Foundation repairs are a necessary part of home ownership. While most homeowners dread the idea of calling an underpinning company, not calling one may lead to a bigger problem. As your foundation ages, it naturally sets in the ground, and your house may experience changes in the process. Some of these changes are normal, but you should take the time to inspect potential problem areas to see if your foundation is damaged.

Catching a problem early on can save you thousands of dollars in costly foundation repairs. In this post, we are going to explore four common signs that you should look out for when it comes to your home’s foundation.

1. Check If Your Walls Have Bowed in Your Basement

You are often going to notice most of your foundation problems in the basement. A large part of this is because you can see problem areas up close and below ground level. One common problem that you want to look for is if your walls have bowed.

When the soil surrounding your house is wet, it pushes against the foundation. Likewise, when it dries, it pushes away from it. This soil movement can stress weak areas in your foundation, causing the walls in your basement to bow.

Here are a few common reasons why soil expands:

  • Your footing drain doesn’t work and is causing water to build up
  • The soil around your house wasn’t compacted properly when your house was originally constructed
  • The gutters on your home may be clogged and not pushing water away from the house
  • Poor grading may be causing water to build up around your house

If the walls in your basement have bowed, it’s time to call your local underpinning company. While the damage may not seem significant, it does highlight a structural weakness in your foundation that could worsen over time.

2. Doors and Windows Seem out of Position

If your doors and windows seem out of place, there may be something wrong with your foundation. This problem typically occurs with newer houses where a foundation is still settling. Homeowners will find that their doors and windows don’t close properly.

You’ll also want to check for gaps between caulking on your windows and doors. If this occurs with older homes, you will want to call an underpinning company. Typically, the foundation on an older home is set in place and shouldn’t shift around too much. So, if it does, there may be a larger problem that requires immediate attention.

3. Visible Cracks

This reason is one of the more visible ones. If your home is made of brick and has a large crack, that crack was likely caused by a foundation problem.

You’ll want to check for cracks along the foundation, on your stairs, and any type of vertical cracking. Cracking can even occur inside your home. Check your drywall, plaster, wood paneling, and concrete slab or basement floor to see if it is cracking, split, or heaving.

4. Visible Chimney Problems

Your chimney is a great indicator of the quality of your foundation. While some chimneys aren’t connected to your foundation, many are.

If your home has one, look to see if the chimney is cracking or leaning. Should your chimney require repairing, we recommend you check the quality of your foundation while it is being fixed.

Don’t be afraid to call the experts. A professional underpinning company can easily help you determine if there is a potential problem at hand.

Work With Trusted Professionals

NTL Contracting and Waterproofing is a waterproofing and underpinning company with more than 20 years of experience. We work with residential and commercial clients in Toronto and throughout the GTA.

If you are worried about your home’s foundation, or think it may need repairs, contact us today.

  • NTL Contracting has been helping homeowners repair their foundations for more than 20 years.
  • We specialize in underpinning, waterproofing, demolition, and excavation.
  • Don’t take a chance when it comes to the foundation of your home. Trust the team of experts at NTL Contracting.