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While any home can encounter problems, older homes tend to be much more susceptible to different types of damage. This is especially true when it comes to foundation problems, which are especially common in older homes. Here are some of the things to watch for that may be signs of a hidden foundation problem.
Uneven or Sloping Floors
If your floors are uneven or sloping, that could be a sign of a sinking foundation, which may be caused by voids forming in the soil underneath the cement slab. This sort of unevenness may be extremely noticeable or hardly evident at all, depending on the severity of the sinking foundation. If you suspect even slightly that your floors are beginning to slope, consider calling a foundation repair company to come inspect them. Doing so will make it possible to catch a foundation problem before it becomes too serious.
Crack Formation
Any cracks that may form may also be a sign of growing foundation problems. They will first appear on your floors and eventually may spread to your home’s walls. Like with the sloping, this is caused by the shrinking of soil, which can leave your foundation not as stable as it should be. Besides cracks, gaps will also begin forming between your home’s molding, which can also be seen with uneven flooring.
Windows not Opening and Closing Properly
Another major sign of foundation problems to watch for are doors and windows are not opening and closing properly. Like with the floors, this could be due to your foundation sloping or cracking. If you notice any problems with your doors or windows not closing properly, that is another time when you should consider calling a foundation repair company to come inspect your home’s foundation to determine if there is a problem or not.
Gaps between your Home and Roof
Regardless of the type of foundation you have, gaps between your home and roof or leading into your crawlspace can allow for water to seep in. In the case of a crawlspace—common in homes that are built on a pier-and-beam foundation—gaps can lead to flooding, which can then lead to mold and wood rot that can weaken your foundation’s stability. Similarly, gaps closer to your roof can allow moisture to seep in and also cause mold to form on your ceiling or the upper portions of your walls.
No matter how small these problems may seem, ignoring them allows them to become worse, which can lead to bigger problems for you later on. With an older home, that can make repairs much more costly than they would be with newer construction. As shown above, problems go well beyond cosmetic problems; they can even end up affecting your plumbing, which is an equally expensive repair to make.
Taking proper care of these problems sooner rather than later will make it possible for you to call that old house ‘home’ for many years to come. So if you notice any of these signs of foundation problems in your home, be sure to schedule an inspection and consultation as soon as possible.