Since foundation damage has so many causes, it can be difficult to pinpoint issues before they become serious. Here are a few of the most common signs of foundation damage to look for in your Akron home.
Cracks and Fractures
Cracks or gaps in the interior and exterior walls of your home are one of the most common signs of foundation damage. Fissures, gaps, and cracks can open up when your foundation shifts due to excessive moisture, settling, and soil expansion from fluctuating temperatures. Check your basement floor and walls, as well as the exterior of your home. Exterior signs may be cracks or gaps between brick or stone facades or cracks in your concrete slab.
If you see tiny cracks in your foundation don’t panic! Foundations often settle over the first couple of years after construction, and may develop tiny 1/16″ cracks. You should worry if your concrete block foundation exhibits cracks that are 1/4″ or larger, especially if they are horizontal. While tiny vertical cracks are common indicators of dry walls, horizontal cracks can be a sign of excessive structural pressure on the perimeter of the foundation.
Unevenness, Sinking, and Settling
If you notice parts of your home sinking or becoming uneven, such that one part of the house’s floor seems to be lower than another, your foundation may be settling. Over time, a settling foundation may begin to exhibit vertical cracks that widen over time. In situations where settling is an issue, even a small drop can be extremely harmful to the structure of your home. Without remediation, settling can cause numerous safety issues and ultimately result in structural collapse.
Settling is typically caused by insufficient soil compaction during build-out, but can also be a result of excessive water runoff, pooling, and flooding from inclement weather and leaky plumbing pipes. In order to avoid dangerous settling, contact a foundation repair expert as soon as you suspect a problem. To correct the issue, we may need to lift your structure and install piers to support the structure and prevent additional settling.
Foundation Upheaval
Upheaval is a particular concern for homeowners in Akron, and is typically caused by heavy rain, leaky plumbing, and winter frosts. The clay soils common in the region tend to expand significantly when exposed to water, which places pressure on the foundation from the bottom and sides. Water trapped under the foundation can clog the soil, increasing the weight of the soil and forcing your foundation to expand upward. Watch for doors and windows that stick, and check around columns and fireplaces for cracking that could indicate that your foundation is being pushed upward. Cracks in your concrete slab will form over time, and you may see your exterior walls and garage walls move upward, as well.
Sticky or Misaligned Doors and Windows
One of the early warning signs of structural settling, upheaval, and other foundation issues is sticky or misaligned windows and doors. If you notice gaps around your windows and exterior door frames, you may have a foundation issue. Additionally, if your outside doors stop latching properly or seem loose, the alignment could be off because of a shifting foundation.
Sticky doors and windows can also be a sign of foundation problems, but check the weather before you worry. High humidity is common in Akron, and doors will often expand and stick for a few days after a heavy rain. If your doors are sticking or scraping in dry or cool weather, especially if there are also cracks in your interior or exterior walls, you may want to have the foundation checked. Even just a 1/4″ difference can cause your doors to become misaligned, so it is a good idea to inspect your home for cracks, upheaval, and settling if you notice misalignment or gaps around your doors and windows. If you suspect that your foundation is the cause, contact our repair specialists as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Moisture in Crawl Spaces and Around Foundation
For both pier and beam and concrete slab foundations, excess moisture is a big warning sign. If your crawl space or basement is wet or damp, it is critical to find the cause as soon as possible. With heavy moisture present, it is likely that you have or soon will have issues with the foundation. Not only does ongoing water exposure cause damage to the foundation, but it can also result in dangerous mold, mildew, and microbial growth that can compromise the health of residents.
With Akron’s high precipitation levels, it is no surprise that flooding and frequent rains can cause drainage issues that undermine your foundation. According to the EPA, it is critical to have a drainage system around your home that can handle the heavy rains and lake-effect snows. If you find that your basement or crawl space is damp, or if there is standing water around the outside of your foundation, contact our licensed and qualified repair specialists to investigate your foundation and install appropriate drainage support.
Counters and Cabinets Separating From the Wall
When your house’s foundation shifts the alignment of everything in the house changes. Counters and cabinets that were previously flush with the wall will tilt away, creating gaps and spaces. Your cupboards may not close properly, or may not latch as they did before. If your counters are pulling away from the walls or your cupboards are misaligned, your foundation is likely in trouble, and you should have our professionals investigate as soon as possible.