Damaged foundations and cracked walls don’t just make it hard for you to sell your home or business should you want to, but also make it hazardous and dangerous for anyone living or working inside it.
If you’ve spotted damage to the walls or foundation of your home or business, it’s important to have it professionally inspected and assessed by a masonry contractor. While some cracks may seem harmless, they could be the cause of a sinking foundation, and structural cracks must be repaired at the earliest.
It can be helpful to know what to look for should your home or business be facing structural issues, and the following information should be of help:
What are some of the signs of foundational issues inside a building?
If you’ve noticed cracks on the drywall or ceiling, this could be an indicator of foundational problems, as could doors and windows not closing properly. Floorboards that are bowing or sagging could also be of concern, and if there are any leaning foundational beams or leaks in your basement, this could also point towards a problem with the building’s foundation.
What are some of the signs of foundational issues outside a building?
If your porch is drooping, there are spaces near your doors and windows, or your chimney has begun to lean to one side, you may have issues with the integrity of your foundation. However, perhaps one of the most obvious signs of foundational issues are cracks in your brickwork.
More about cracks and what they might mean for your foundation
There are many different types of cracks, and depending on their size and direction, they may indicate different problems and have their own set of solutions. Below are some of the most common cracks buildings experience:
- Stairstep cracks
Typically found on the exterior walls of a brick building, these cracks are shaped like stairsteps, and can indicate a shifting of the foundation that will likely require repairs from an experienced masonry contractor. Forming when bricks separate from each other as the foundation moves, they are commonly found in older homes and are normally accompanied by leaks.
If your home or commercial building is older, look out for leaks and if spotted, have the brickwork repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and expense.
- Horizontal cracks
This type of crack is a tell-tale sign that your building’s foundation is in need of repair, and they usually happen when the ground surrounding the structure presses against the foundation, causing the walls to bow inward. The bowing goes on to cause cracks, and if left unrepaired, will ultimately cause the wall(s) to collapse.
This type of crack calls for immediate repairs from a qualified masonry contractor, and should never be ignored.
- Vertical cracks
Just as with horizontal cracks, these usually indicate that the building is suffering from foundational issues, and are caused by the shifting of the soil around the building. If the continue continues to shift, vertical cracks will inevitably appear, and if left unrepaired, can turn into bigger cracks that threaten the integrity of the walls, beams and other supporting structures.
These cracks also call for immediate treatment from a skilled masonry contractor.
Foundation issues can be very serious, and ignoring them will only ever lead to further damage and even more expense further down the line. If you suspect your building may have foundational issues, seek an assessment from a masonry contractor at the earliest opportunity.