5 signs that a home has foundation problems

Problems in a home's foundation can be extremely serious, costing upwards of thousands of dollars to repair. Whether you're touring a home you're considering buying or you think your older home's foundation might be wearing out, it's important to know the signs of foundation issues so that you can spot them when they occur. Here are a few:

  • Doors that won't close. If some of the doors in the house jam when closed or refuse to latch completely shut, it's a sign that the foundation may have shifted since the home was built. 
  • Cracks or bulges in walls. When a home's foundation shifts, the walls begin to warp, causing bulging and cracking. If the home has wallpaper, look for tearing, as this could be a sign of cracking in the wall underneath.
  • Cracks in the floor. Tiling laid over concrete floors in homes with foundation issues often cracks or splits, so be on the lookout for any inconsistencies in floor tiling. 
  • Cracks in exterior brick. If you can trace a clear line where a section of bricks has split apart at the mortar, this is a sure sign that some shifting has recently taken place in the foundation. 
  • Chipping or flaking in concrete. In poured concrete foundations, external chipping and flaking can indicate internal problems as well. If you see that your foundation has chipping or flaking, test it by attempting to chip off a piece with a screwdriver. If you can, it's a sign that the concrete may be disintegrating due to being poorly mixed. This is a common problem in homes from the early 1900s.

To check your home for possible foundation issues, or to schedule a home inspection for a property you're looking at, contact Alban Inspections today.