notice any of these early signs of a settling foundation.