Some of the physical signs of foundation stress are things like floors that are suddenly uneven, pictures beginning to hang askew where they used to hang straight. The soil density under many houses is not uniform, and therefore settles differently in different places, causing the foundation to have more stress and potential damage in some areas.
Usually, if there is significant damage or potential for it, it will be visible in the frame and in the floors of the structure within the first 5 years if it is going to be caused by vertical stress (soil settling differently in different areas under the foundation). Damage after that is most often attributed to lateral or horizontal shifting.
Here are a couple ways to tell if a foundation is shifting vertically.
If your doors, windows, moldings, etc. no long longer meet properly, (both those inside and outside the house) you may have a problem. Another sign is cracks forming in the masonry (for instance the brickwork around the fireplace.)
Contact the foundation repair experts at AMC911 Crawl Space & Foundation Repair to learn more or to schedule your free estimate. We look forward to helping you restore your home’s stability and beauty.
The 10 Most Common Signs of Foundation Problems
- Sticking windows and doors
- Stair step cracks in brick or masonry
- Floor, wall, or ceiling cracks
- Crawlspace or basement walls that are bowed inward
- Diagonal cracks from the corners of windows and doors
- Sagging or uneven floors
- Nails popping out of drywall
- Chimneys or porches that are separating from the house
- Ceilings and floors that are separating from the wall
- Moldings that have separated from the ceiling or wall
