Homeowners should be aware that foundation issues are not always visible and may not be apparent when inspecting their home for damages. These hidden problems can lead to more costly repairs than if caught early on. If you notice any signs that there might be structural issues, such as cracks in walls or floors, then hiring an expert is a good idea before it becomes a major issue and costs you more money.
What is Building Foundation Failure?
Foundation failure is an unfortunate situation where the foundation of your house or building starts to deteriorate and eventually fails.
There are many different reasons why a house’s foundation can fail. Some leading causes include poor soil conditions, natural disasters, improper drainage, bad installation and design, or just age. These are all things that you should be aware of when building a new home so that you can avoid these problems in the future.
How to Properly Diagnose Foundation Failure: 6 Signs
It’s essential to know the warning signs of foundation issues. The sooner you identify the problem, the more likely you will be able to fix it.
There are countless warning signs that indicate a foundation issue, but not all of them are obvious to the average homeowner. However, there are some telltale signs, such as cracked walls, sagging ceilings, and bowing floors. If any of the issues mentioned below exist in your home, there is a chance that your foundation is failing.
1. Sagging Ceilings + Floors
When a foundation shifts, it affects other structural components like support beams and walls. Over time, these movements can cause the building to shift and sit unevenly.
If you see that your floors or ceilings are sagging or slanted, it might be a sign of structural problems. A foundation repair professional should assess the area and do an inspection to find out what the underlying problem is.
3. Door + Window Frame Separation
When windows and doors appear to fit too tight or loose, it might indicate early foundation failure. This problem may also present itself in other areas, such as air vents, garage doors, and other wall fittings.
4. Insufficient Drainage
Poor drainage is a sign of foundation problems, as it indicates that water cannot be properly drained away from the building. This can lead to serious structural issues, such as cracked walls and foundations. Inadequate drainage can result from clogged or damaged gutters, poorly designed landscape irrigation, or building on an improperly sloped lot.
Learn more about the effects of poor drainage on a foundation.
5. Interior + Exterior Wall Cracks
Wall cracks are an indication of foundation issues. Cracks in the wall can be caused by settlement, soil pressure, ground movement, or poor drainage.
However, not all cracks are signs of building foundation failure. Fine, small cracks in the exterior or interior walls are generally no cause for concern. The ones you should worry about are zig-zag or stair-step patterns, brick cracks, and areas with excessive cracking or crumbling.
6. Nail Pops in Drywall
Another thing to look out for is drywall nail popping. This occurs when the drywall shifts and shows damage where screws or nails were moved. One or two isn’t always a sign of foundation failure, but if there are several, you might have a problem on your hands.
Looking for a Foundation Repair Company in Houston, TX?
For over 20 years, URETEK Gulf Coast has been providing foundation repair services to help homeowners and businesses across the Greater Houston area. We provide professional, prompt services at competitive rates. Our team of experts will inspect your property and give you the peace of mind you deserve. We offer a wide variety of services which include:
- Foam jacking with polyurethane
- Pressed piling systems
- Concrete slab lifting
- Polyurethane void filling
If you have any residential or commercial foundation failure issues in Houston, talk to us today.