Can Foundation Issues Be Fixed?

Foundation problems may not initially appear to be a source of trouble, but over time they can be. Small, minor cracks can usually easily be fixed if they’re caught early. But what may appear to be something minor can, over time, grow beyond your control. An ever expanding crack, for instance, can lead to serious foundation issues.

Determining whether you have a foundation problem can be tricky. If it’s an older house, some of these issues may have lingered long before you purchased it, and they may be nothing to worry about it. If you think that you have foundation problems, then you should reach out to a foundation repair company to perform an inspection and confront the issue before it gets worse.

Types of Foundation Problems

There are several types of foundation problems that can cause you a major headache, but can also be repaired, so let’s explore:

Exterior Cracks

Every house is bound to have a few minor cracks; it comes with the territory. Small, minor cracks that often appear in your exterior walls or in concrete steps are usually minor and may not need repair. But, if you do have large cracks or unusually shaped cracks in those particular areas, such as a zig zag shaped crack, then you might have something wrong with your foundation. If you have brick walls and some of them are coming loose or are starting to stick out, then you should have your foundation checked right away.

Crooked Doors and Uneven Floors

A crooked door is not an unusual thing, especially in an old house. However if you have a door that seems to be a bit off kilter or if it doesn’t fit properly into its frame, it could be due to a foundation problem. Check above the door to see if you have any cracks; even hairline ones in this situation can be problematic.

The same can be said for floors. We’d like to think that all homes have even, solid floors, but if the foundation has issues, then you’ll find that your floors may tilt a bit, especially if the gradient is more than two inches every 15 feet.

If you have wood floors in your Austin home, you may be experiencing normal wear and tear over the years. But, there may be other issues, such as wood rot, caused either by water damage, termites, etc., beneath your home. Foundation problems, in addition to wood rot, can cause the floor to have a bouncing sensation when you walk on it. If you’re encountering this, you’ll want to get a foundation inspection, as your home’s foundation may be in need of serious repair.

Cracks in Your Sheetrock

If you have sheetrock walls and are starting to notice cracks, it could be a foundation problem. If you notice a zig zag crack running the full length of the wall, wallpaper starting to peel, or additional cracks where the wall meets the ceiling, these could be signs of foundation damage.

Door and Window Frames

Door and window frames can also fall victim to cracks and foundation problems. If you notice that there is any type of separation in these frames, then you may have a foundation issue. Check the molding and trim around doors and windows. If you notice the caulk pulling away, or it appears uneven, or if you notice gaps between the window frame and the wall, you should have your foundation inspected.

Pier & Beam Foundations

Wood piers and beams can deteriorate over time. Even pressure-treated wood meant to withstand the elements may be affected over the years. This can be caused by a number of factors, including increased humidity, excessive moisture in a basement (if you have one) or crawlspace, flood damage, or problems with termites or ants. This type of damage can greatly impact the quality of your foundation, so if you suspect this is happening, or you notice wood rot, contact a foundation repair specialist right away. Learn more about our pier and beam foundation repair services here.

Floor Tile Issues that May Indicate Foundation Issues

Tile is very durable, and in Austin and most of Central Texas, many homes have tile floors because it helps keep the home cool in the summer months, when temperatures can reach into the 100s. However, tile is not immune to cracks, and over time you may experience small cracks in places such as your kitchen and bathroom. Some cracks may be minor, especially in the caulk which may need a reseal, but if you see larger ones, or the tiles start to shift from how they’re set, then it could be indicative of a larger problem.

If you come across new or old cracks in your home’s foundation, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Many of these above issues can be fixed, but it’s finding out the cause and the source of the issue that can take some detective work. If you are having issues with your foundation, reach out to our Austin and San Marcos foundation repair company. Our highly experienced team will thoroughly evaluate your home’s foundation and work with you to safely and properly fix any problems you might have.