7 Signs of Foundation Failure
Are you worried that your property may be experiencing foundation failure? Homeowners and business owners in Nashville, Murfreesboro, and the surrounding areas of Middle Tennessee often ask us how to tell if their building has a foundation problem.
Ground Up Foundation Repair is a locally owned and operated team of foundation repair experts. We like to help our community. That’s why we have put together the following list that addresses the 7 Signs of Foundation Failure. If you have any questions or concerns regarding foundation repair, contact us immediately.
Sign #1: Cracks in Drywall, Floor, or Ceiling
Cracks in drywall, cracks in floors, and cracks in ceilings are a natural part of a settling foundation. Vertical cracks are especially common within a few years after construction. If you have a horizontal, diagonal, or stair-step crack that continues to get longer or wider, that is a strong indication of a foundation problem. This is a problem and should be addressed immediately. Learn more about foundation cracks.
Sign #2: Sticking Doors and Windows
If your interior doors or windows are sticking, or there are gaps between the door or window and the frame, that is a classic sign of foundation failure. This is caused when the soil under the foundation settles, causing the foundation and parts of the structure to shift. Contact a foundation repair specialist as soon as possible before you have further damage.
Sign #3: Cracks in Foundation & Cracks in Bricks
One of the first signs of foundation problems is cracks in your brick, block, or concrete foundation. These cracks may be vertical, diagonal, horizontal, or stair step cracks. While vertical cracks or more common, the other cracks are an indicator that you should get help before your foundation problems become more serious.
Sign #4: Chimney Is Tilting or Leaning
Leaning or tilting chimneys are a classic sign that your home is having foundation issues. If a leaning chimney is ignored, it may tumble and damage the roof. It can also pull away from the building and allow water, insects, and small animals to enter. Damage to the chimney itself may become a fire hazard and should be addressed immediately.
Sign #5: Bowing Walls
Water pressure often builds up in the soil outside of the foundation walls causing them to lean or bow. The best solution is to have a foundation expert install helical tiebacks to support the wall from the outside. Bowing walls is a potentially dangerous situation that may lead to foundation failure and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Sign #6: Water Leakage Through Cracks
Water seepage in your basement is a common problem for concern in Middle Tennessee. Once the surface water surrounding the foundation starts to seep under the walls or windows or through cracks in the walls, it is a sign of foundation damage. This can lead to serious structural failure. Contact a foundation repair professional before this problem leads to expensive repairs.
Sign #7: Sloping & Uneven Floors
Sometimes sloping and uneven floors are obvious, but often times they are difficult to detect and may require use of a tool to measure the level. Sloping or uneven floors are frequently a sign that the foundation has settled due to changes in the underlying soil conditions. Besides causing a potential tripping hazard, floor problems should be addressed quickly before there is further foundation or structural damage.
Nashville Foundation Experts
If you have any signs of foundation problems in your home or workplace in Nashville or the surrounding Middle Tennessee areas, call Ground Up Foundation Repair today for an estimate.