What Are the Signs of Foundation Damage?

Walls and Ceilings

• Cracks are one of the first signs of foundation damage that you will notice throughout the property. Look for cracks on the interior walls and ceilings. These should include in corners, around windows and doors and at points where two walls meet together. If your property has a brick fireplace, look for cracks surrounding it or on the fireplace itself. Outside the home, look for cracks on exterior walls or around exterior surfaces such as porch areas.

Doors and Windows

• Aside from cracks around the doors and windows of your property, if the foundation is damaged, doors and windows will not shut correctly, Go around the inside of your property and check each door and window to ensure that it closes tightly with the binding. If doors are uneven or will not close at all, it is likely there is foundation damage.

Drainage

• Most homes are built with a drainage system to handle rain and snow runoff. If you notice standing water around the exterior of your property after a rainstorm, it may be a sign of foundation damage.

Flooring

• Cracks in the flooring of the property are also a sign of foundation damage. Look for cracks in tile and other flooring, especially where the flooring meets the wall. Floors that are sunken can also be a sign of foundation damage. Check for areas inside the property where flooring is uneven or appears to have sunken down.

Roof

• A roof leaking may not be an instant sign of foundation damage. For instance, if your roofing material is old and worn, then leaking may be a sign of a new roof being needed rather than foundation damage. If your roofing material is in good shape, however, and you notice frequent leaks, this can be a sign of foundation damage. Check for leaks in areas where the rooftop meets the walls of the property and especially in areas where you may have noticed cracks in interior and exterior walls.