Signs of Foundation Problems

Foundation problems often appear on the exterior of a building, in the form of cracks in mortar or bricks. On the interior, these problems show up as sticking doors or sheetrock cracking.

Exterior

Bricks — Cracks in mortar and broken bricks are frequently caused by flexing of the slab. The mortar is weaker than the bricks and the bond between mortar and bricks weaker still.

Foundation — Cracks in the slab are most often caused by shrinking of the soil underneath one section, but can be due to swelling in another area of the slab.

Patios and Porches — Cracks or sloping floors are usually indicators of problems.

Sidewalks/Driveways (close to slab) — Broken or tilted sections caused by soil movement.

Fascia Boards — As bricks shift, gaps are created around the fascia boards.

Interior

Doors — When doors stick or have cracks at the corners of their frames, it is usually due to foundation problems.

Floors — Sloping/uneven floors, furniture sliding or low spots are usually due to slab movement. Squeaky floors may be only loose boards that can be re-nailed, but they could be caused by foundation problems.

Walls — Wrinkles in wallpaper, cracks in sheetrock or gaps between the wall and moldings can be signs of foundation problems.

Windows — Binding and sticking sashes are usually indicators of stress that has distorted the window frame. Stress can also cause broken panes. Cracks will occur in the wall at the corner of the frame if it is distorted.