Have you noticed large cracks forming in the exterior of your home’s foundation? This could potentially be a huge problem that you should not ignore.

While small cracks in a foundation are usually not anything you need to be too concerned about, larger ones–especially those that appear in zig-zag patterns–could indicate a serious issue with your home’s foundation. Your entire structure could be compromised if you don’t spring into action.

There are also other signs of foundation problems that you should look out for throughout your home. If you spot any of them, you should seek the services of a company that specializes in foundation repair right away.

Check out 7 telltale signs of foundation problems in your home below.

1. Cracks in Drywall

Take a look at the drywall throughout your home from time to time. Do you see any cracks in it?

It’s normal to see some small cracking take place near the corners of windows and doors. As your house settles over the years, it can shift every so slightly and cause these tiny cracks to occur.

But if you see larger cracks in your drywall, it’s a cause for concern just like with large cracks in the outside of your foundation. You should investigate further to see if your foundation might be causing these cracks to show up.

You should also keep an eye out for cracks in other areas of your home. For example, you’ll often see cracks form in tile floors and some other types of flooring when there is a problem with your home’s foundation.

2. Stuck Windows and Doors

Do you have to force your home’s windows and doors to open and close on a regular basis?

In some cases, this could be an indication that you need to invest in new windows and doors. If they’re old, that could be the reason why they’re not opening and closing easily. The weather can also affect windows and doors and make them hard to unstick.

But this can be the indication of foundation problems. When your foundation starts to shift around too much, it can make it extremely difficult for you to open and close your windows and doors without putting a ton of effort into it.

Outside of monitoring your windows and doors, keep an eye on your garage door as well. When there is a problem with your foundation, you’ll sometimes see a gap form in between your garage door and the ground.

3. Uneven Floors

Does it feel like you’re walking uphill or downhill in some parts of your home? It might only be a little bit noticeable to you and your family members, but this could be a sign of a foundation problem.

In addition to causing cracks to show up in floors, a faulty foundation can also result in your entire home slowly sinking down into the ground. This can lead to your floors becoming uneven.

Pay attention to how you feel when you’re walking around in your home. If something just doesn’t feel right with your floors, it’s one of the telltale signs of foundation problems. 

4. Sinking Porch

A bad foundation can wreak havoc on more than just your home. It can also cause major problems with the things that are attached to your house, including your porch and your deck if you have one or both of them.

Many homeowners who are experiencing foundation problems will notice that their porch will start sinking into the ground. It’ll also begin to crack in different places and look structurally unsound.

Additionally, people with foundation problems will often see their deck start to pull away from their home in some instances. This could be caused by an issue with the deck itself, but it can also be the result of a serious foundation problem.

5. Leaning Chimney

Does your home’s chimney look like it’s leaning? This could actually mean one of two things.

If your chimney is leaning towards your home, it more often than not means that you are experiencing some kind of structural problem with your house. You’ll want to get it checked out right away so that your chimney doesn’t start disintegrating and sending bricks down on your home.

If, however, your chimney is leaning away from your home, it more often than not means that you are experiencing some kind of foundation problem. Your chimney could fall over if you don’t tend to that problem quickly.

6. Bowed Basement Walls

There are times when the dirt that surrounds a home’s foundation will apply pressure to the foundation and cause it to push inwards. When this occurs, the walls in your basement will often bow inwards right along with it.

It’s good to get into the habit of inspecting your basement walls every so often. If they’re bowing or if they have any cracking in them, it might be time to schedule foundation repairs.

7. Wet Basement

There are all kinds of things that can cause your basement to flood. A backed-up drain in the basement, for instance, can lead to a wet basement and a serious need for clean-up.

But one of the most common causes of a wet basement is cracks and holes in a home’s foundation. These cracks and holes can allow water to come into your home continuously if you don’t have them patched up or fixed otherwise.

Obtain these services if you ever notice water in your basement. They can protect your home from foundation problems.

Look out For Signs of Foundation Problems

Your foundation is one of the most important aspects of your entire home. You might not spend a ton of time thinking about it, but if it’s not strong, it could cause lots of different issues throughout your house.

By looking out for the signs of foundation problems listed here, you can protect your home and keep it safe. These signs will let you know that you need to get someone to your home ASAP for foundation repair services.

Read our blog to see why you should always steer clear of purchasing a home with foundation problems.