10 Signs Your Home Has Foundation Problems

How To Tell When Your Home Needs Foundation Repair?

At PierMagic we have successfully saved homeowners thousands of dollars by making minor foundation repairs early, rather than waiting until that small issue turns into a major problem. Think about it... any home disruption, if left alone, will continue to worsen. From electrical and plumbing to concrete cracks and water in your basement, any issue should be addressed sooner rather than later. So the question when it comes to a homeowner with possible foundation issues is... How do you know if and when to call a foundation specialist to assess for damage and potential repairs?  This article will explain the 10 signs your home has foundation problems below, which will be helpful as homeowners, renters/property managers, and even business owners.

1. Cracks on Interior and Exterior Wall

Cracks in the interior walls on the drywall as well as cracks on the outside of your home, such as zig-zag cracks in a brick wall are sure signs of house settlement. At PierMagic, our experienced team will come out and assess your foundation concerns and only address the issues requiring repairs. We will not oversell, nor will we offer repairs for something that isn't needed. Unlike other Kansas City foundation repair companies, PierMagic is locally owned and operated. Our team has extensive experience with the clay soil in the Midwest.  We offer expertise that is unmatched in the foundation repair realm.

2. Doors and Windows Sticking

When doors and windows do not open and shut like they used to, this is a pretty common sign that your foundation is settling.

RELATED: What does it mean if I have cracks around doors and windows?

3. Gaps between Crown Molding and Ceiling

Gaps between the crown molding and the ceiling can indicate that there has been movement in the structure. This is definitely one of the 10 signs your home has foundation problems.

4. Gaps between the Caulking and Windows or Doors

The situation with gaps between the caulking, windows, or doors is typically caused by the home foundation settling and shifting. As much as we'd like to think settlement is normal in a home, it is not the end-all for foundation damage.

5. Sunken Floors or Sinking Foundation

If you notice the ground sinking near your foundation, this could potentially be a big foundation issue. Contact us right away for a free consultation.

6. Patios or Porches Pulling Away from Home

This is usually due to your home’s foundation moving away from the patio or porch due to shifting soil. This is something that should be addressed at the first signs of pulling away from the home. It's easier to mitigate the damage sooner vs later.

7. Wallpaper Creases and Wrinkles

As the walls shift due to foundation movement, the wallpaper will also shift, causing it to separate or rip. This is not normal 'wear and tear' on the home, so you should call a foundation specialist.

8. Nail Pops in Walls

Nail pops are small, cracked circles where the nail pulls away from the drywall or sheetrock, exposing the nail head or pushing paint away from the wall.

9. Sloping Floors

Incremental drops of an inch across a home’s foundation are not a problem. But if your home slopes more than an inch every 15 to 20 feet, then you have some sloping issues that may require foundation repair.

10. Bowed Basement Walls

If your basement walls are bowing in, this means that there could be some foundation problems caused by soil expansion. When the soil is wet it expands pushing against the foundation, as the soil dries it pulls back away from your foundation. This can cause weak areas that will eventually bow.

Proactive Foundation Repair Is Much Less Expensive Than Reactive Repair

The important thing to remember is that when you see signs of a problem, call Kansas City's highest rated foundation repair company right away. One thing we know for sure is that foundation problems do not get better...only worse. Waiting to repair it will only cost you more money in the long run. Most times, substantially more. We offer free consultations to homeowners around the Kansas City, so don’t put it off. Click here to view all service areas served by PierMagic.

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE FOUNDATION ISSUES, CALL US AT 816-765-4800 OR FILL OUT THE BELOW FORM.