Foundation damage can present itself in various ways, depending on the underlying cause. We’ll go over the most common symptoms of an under-home problem below and include the issue that’s likely to cause each.
Foundation Cracks
Most homeowners find cracks developing on their foundations. Some fissures form during the natural settlement of the concrete after new construction, while others appear as a result of severe structural issues.
We’ll break down the common foundation cracks below to give you a better idea of what your foundation crack likely indicates.
Settling Cracks
The least severe type is a settling crack, which forms as the concrete adjusts above the earth after it’s poured.
Non-structural cracks may appear on your concrete block wall, and they often run in a direction perpendicular to the floor.
You should have a foundation repair company seal any vertical wall cracks that are less than ⅛” wide, as this will help maintain a dry basement or crawlspace. Broader vertical wall cracks may need additional repairs to prevent further widening.
Hairline cracks in your concrete slab or basement floor are also generally from normal foundation settling.
They remain level from side to side and typically stop growing within a few years after your home is built. It’s a good idea to have a foundation contractor seal these as well to prevent water from coming in through them.
Horizontal Wall Cracks
Cracks on your crawlspace or basement floor that run parallel to the ground are generally not from settling.
Instead, they develop when the hydrostatic pressure from the soil becomes too intense for your foundation to resist. The stress forces your wall inward until it cracks under the pressure.
Horizontal wall cracks require extensive stabilization to restore your foundation’s structural integrity.
Stair-Step Wall Cracks
Wall cracks that develop in the shape of stair steps generally indicate differential settling beneath your house.
They suggest structural damage that necessitates costly stabilization, and they should be repaired quickly, as they can result in foundation failure if left unrepaired.
Sinking or Heaving Foundation
Differential settling and frost heave can also result in cracks in your slab foundation or in your crawlspace or basement floor.
You can often differentiate between settling and structural cracks in the slab based on how wide they are and if they’re level across the gap.
Slab or basement floor cracks that are wider than ⅛” or have one side rising above the other suggest that your foundation is suffering from hazardous soil movement below.

Water Damage or Moisture Build-Up
The expansive soil and excessive precipitation in Ooltewah make water problems prevalent in the area. The symptoms you notice will often depend on whether liquid water or water vapor is entering your home.
Liquid water generally seeps through foundation cracks, so you may notice leaking around wall or floor cracks during rainfall. You might also see wet spots on the cement following precipitation, standing water, puddles on the floor, or other water damage.
Water can seep through pores in solid concrete as well and evaporate into the air beneath your house.
Increased humidity in your crawlspace or basement, efflorescence on the walls, mold growth, and musty odors in the area are all symptoms of moisture build-up. Insects and rodents are also naturally attracted to moisture, so pest infestations can indicate an issue with water vapor as well.
Lastly, the air under your home can seep upstairs, increasing the humidity in your home or bringing mold spores to your living space.
The resulting uncomfortable temperatures, high utility bills, and indoor allergy symptoms are all signs of a water or moisture problem.