For most people, a home is the most expensive thing they will ever own. Along with the financial value, a home also has a lot of personal value –it is where you live and where you raise your family.

With homes being so valuable, it only makes sense to protect that investment. That means you need to be on the lookout for any issues that could pose a risk to your home. Among the things that can put your home at risk, foundation problems can be some of the most significant.

Unfortunately, many people do not know how to identify foundation problems. They might even notice the symptoms, but they don’t connect the issue they are seeing with the foundation. As a result, the foundation problem gets worse, and they end up having to pay more to get it fixed.

In this post, we are going to look at some of the signs that can indicate a need for foundation repair.

Interior or Exterior Cracks

Cracks in walls, floors or ceilings can be some of the most telling signs of foundation trouble. It is not to say that all cracks are the result of foundation problems. Most cracks are the result of rather benign processes.

It is when you see long or wide cracks that you need to worry. If you see a long crack that snakes and zigzags its way up a wall, it is a bad sign. If you have a brick wall with a long crack that follows a step-like pattern around the bricks, that could indicate a problem.

You might also notice a long crack in your drywall or cracks that extend away from a door or window frame. This could be the result of the foundation moving.  As a result of the movement, it moves different components of the home and causes cracks.

Bowed Walls

If you notice any walls that look like they are starting to bow or bulge, it could be a sign that your foundation has moved. On a brick wall, you might also notice that it looks like some of the bricks are being pushed out.

This is similar to why cracks may appear in some walls. When a foundation moves, it might put pressure on some of the walls. As that pressure builds, it will start to push the wall out or force the material to bow or bend. If you are looking at an interior wall, you might notice some of the nails starting to push out from the drywall.

Doors and Windows that Stick

In many cases, a door or window that sticks just needs to be adjusted or lubricated. However, it can also be a sign of foundation trouble. As a foundation moves, it can put pressure on the door or window and make it difficult to open or close.

If the door or window looks uneven, that could be an additional sign that there is an issue with the foundation. You might also notice cracks around the frame or the frame might start to separate from the rest of the house.

Sagging Floors or Ceilings

Foundation trouble can cause floors or ceilings to sag. When the foundation shifts, it can cause the weight of the house to sit unevenly. As a result, this can make floors and ceilings start to sag. You might also notice that the floors are not level or that they feel sort of springy when you walk in certain areas. Any of these issues can be a sign of foundation problems.

Chimney Movement

If your chimney moves, looks like it is leaning or starts to separate from the house, this could indicate a need for foundation repair. As an additional issue, it puts the chimney at risk for collapse, and that could be a danger to people and a hazard to your property.

You should also keep an eye on other outdoor structures that are attached to your house. If you have a set of concrete stairs, a patio or a porch that looks like it is sagging or separating from the house, it could be a sign of foundation problems.

If you have foundation issues, it is better to address them sooner rather than later. The damage usually gets worse with time and it can cause all sorts of damage to the rest of the home. By getting your foundation inspected and repaired early, you can save yourself a lot of money and prevent additional damage.