Signs of Foundation Problems

Inside the House

• Misaligned doors and windows
• Cracks in sheetrock
• Doors & windows that stick or won’t stay shut
• Sloping of the floor
• Cracks in the floor or tile

Outside the House

• Cracks in the brick
• Gaps around the doors and windows
• Cracks in the foundation
• Fascia board pulling away

In the Garage

• Separation from door
• Wall rotating our
• Cracked brick

In the Basement

• Walls leaning in or out
• Cracks in the wall
• Water intrusion

Causes of Foundation Failure

Evaporation
Hot dry wind and intense heat will often cause the soil to shrink beneath the foundation. This settlement may cause cracks to appear throughout the structure.

Transpiration
Tree roots may desiccate the soil beneath a home causing the soil to shrink and the home to settle.

Plumbing Leaks
Water from plumbing leaks is often a cause of foundation problems.

Drainage
Improper drainage is a leading cause of foundation failure. Excess moisture will erode or consolidate soils and cause settlement.

Poor Soil Conditions
Poor soil and its expansion and/or contraction contribute to foundation failure.

Inferior Foundation Construction
Insufficient steel and inferior concrete will contribute to movement in the slab.

Inferior Ground Preparation
Soft, low density soils and/or improperly compacted soil beneath a home is the leading cause of foundation failure. Cut and fill situations should be properly prepared before the soil is ready to support a structure.