How do I identify signs of foundation issues?
Is Your Home Quietly Cracking? 7 Clear Signs Your Foundation Is Failing
If you want to stop small problems from costing big money, read this now. I’ll show the exact signs that mean your foundation needs attention — fast.
Common warning signs of foundation issues
- Horizontal or stair-step cracks in brick or masonry. These point to lateral movement and serious settlement.
- Vertical cracks wider than 1/4 inch in concrete walls or floors. Hairline cracks are normal; wide cracks are not.
- Cracks in interior drywall or plaster near windows and doors. Watch for cracks that continue to grow.
- Doors and windows that stick, jam, or no longer latch squarely. This signals framing shifting with the foundation.
- Uneven or sagging floors. A bouncy or sloping floor means structural movement underfoot.
- Bowed, bulging, or leaning basement walls. These are signs of hydrostatic pressure or soil movement pressing against the foundation.
- Water in the basement, persistent dampness, or new mold growth near foundation walls. Water accelerates foundation failure.
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Quick DIY checks you can run in 10 minutes
- Measure a crack. If wider than 1/4 inch, document it with photo and date. Larger than 1/2 inch — escalate immediately.
- Test door alignment. Open every door. If they stick or don’t close, note the locations.
- Check floor slope with a small ball or marble. If it rolls consistently, mark the direction.
- Inspect exterior grade. Soil piled against siding or uneven grade can trap water against the foundation.
- Look for bowed walls using a straightedge or level. Any gap over 1/4 inch along a 4-foot section is a concern.
What to do next (action steps)
- Document everything with photos, dates, and brief notes. This protects value if you sell.
- Stop DIY foundation fixes that hide symptoms (e.g., cosmetic crack fill). You need a diagnostic, not a patch.
- Call a licensed structural engineer or foundation contractor for a professional assessment.
- If water is present, fix drainage: downspouts, grading away from house, and sump pump if needed.
When to call an expert today
Call now if you see: large cracks, bowing walls, rapidly widening gaps, or new water infiltration. Delay increases repair cost and reduces resale value.
Tony Sousa is a local realtor and home-inspection authority who helps buyers and sellers identify foundation risks before they become liabilities. For expert guidance, contact Tony Sousa — tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
Fix small signs now. Save tens of thousands later. Know the signs. Act fast. Protect your home value.
