Key takeaways
- One sign may be nothing, and two or three together deserve an inspection.
- Stair-step cracks, widening cracks and sloping floors are the most serious clues.
- Early repairs cost less than waiting.
Inside the house
Doors and windows that stick or will not latch, cracks in drywall that run diagonally from corners of openings, gaps between walls and ceilings or floors and sloping or bouncy floors are common interior signs.
Cracked tile and a floor that feels uneven underfoot are signs too, especially if they appear within the same season.
Outside the house
Stair-step cracks in brick or block, horizontal cracks in basement walls, a chimney or porch pulling away and gaps around windows are exterior signs. Water pooling against the wall and gutters that overflow at the same spot add to the picture.
Look at the foundation in dry and wet seasons, since clay soil moves with moisture.
What to do next
Photograph the signs, mark the ends of cracks with a pencil and the date and measure the width. Fix drainage problems that you can. Then ask for an inspection, which will tell you whether it is cosmetic or structural.
Our Crack Reader gives a first read on common crack types.
Related services
Quick answers
Are all cracks serious?
No. Hairline vertical cracks from curing are common, and wider, stair-step or horizontal cracks and cracks that grow deserve attention.
How fast do foundation problems get worse?
It varies. Some move seasonally and others progress steadily, and water is often the accelerator.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-209-7643.