Foundation damage can occur in different areas of your home and create dramatically different symptoms depending on the underlying cause and the severity. Below, we’ll provide some insight into the most common signs of foundation issues in Fuquay-Varina and the probable cause of each.
Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks are usually the most obvious symptoms of damage, but they can go unnoticed if you don’t frequent the area under your home. To make matters more complicated, they don’t always suggest severe damage. The cause and severity can often be determined based on where the fissure appears and how broad it is.
Slab Cracks
You may notice cracks forming on your concrete slab, whether you have access while doing home improvement repairs or if your crawlspace or basement floor is normally exposed.
Thin cracks on your slab that are level across the gap are commonplace, and they typically just signify settling of the concrete. These fissures rarely require any stabilization, and most homeowners have them sealed to keep water intrusion to a minimum.
Slab cracks with one side rising above the other or that grow to ⅛” or wider are more dangerous, as they indicate differential settling. These gaps should be stabilized by a foundation repair contractor immediately.

Vertical Foundation Wall Cracks
Cracks running up and down your concrete block walls are also most often from the natural concrete settlement that occurs after new construction. Minor crack repair in the form of epoxy or polyurethane sealing is generally the best solution.
Horizontal Foundation Wall Cracks
Cracks running along the length of your wall are a result of intense hydrostatic pressure on the outside of the foundation, usually from the saturated clay soil in Fuquay-Varina. These fissures constitute structural damage, and they require immediate repair to prevent wall collapse and foundation failure.
Stair-Step Foundation Wall Cracks
Cracks that form in the shape of stair steps on your concrete block wall are considered the most problematic. They develop when a portion of your foundation sinks more rapidly than the rest due to differential settling. Immediate action should be taken by a foundation repair specialist, as severe damages can occur if these fissures are left untreated.
Unfortunately, these gaps are typical in Fuquay-Varina, especially in homes with multi-level foundations.
Wet Basement or Crawlspace
The expansive soil and excessive, frequent rainfall in Fuquay-Varina make water intrusion and moisture build-up under homes widespread issues.
Liquid water typically leaks in through cracks in the concrete after rainfall. You may notice puddles on the floor of your crawlspace or basement, standing water, water damage to building materials if you have a finished basement, or wet spots on the concrete that indicate leaks that have since evaporated into the air.
Symptoms of excess water vapor in your under-home area include musty smells, mold growth, efflorescence on the concrete block walls, insect or rodent infestation, and heavy or moist air.
These issues can lead to humid air and mold spores seeping into your living space. Damp air makes temperatures seem more extreme, so uncomfortably hot or cold air or above-average utility bills can suggest a moisture issue below.
Similarly, allergy symptoms like respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing, and runny nose can indicate mold growth in your crawlspace or basement in response to moisture accumulation.