Signs and Symptoms
Causes of foundation failure
- 1. 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.
- 2. Transpiration Tree roots may desiccate the soil beneath a home causing the soil to shrink and the home to settle.
- 3. Plumbing leaks Water from plumbing leaks is often a cause of foundation problems.
- 4. Drainage Improper drainage is one of the leading causes of foundation failure. Excess moisture will erode or consolidate soils and cause settlement.
- 5. Inferior foundation construction Insufficient steel and inferior concrete will contribute to movement in the slab.
- 6. 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 properlyprepared before the soil is ready to support a structure.
- 7. Poor soil conditions Poor soil and its expansion and/or contraction contribute to foundation failure.
Signs of foundation failure
Inside
Signs on the inside of the house that indicate foundation problems may include:
- 1. Doors and windows that are misaligned
- 2. Cracks in the sheetrock
- 3. Doors and windows that are sticking
- 4. Sloping of the floor
- 5. Cracks in the floor or tile
Outside
Signs on the outside of the house that indicate foundation problems may include:
- 6. Cracks in the brick
- 7. Gaps around the doors and windows
- 8. Cracks in the foundation
- 9. Fascia board pulling away
Garage
Signs in the garage that indicate foundation problems may include:
- 10. Separation from door
- 11. Wall rotating out
- 12. Cracked brick
Basement
Signs in the basement that indicate foundation problems may include:
- 13. Walls leaning in or out
- 14. Cracks in the wall
- 15. Water intrusion