Signs of a settling foundation
A previous blog was written to outline the causes of a cracked foundation. Now what are SIGNS of a settling foundation in a house? This question was posted on www.alignable.com. Listed below are some categories of reasons with insightful answers from various professionals and business entity represented:
**Cracks in walls indicates signs of a settling foundation. Specific pointers are:
Chris Rossi from Close Construction LLC Okeechobee FL Okeechobee, FL:
“Drywall seams will be “popping” …”
Camille Anderson from Masters General Contracting & Restoration in Chesterfield, MO:
“You will notice cracks in the garage walls etc. We always say keep an eye on the crack if you mark it with a pencil from the bottom of the crack and notice that the crack has gotten larger than I would recommend some one to come out and look at the areas of concern.”
**Other types of cracks which might be alarming signs of a settling foundation:
Nathan Myers from Bold Roofing Company Inc. in Dallas, TX:
“Check for cracked rafters in the attic. If you see that I promise you have a serious problem”
John Immitt from John V Immitt Project Mgmt in Port Washington, NY:
“Usually they are visually apparent. However, not all are structurally at issue, sometimes just a surface crack on the inside and not a through wall crack. If there’s a misalignment of either side you have an issue, or if there is water infiltration it’s an obvious through wall crack. Cracks can be due to settlement (usually occurs within a short time of it’s construction) or a change in structural bearing (as in additional loads imposed as occurs with renovations).”
Brett Farley from Clear Fork Construction in Fort Worth, TX:
“Cracked foundations usually show cracks in the flooring, uneven places under carpet that can be felt when you walk over it. Cracks will appear on the walls and run at angle from floor to ceiling.”
**Sloping floors could be another of the many signs of a settling foundation:
Jonathan Newman from Augusta Restoration Construction in Evans, GA:
“Sloping floors, cracking on the walls. Could be from the house settling. I’d have to see pictures. Or look at it in person to give a better answer.”
**Bowing walls can bring more issues than just the signs of a settling foundation:
Camille Anderson from Masters General Contracting & Restoration in Chesterfield, MO:
“Also bowing walls is a good indication that there is a problem.”
Tony Gebrael from Gebrael Construction Services in Flint, MI:
“It depends what the foundation walls are made of. If it’s block there could be bows indicating that the bond is broke. If it’s a poured wall there will be visible cracks and could leak.”
**Gaps in various areas of the house showcase signs of a settling foundation:
Josh Julian from Rain Gutters of Oklahoma in Mustang, OK:
“Gaps in between windows and Sheetrock / brick”
Juan R Dellanos from Dellanos Construction, Inc. in Tavernier, FL:
“Not so notable signs are separation from floor and baseboard, cracks around windows, drywall tape cracked or ripples in the tape and doors sticking in corners”
** The foundation is what holds the property upright, thus if anything is unstable, this will showcase other signs such as doors and windows that won’t close. This is yet another of the many signs of a settling foundation:
Brett Farley from Clear Fork Construction in Fort Worth, TX:
“If there are several doors interior and exterior that will not close is a sign something is not right, foundation has shifted or moved.”
**Windows won’t close- just like doors that won’t close, yet another of the many signs of a settling foundation:
Jim Dunphy from Patio Enclosures by Great Day Improvements in Macedonia, OH:
“Shifted sill plate, water seepage, high moisture, doors and windows whose openings are out of square”
Alan Baker Sr from Bacorp Building Group Inc in Forked River, NJ:
“Windows are not opening/closing.”
**Natural settling of the house is generally not a huge concern for signs of a settling foundation:
Brett Farley from Clear Fork Construction in Fort Worth, TX:
“Cracks straight up from the top of a door to the ceiling is NOT always a foundation issue, just normal settling of the house.”
John Immitt from John V Immitt Project Mgmt in Port Washington, NY:
“Usually they are visually apparent. However, not all are structurally at issue, sometimes just a surface crack on the inside and not a through wall crack. If there’s a misalignment of either side you have an issue, or if there is water infiltration it’s an obvious through wall crack. Cracks can be due to settlement (usually occurs within a short time of it’s construction) or a change in structural bearing (as in additional loads imposed as occurs with renovations).”
**Cost of repairs when observing signs of a settling foundation:
John Immitt from John V Immitt Project Mgmt in Port Washington, NY:
“These can be repaired but depending on the root cause can be quite costly. There are engineering/construction firms that specialize in this kind of work so reach out to some for an inspection.”
When Reel Property Solutions, LLC does a property tour, the condition of the foundation is one of the key indicators noted. With the extensive education from Fortune Builders, the networks at our fingertips, and other wonderful resources locally in the Rochester market, Reel Property Solutions, LLC has been taught many ways to evaluate the structure. This will directly affect the cost of repairs which will then in return affect the offer price. Not every remodeling company is comfortable with foundation renovations, therefore, seeking an expert can also bring forth a hefty price tag. The end results are to have a sound structure, top notch quality, and peace of mind living.
If you or someone you know has these types of signs of a settling foundation and is interested in selling that property, contact Reel Property Solutions, LLC.
info@reelpropertysolutionsllc.com OR 507-218-8788
*******DISCLAIMER: A bad foundation repair is extremely expensive. Therefore, the offer price to the home may be less than what you as the homeowner or representative of the home may have in mind.*********
