1. Step cracks in the facade
Step cracks following the mortar joints are a classic sign of uneven settlement. The foundation subsides more in one place than in another, creating tension in the masonry.
Pay particular attention to:
- Cracks wider than a few millimeters;
- Cracks running from bottom to top;
- Cracks that have recently been filled or re-mortared;
- Multiple cracks in different places on the facade.
A single small crack need not be a problem, but multiple step cracks always deserve extra attention.
2. Leaning window frames and sticking doors
When a home subsides, the entire structure moves with it. As a result, frames can become misaligned, leading to problems with windows and doors.
Signs include:
- Doors that jam;
- Doors that fall open or shut on their own;
- Windows that are difficult to open or close;
- Visible gaps on one side of a frame.
These types of complaints occur regularly in homes affected by foundation movements.
3. Sloping or irregular floors
A subsided foundation often causes height differences in floors. Sometimes this is immediately noticeable when you walk through the home.
You can easily look out for this by:
- Checking if furniture is noticeably tilted;
- Placing a marble or small ball on the floor;
- Looking for loose floorboards;
- Checking bulging laminate or cracking tile floors.
A sloping floor does not always indicate a foundation problem, but it can be an important indicator.
4. Cracks in interior walls
It is not only exterior facades that show cracking. Subsidence can also become visible indoors.
Pay particular attention to:
- Cracks above doors and windows;
- Cracks between wall and ceiling;
- Diagonal cracks originating from frame corners;
- Cracks that have been recently plastered or painted over.
When cracks are visible both indoors and outdoors, the likelihood increases that the cause lies in the foundation.
5. Loose facade elements
In the event of uneven subsidence, parts of the facade may detach from the structure.
Therefore, check for:
- Loose masonry;
- Crumbling mortar;
- Cracks around gutter attachment points;
- Detachment of facade elements.
In addition to being a possible indication of foundation problems, this can also pose an immediate safety risk.
6. Visible tilt of the house
Also view the house from a distance. Deviations are often more visible from across the street than when you are standing right in front of the facade.
Pay attention to:
- Facades that no longer appear straight;
- Differences compared to adjacent houses;
- Sloping rooflines;
- Sagging sidewalks or driveways.
A visible slope of a house is often a serious warning sign.
7. Moisture problems in the crawl space
The crawl space often reveals a lot about the condition of a house. Excessive moisture can affect the foundation and the load-bearing capacity of the soil.
Note:
- Prolonged standing water;
- Mold formation;
- A strong musty odor;
- Wooden structural elements showing signs of moisture or rot.
In homes with wooden foundation piles, fluctuating groundwater levels can lead to deterioration of the wood, which ultimately causes foundation problems.
