Kansas City Experts Reveal 5 Urgent Foundation Warning Signs

5 Warning Signs of a Bad Foundation

The silty, clay-filled soil poses notable risks to home foundations in Kansas City. Additionally, the city has a high water table. Groundwater is close to the surface and varies with the seasons, which impacts the moisture level. That’s why homes often experience moisture-related foundation damage. 

Some warning signs of bad foundation include severe cracks in the walls, sticking doors and windows, sagging or bouncing floors, pulled-away home fixtures, etc. So before it’s too late, it is wise to detect the signs and take the necessary steps.

Read on to find out how to identify these warning signs early and what steps you can take to prevent further damage.

Our experts have identified the 5 key warning signs that indicate your home's foundation might be in trouble. Check it out and take proactive action in time:

1. Wall Cracks and Fractures

It's common to find simple hairline cracks on the walls. However, it becomes a big deal when it is getting a zigzag pattern. It is a clear red flag that your home foundation is just sticking outward. Keep your eye on:

Exterior Wall Cracks:

Give a closer examination of the poured wall of your house. Cracks in the vertical line of your wall result from the normal settling of the house. But it’s an alarming sign if it is in horizontal form and wider than a quarter-inch.

Interior Wall Cracks:

Like the exterior wall, your interior walls are all prone to cracking. Cracks in drywall often result from plumbing leaks or humidity changes, though they can be fixed. But if it bows outward and crumbles, it's a concerning factor.

Cabinets or Counters Separated From Walls:

Cracks in walls will often detach the cabinet and counter from the structure. As the foundation shifts, walls move unevenly and create a gap between walls and attached fixtures.

Warped or Cracked Siding:

As your siding ages due to structural issues, it begins to crack. You should find visible, larger gaps between your walls and window frames where water easily seeps through.

2. Windows and Door Sticking or Pulling Away

Structural damage sometimes causes your doors and windows to become very sticky and difficult to open or close. In the summer, it is normal for interior doors to swell and stick due to humidity. 

But if your doors continue to stick even though the weather is dry, a foundation problem might be the cause. The best chance is that the door or frame has shifted away. 

Sometimes, the shifting foundation causes this, which puts stress on the walls and causes misalignment. Due to that, you often can’t latch the doors and windows correctly. Also, you might see the window frames starting to pull away from the surrounding brick or wall. 

Such types of foundation issues should never be tackled on your own. You can contact our foundation specialist at PierMagic to get better suggestions.

3. Uneven settling or Shifting Ground

A damaged structure often causes your foundation to sift from its place and leads to these noticeable issues: 

Sinking Ground:

Homes are typically designed with a slope or grade to direct rainwater and melted snow away from the foundation. It is great to deal with water damage as the excess moisture easily passes through it. 

But if you notice that water is gathering around the base of your house more frequently or in larger amounts, then the situation is not normal. You are likely dealing with sinking ground. 

Cracked or Leaning Chimney:

Chimneys are heavy, rely on a stable foundation, and remain upright. But, if the foundation shifts or settles unevenly, it disrupts the support structure of the chimney. Sometimes, it causes the chimney to lean or crack as it adjusts to the changed support.

Drainage Issues:

Drainage is a very common sign of bad foundation issues. When the foundation shifts, it causes the ground around your home to slope incorrectly. 

The water starts to flow toward the foundation instead of away. Sometimes, the plumbing pipes shift and create blockages. The normal flow gets restricted.

Cracked Tiles:

With the foundation shifting, additional pressure on the floor is added, causing the tiles to crack. It is okay with a single tile. But the alarming thing is when the cracks appear almost across the tiles of your floor. 

Even if you have wood floors, check for gaps between planks. If it grows larger, the suggestion is to immediately contact a professional in our Kansas City.

4. Bouncing Floors

When your home floors flex, sag, or bounce when you walk on them, be sure the issue is not something to ignore. They are often caused by weak or unstable floor joists and supporting structures. Sometimes, a lack of strength in the structural components causes the floor to shift or bounce. 

However, bouncing floors are very common in homes with upper levels and mostly in crawl spaces. Here are some of the common signs of bouncing floors:

● Creaking sounds when walking

● Rattling furniture

● Cracks in the ceiling

● Tripping hazards

● Visible sagging

5. Moisture and Mildew Issues

Water damage is very common with foundation issues. Moisture enters your home through cracks and the incorrectly angled foundation. In this case, you will notice:

● A damp, musty odor in the air in your basement or crawl space. It may happen due to water seeping through small cracks.

● Your basement might feel cool and damp, with a musty smell coming out of it.

● Discolored patches on your walls or floors.

● An increase in pests like insects and rodents attracted by the moist environment.

● Your home feels heavy or muggy due to the excess humidity.

● Water droplets on windows or doors form from the indoor high humidity.

Here is what you have come to know about some warning signs of a bad foundation you may face in your Kansas City home. Beyond any doubt, the issues are not likely to be handled on your own. 

So be sure to contact professionals and let them take care of the foundation issues. Look no further than the foundation specialists at PierMagic. Connect with us and let us evaluate your foundation problem and suggest an effective solution.