8 Surefire Signs That Your Home's Foundation Is In Trouble

If you have any serious issues with your foundation, the problem will usually become clear fairly quickly. Depending on the cause of the problem, you might notice cracks in your walls or ceiling, sloping floors, or doors and windows that stick.

However, if the foundation of your home isn’t on solid ground to begin with, you might not see any visual signs of foundation problems until it’s too late and major structural damage has occurred. You can try to prevent this from happening by paying attention to these 10 surefire signs that your home’s foundation is in trouble.

1) Cracks in the walls

Cracks in the walls can be a telltale sign of foundation problems. As the foundation settles, cracks will appear in the plaster and paint over the course of months or years. These cracks are usually fairly shallow but are definitely not normal. If you see signs of cracking, it’s worth hiring a professional to take a look at your home and make sure your foundation is structurally sound.

2) Old doors and windows don’t close properly

Old doors and windows can be signs of foundation problems. The cracking, buckling, and other misalignments that occur during settlement can lead to improper closing mechanisms and gaps in between door and window frames. These are telltale signs of foundation damage. Be sure to check if doors and windows don’t close properly if you have reason to believe your home might be suffering from foundation issues. Another way to see the potential for foundation trouble is by looking at your exterior walls for cracks or bulges where the house meets the ground. Lastly, look for sloping or uneven floors, especially on one side of a room as this could indicate a problem with the house’s center of gravity.

4) House bowing in or out at corners

If your home is bowing in or out at corners, that can be a sign that your foundation has settled. Generally, it’s not a big deal as long as your house is still sturdy. However, if you notice cracks around windows or doors in an area where your home used to be level, that’s a sign that there are bigger problems ahead. A settling foundation may also cause cracks in the interior walls and ceilings of your home.

5) Flooring buckles, floor tiles lift up

One sign that you have foundation problems is when your flooring buckles, tiles lift up, or other flooring issues happen. This can be an indication that there’s a problem with your foundation, such as damaged posts, broken footings and/or cracks in slabs. These problems can lead to other more serious issues if they aren’t fixed immediately. You might also experience drainage problems, water damage and even mold growth. If any of these signs appear at your home, it’s best to call for professional help right away.

6) Plumbing leaks when it rains hard

Sudden plumbing leaks when it rains hard can be a sign of foundation problems. If water is flowing into your home, check for cracks in your home’s foundation. These could mean you have mold or even worse, problems with your house’s structural integrity. Other signs that there may be a problem include: cracks in the mortar joints on exterior walls; doors and windows that don’t close properly; and buckling or sagging floors, ceilings, and stairs. Cracks near chimneys are also an indication that there may be leakage from above the roofline onto the outside of the chimney—another potential foundation issue. Keep in mind that these leaks will only show up after it has rained hard enough to cause this type of leak, so if you notice a leak after one of these storms, you should call a professional right away!

7) Walls bulge when you press them in

While it’s not a given that bulging walls are caused by foundation problems, it is likely. When water gets under your foundation, it can cause soft spots in your home’s structure. But because no two homes are exactly alike, and some homes may be constructed differently than others, you should always seek professional help when you start to notice signs of foundation problems in your home.

8) Doors become harder to open

Doors that become hard to open can be signs of foundation problems. Sagging floors and ceilings can also mean your home has foundation issues. If you notice any of these issues, call in a professional for an inspection. Don’t wait; foundation problems tend to worsen over time, which means they could eventually lead to more expensive damage. The best thing to do is act quickly if you suspect something is wrong with your home’s foundation.