The symptoms of foundation damage on your concrete and throughout your home can vary depending on the underlying cause and how extensive the damage is.
Below, we’ll discuss the most common signs of foundation problems in Dayton and the likely culprit of each.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks develop in most foundations, whether or not there’s an issue with stability or structural integrity. The easiest way to tell the difference between harmless cracks and those that are a significant cause for concern is by looking at where and how they form on your foundation.
Vertical Wall Cracks
If you have a crawlspace or basement, you’ll likely find thin cracks in a vertical orientation on your concrete block walls. These can also appear on slab foundations on the exterior of your home.
They develop in response to normal concrete settling that occurs in the first few years after new construction. These gaps generally aren’t indicative of structural damage but should be sealed to prevent water or water vapor from entering your home.
Horizontal Wall Cracks
Cracks that run horizontally along your foundation wall are much more severe. They develop when the hydrostatic pressure from the soil becomes too intense and the upper portion of your wall pushes inward.
These cracks are generally structural and require stabilization to prevent foundation failure. Unfortunately, they are common in Dayton, where the swelling soil and heavy rainfall combine to create excessive pressure.
Stair-Step Wall Cracks
Cracks that form in the shape of stair steps also suggest structural issues. They appear when differential settling leaves an area of your concrete with inadequate support, causing it to crack away from your home and settle into the ground more quickly.
This is another prevalent problem in Dayton because of the earth’s potential to shrink and the risk of karst.
Step-shaped cracks generally require stabilization, and they can leave your home with significant damage if left untreated.
Basement Floor Cracks
Cracks can also form on your crawlspace or basement floor. These fissures can be difficult to diagnose correctly because they can indicate normal settling or hazardous differential settling.
Generally, hairline cracks in the slab that are level from one side to the other develop during the natural settlement of the concrete after it’s poured. Wider gaps or those that are uneven across the crack tend to signify differential settling and may need stabilization similar to that used to correct stair-step cracks.
Bowing Foundation Walls
Excessive hydrostatic pressure is commonplace in Dayton. It eventually leads to horizontal cracks forming in your crawlspace or basement walls, but you may notice inward bowing the foundation walls before a fissure appears.
Bowing walls are a clear sign that expansive soil is an issue on your property, and they usually lead to structural instability if they aren’t appropriately repaired.
Moist or Wet Basement
Water problems and moisture build-up are pervasive in Dayton and the surrounding area because the expansive soil and above-average rainfall leave foundations exposed to runoff for extended periods. Liquid water and water vapor can both create problems under your home.
Liquid water enters your crawlspace or basement through cracks in the foundation. You may notice standing water or puddling on the floor, wet spots on the concrete, water stains on the walls near gaps in the concrete, or water damage throughout your under-home area.

Water vapor is a bit harder to identify because it enters through pores in the concrete and evaporates into the air. Typical symptoms include damp air in your crawlspace or basement, efflorescence on the concrete walls, mold growth, and musty odors. Insects or rodents taking up residence under your house can also indicate a moisture problem, as pests are naturally attracted to humid areas.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Lastly, the air quality in your living space can sometimes help you identify a water or water vapor problem because the air under your home unavoidably moves onto your upper floors.
Humid air in your house feels uncomfortably hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so extreme temperatures can indicate moisture problems. You and your family may unknowingly demand more from your heating or cooling systems in response, so high energy bills can be a sign of an issue as well.
Mold spores can seep into your living space, causing allergic reactions like itchy eyes, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can suggest mold growth under your home in response to water intrusion.