Each type of house foundation can acquire significant changes that can become concerning as well as potentially dangerous for the occupants. Over time, houses can settle into the ground, which can create movement that shifts the infrastructure. Seeing cracks on the walls or noticing doors that once worked perfectly are suddenly sticking to the doorframe can be alarming. However, there is no need to worry; staying alert and enlisting a professional’s help when necessary is the simple solution for a homeowner. It is important for homeowners to be aware of the common signs of foundation problems. Foundation repair companies are very familiar with four common issues that homeowners deal with regularly, including cracks on the interior/exterior of the home, doors and/or windows functioning improperly, settling concrete, and moldy crawl spaces. Each of these issues should be regarded seriously when considering solutions.
1. Cracking
A major indication of existing and/or future settlement is a crack on the interior/exterior of your home. Slab foundations, made of concrete, mostly contribute to wall cracks. Since these foundations are installed over soil, climate and the type of soil affect settlement within a house. In the North Florida region, soil is rather temperamental. During the warmer months, the soil expands, and during the colder months, the soil shrinks. Since the soil is expanding and contracting seasonally, a house must adapt to the movement, which is especially noticeable on walls when cracks appear.
The direction of a crack can suggest specific foundation problems for homeowners. For example, a horizontal crack in a brick exterior could signify that your house is settling more than the average amount. Generally, horizontal cracks are more serious than vertical cracks because they reveal that the foundation of the house is under a considerable amount of pressure.
2. Door/Window Malfunction
Another common sign of foundation issues is the malfunction of doors/windows in a home. When it takes the strength of both arms to open the sliding glass door, it is usually attributable to house settlement. Interior doors typically stick and drag at the top of the doorframe, making it difficult to open and close. Exterior doors usually appear uneven as the settlement intensifies because they no longer fit squarely within the doorframe. Gaps around window frames are commonplace when dealing with foundation issues; because of the gaps, windows will not latch or align correctly, preventing window usage.
3. Concrete Settling
Settling concrete issues can include sidewalk cracks, uneven patios and pool decks, and disproportionate driveways. These settlement issues can quickly create safety hazards, especially for children and the elderly. Constantly tripping while walking on your driveway is not an ideal situation, but a foundation repair company can easily remedy the problem by lifting and leveling the concrete. Settling concrete also destroys the carefully curated aesthetic of your home since curb appeal is an important facet of home owning and adds value for future sales.
4. Moldy Crawl Space
A damp and moldy crawl space may seem like a big project to take on, but there are fixes to even the worst situations. So, what exactly is mold? Mold is a common type of fungus that grows in moist and humid environments. Improper ventilation, a faulty drainage system, or harsh weather can establish an optimal atmosphere for mold growth. Mold can cause wood rot and insect infestation, which further weakens the already unstable foundation. If you start to notice that there is a substantial amount of humidity in your home even with the A/C circulating, or you start to smell a musty odor, it could be a sign of a moldy crawl space.
Fortunately, crawl space foundations were made to keep houses off the ground, which is imperative in damp climates, especially in the South. Crawl space foundations are convenient to homeowners because they are easily accessible; duct work and plumbing can run through the area effortlessly. While most homes are lifted, water from inclement weather or improper draining can still enter. A properly installed drainage system is crucial for a house with this type of foundation.
When homeowners hire professionals for their moldy crawl spaces, foundation repair companies use soda blasting to begin the mold remediation process. Soda blasting is used to clean the wood surfaces in a crawl space in order to entirely remove the mold spores. This treatment involves a compressed-air spray, utilizing high pressure and a chemically abrasive baking soda mixture to rid the wood of mold. Once mold spores are removed, then the encapsulation system begins. Encapsulation creates a controlled environment for the crawl space to prevent mold proliferation. The system consists of an impenetrable plastic sheet that covers the affected area and will permanently inhibit moisture from your crawl space. A dehumidifier could also be installed as another way to ensure mold will not return. As long as the affected area is kept below 55% humidity, potential mold is unable to cultivate.
Your home is an everyday oasis built for making memories and feeling safe but can easily be damaged by foundation issues. Fortunately, most of these potential problems have simple solutions. Overall, monitoring your house for the common signs of foundation issues is essential. A rule of thumb is the earlier you catch a foundation issue, the less challenging the repair. If left alone, foundation issues can spread and worsen over time. Remember that fixing issues cosmetically does not work in the long run. Covering a crack in the wall with paint or décor seems like an easy fix, but in reality, the problems will worsen over time. If the above issues are ignored and house remodeling is done, settlement will continue, cracks will begin to grow larger and the brand-new backsplash or granite countertops you installed could end up needing to be replaced, doubling your home improvement cost. The next time you notice your sliding glass door sticking or a crack in the patio, call a foundation repair company as soon as possible to avoid making what could be a simple fix into an economic catastrophe. Once the foundation issue is addressed, a foundation repair company will be able to assess the damage and find an efficient solution that fits your needs. In the end, you will still be able to say, “Home sweet home.” 
Demi Morelock
Home & Yard Magazine
