Foundation damage can be challenging to identify and even more difficult to diagnose. Although you should always consult a professional when it comes to determining the cause, the most common warning signs below can help direct you to the proper foundation repair contractor.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks appear on most home foundations, but they can signify anything from normal settling of the concrete to potential foundation failure. We’ll break down the different types of cracks below.
Concrete Slab or Basement Floor Cracks
Fissures on the surface of your concrete slab or your crawlspace or basement floor typically form during the first few years after the foundation is poured.
Provided they remain thin and you don’t notice one side of the concrete lifting above the other, they’re generally not a major issue and can just be sealed to keep water and moisture out.
If the gaps widen or one side rises or sinks below the other, your foundation is likely suffering from differential settling.
These cracks are far more severe and can indicate structural damage and potential failure of the slab. Stabilization is required to keep the issue from worsening.
Vertical Wall or Slab Cracks
You may find thin cracks moving up and down your crawlspace or basement wall or on the exterior side of your slab. You can be reasonably confident that these fissures have resulted from regular foundation settlement.
Sealing them with an epoxy or polyurethane sealant is typically the best repair solution.

Horizontal Cracks
A crack on your concrete block wall that runs parallel to the floor is usually a sign of dangerous hydrostatic pressure from the soil outside. When the stress becomes too intense, the upper section of the wall cracks and shifts inward.
This type of damage is usually structural and needs immediate stabilization. Unfortunately, these fissures are widespread in Chester because of the highly expansive soil and above-average rainfall.
Stair-Step Cracks
Cracks that form in the shape of stair steps are a clear indication of differential settling. They suggest that a portion of your concrete slab has lost support from retracting, drying soil and is sinking more deeply into the earth than the rest of your home.
Professional stabilization is required to correct and prevent uneven movement.
Bowing Foundation Walls
Hydrostatic pressure from the clay-rich soil in Chester eventually leads to horizontal crack formation, but you may notice warning signs even before the fissure forms.
The inward pressure from outside can cause your concrete walls to bow inward slightly. The walls can only flex so much, so stabilization is imperative to prevent the crack from developing and compromising your structure’s stability.
Damp or Wet Basement
The prevalent water intrusion and water vapor accumulation leave many Chester homeowners with under-home moisture problems.
Common symptoms of liquid water entering your crawlspace or basement include puddles or wet areas forming on the floor or walls, standing water, and water damage to building materials or utilities under your home.
Moisture accumulation often results in efflorescence forming on the walls, mold growth on the concrete, musty odors, sweating water lines, pest infestation, and sagging insulation under your house.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Moist air and airborne mold spores in your crawlspace or basement naturally make their way onto your upper floors through a process called the stack effect.
Humidity often makes the air temperature feel more extreme, which you may notice if you have an under-home water or water vapor problem. You may also find that your utility bills unexpectedly increase if you or your family members react to the discomfort by turning up your heat or air conditioning.
Lastly, mold in your home can cause allergy symptoms, including a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Unusual allergic reactions in your house could indicate a moisture and mold problem in your crawlspace or basement.