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Know the Signs of Foundation Failure in Your Chicago and Arlington Heights Area Home

A home or building’s foundation is one of its most important aspects, and yet homeowners often forget it’s even there. Avoid the “out of sight, out of mind” trap, and instead keep an eye out for any existing and possible future issues in your foundation.

INSIDE

Signs on the inside of the house that indicate foundation problems may include:

  • 1. Doors and windows that are misaligned
  • 2. Cracks in the sheetrock
  • 3. Doors and windows that are sticking
  • 4. Sloping of the floor
  • 5. Cracks in the floor or tile

OUTSIDE

Signs on the inside of the house that indicate foundation problems may include:

  • 6. Cracks in the brick
  • 7. Gaps around the doors and windows
  • 8. Cracks in the foundation
  • 9. Fascia board pulling away

GARAGE

Signs in the garage that indicate foundation problems may include:

  • 10. Separation from door
  • 11. Wall rotating out
  • 12. Cracked brick

BASEMENT

Signs in the basement that indicate foundation problems may include:

  • 13. Walls leaning in or out
  • 14. Cracks in the wall
  • 15. Water intrusion

What Is Foundation Failure?

Foundation failure doesn’t mean that your home will immediately fall to pieces. Instead, it means that something has damaged the foundation and poses a threat to your home’s stability. Although foundation failure can stem from many different factors, the two main contributors include flooding and drought.

Soil changes and humid climates yield foundation issues. Unless moisture and water are properly drained away from the foundation, they can pool beneath your home. This creates problems such as rot, bulging, cracks, and more. To avoid advanced problems, keep an eye out for the telltale signs of foundation failure in the Chicago, Orland Parks, and Arlington Heights areas.

Signs to Watch Out For

When you’re indoors, keep an eye out for cracks in your walls over doorways, windows, and especially where walls meet ceilings. If you discover cracks in your vinyl or ceramic tile, this also indicates that your foundation has been compromised. Any slanted or uneven flooring points to a sinking foundation.

Misaligned or sticking windows and doors are also obvious signs of foundation problems. Look for any windows, doors, or garage doors that seem to be separating from their frames. Keep an eye out for spaces or gaps between walls and ceilings, as well as between walls and floors.

If you notice water leakage in your building or home, it usually means that you have a moisture drainage problem. Even though poor drainage is different from foundation instability, it can also cause foundation failure in Arlington Heights, Orland Park, and Chicago.

When you’re outdoors, you should examine exterior brick walls and cement for cracks, bulges, or curves. At times, interior and exterior walls can even rotate outside their placement. All these things are sure signs that your foundation needs help as soon as possible.

How to Avoid Advanced Issues

The best thing you can do for your home is to pay attention to the above signs. If you begin to notice any of these signs or problems, contact a foundation repair company immediately. Safeguard Waterproofing has the experience and knowledge you need to fix any and all foundational issues.

Call us at (847) 603-4048 to fix your foundation failure in the Chicago, Orland Park, and Arlington area today.