Your foundation is one of the most important parts of your home. For Texas homeowners, it’s essential to identify foundation issues before they get serious to keep your home safe and maintain its value. The unique soil composition and weather conditions in Texas can make homes more prone to foundation issues as they age. Knowing when it’s time to call a professional isn’t just a good idea, it’s an important step to protect your property.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the most common warning signs of foundation problems, why delaying repairs is a big mistake and how working with an experienced professional is the best way to address foundation issues before they become serious and more expensive to fix.
Common Warning Signs of Foundation Problems
Foundation issues almost never happen all of a sudden. They take time to develop, and your house will typically display several signs before serious issues arise. Knowing what to look for will make all the difference. It can also help you avoid wasting time and money in the future. Here are the primary warning signs you can spot on the inside, outside, and underneath your home.
Exterior Signs
Walk around your house and keep an eye out for these problems:
- Stair-step cracks in brick or masonry: These jagged, stair-like cracks are common in the exterior brick or stone around your house and indicate uneven settling of the foundation.
- Gaps around windows, doors, or garage doors: New gaps between a window or door frame and the surrounding brick or siding often indicate that sections of your home are sinking or shifting.
- Major foundation cracks: Thin hairline cracks are usually normal, but wide horizontal cracks or any vertical cracks larger than 1/8 of an inch indicate a serious issue with the foundation’s load-bearing capacity.
Interior Signs
Next, head inside your home and keep an eye out for these issues:
- Cracks in drywall or plaster: Cosmetic cracks are normal, but large diagonal cracks or cracks that run across the tops of doors, windows, or where walls meet the ceiling are more serious.
- Doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly: If a door or window that used to operate smoothly now sticks or doesn’t close all the way, it can indicate a shifting foundation.
- Sloping or uneven floors: Bouncy, sloped, or floors that suddenly pull away from the baseboards are a sign that the foundation underneath isn’t supporting the floors properly.
Crawl Space and Basement Clues
If your home has a crawl space or basement, take a look underneath the house as well:
- Standing water or moisture: If you notice water pooling, or excess humidity or moisture beneath your home, it can indicate your foundation has cracks or other weak points where water can seep in.
- Cracks or movement in support piers: Crumbling, tilting, or cracking of support piers directly underneath your home should be inspected by a professional immediately.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix Foundation Problems
Foundation problems may seem like minor annoyances, but it’s not a good idea to wait and see if things get worse. Here’s why it’s better to act quickly.
Structural Damage Can Get Worse
Water intrusion, foundation cracks, and foundation sinking will only continue to get worse if left unattended. As the soil beneath your home erodes, it can trigger further settling, additional cracks, and even bigger structural issues throughout your home like damaged plumbing, warped roofs, and cosmetic damage.
Repairs Get More Expensive Over Time
The longer you wait to fix foundation issues, the more complicated (and expensive) repairs will become. An easy-to-fix issue like a few piers can become a major house-leveling project that requires heavy equipment and additional labor costs. It almost always pays to address foundation problems sooner rather than later.
Your Home’s Value and Safety Are at Risk
Not only do serious foundation issues make your home more difficult to sell, but they can also significantly drag down your home’s value. And while no homeowner wants to deal with a hit to their investment, foundation problems also put your family’s safety at risk. In some extreme cases, major settling can lead to serious structural damage that is a hazard to your family.
Find Out What Your Foundation Really Needs
The Value of Professional Foundation Repair
A DIY approach to foundation repair may be tempting, but it’s always better to go with a professional when it comes to your foundation. Here’s why working with a pro matters:
Accurate Diagnosis with the Right Tools
Foundation repair professionals use advanced tools and techniques to inspect your home and get an accurate read on exactly where and by how much your foundation has moved. They’ll use laser levels and digital measuring equipment to produce a very accurate plan for repairs—far beyond what’s possible with a visual inspection.
Customized Repair Solutions
Not all foundation problems require the same fix. Professional contractors will assess your home’s situation and recommend the right solution, whether that’s steel piers, polyurethane foam injections, pier and beam adjustments, or other solutions. Choosing the right technique and method for your home ensures a long-lasting, solid outcome.
Warranties and Peace of Mind
Good foundation repair companies stand behind their work. Most offer warranties, which often are transferable if you sell your home, on their work giving you the peace of mind knowing the problem is fixed right. Plus, most professional companies take pride in their work and make sure you know what’s going on every step of the way.
What to Do Next: Get an Expert Opinion
If you’re seeing wall cracks, sticking doors, sagging floors, or other warning signs, it’s time to act. The longer you wait, the bigger and more expensive repairs can become and the greater the risk to your home’s safety and value.
Work with a qualified and insured professional for an honest assessment and smart repair plan. Black Beard Foundation Repair is an experienced local company with extensive knowledge of the types of soil and weather conditions found across Texas. Their team provides free inspections and works with customers using advanced repair techniques and clear communication to ensure quality work. Contact Black Beard Foundation Repair today to schedule an inspection and learn more about the best ways to protect your investment and make sure your home stands on solid ground for years to come.
