Older homes offer a lot in terms of charm and quality craftsmanship. However, there are also many common foundation issues found in old homes.
Here are some problems you should watch for and what you can do to safeguard your home’s foundation.
1. Cracks in Foundation Walls
Cracks are among the easiest to spot signs of foundation issues. However, not all cracks are the same. Structural cracks can run vertically, diagonally, or horizontally, and indicate movement that may be a problem.
Non-structural cracks, typically hairline cracks, are caused by concrete shrinkage or minor settling. These are less concerning, but you should keep an eye on them in case they’re becoming wider or letting water in.
Any cracks wider than ⅛ inch should be addressed as soon as possible. Have an expert assess the severity to find out whether you need foundation repair. The same is true if you notice any cracks growing over time.
2. Floors That Are Uneven or Sloping
Uneven floors are a major symptom of common foundation issues found in old homes. They show that your home’s foundation has shifted or settled unevenly.
Older homes often face this issue due to deteriorating materials.
You can check to see whether a floor has become uneven by simply placing a marble, ball, or other round object on the floor. If it rolls in one direction, you have an issue. You can take a closer look with tools such as laser levels.
The uneven floors can indicate a variety of issues that call for urgent repairs. Sinking floor joists, deteriorated beams, or foundation shifting are all reasons to seek out expert assistance as soon as possible.
3. Doors and Windows That Stick
Have you noticed that doors or windows that used to work fine now seem to stick closed? This can actually indicate serious problems with your home’s foundation. While minor sticking can result from many issues, persistent difficulties should be addressed.
Common foundation issues found in old homes can shift the entire structure. This distorts door and window frames, disrupting the precise fit. Doors and windows might be impossible to latch, show gaps, or require significant force to close.
Adjustments to the door or window can seemingly solve the problem, but don’t ignore the long-term issue. Treating the symptoms isn’t the right way to approach foundation issues, as it lets them get worse over time.
4. Water Intrusion and Signs of Moisture
Water intrusion is a major concern in any home, but it is one of the common foundation issues found in old homes. When water can work its way in through cracks, it potentially leads to serious long-term damage.
If you’ve noticed musty odors, damp walls, or standing water in your basement, you should take action. Long-term water intrusion can lead to mold, rot, and other damage that could require costly mitigation.
Water intrusion is also a concern because it could indicate high hydrostatic pressure against basement walls. If water is pooling around your foundation, the pressure can eventually lead to cracking, bowing, and structural shifting.
Proper basement waterproofing is important to safeguard your home’s foundation. While you may already need foundation repairs, getting the appropriate grading and gutters for your home can prevent future issues.
5. Basement Walls That Bow or Crack
Your home’s foundation has to resist significant forces, with the saturation of soil outside the basement walls causing expansion and pushing inward. This makes bowing or cracked basement walls one of the most common foundation issues found in old homes.
As the walls shift, they can develop horizontal or star-step cracks. These indicate increasing pressure on the wall. If you don’t get the repairs needed to relieve that pressure, the wall could eventually collapse.
A variety of solutions may reverse bowing depending on the extent. Wall anchors and steel beams are common examples. However, every case is unique and will also include addressing the underlying issues behind the foundation damage.
If you notice cracks affecting your basement walls, monitor them closely, and if they’re growing, you should seek expert assistance. Additionally, if there is a visible bow to your basement walls, you are likely in need of urgent foundation repair.
6. A Sinking Foundation
Your home’s foundation is meant to spread weight evenly across the soil underneath. However, over time, soil conditions can change and no longer provide effective support. These are common foundation issues in old homes that lack modern footings.
As a foundation sinks, it is likely to do so unevenly, leading to unlevel floors throughout your home. You may also notice cracks in the walls as the entire structure shifts. Settlement is a slow process, but it will continue to progress if it isn’t addressed.
Depending on the specific situation, there are several solutions for a sinking foundation. Foundation piers can be installed to provide effective support and raise the foundation back to its proper position.
Scheduling routine inspections for your home will help catch issues like a sinking foundation. If spotted early, repairs may be minor, and you may be able to address the problems through drain management and load balancing to prevent further sinking.
7. New Gaps Around Doors and Windows
When your home’s foundation shifts, the entire structure of the house shifts. Even minor movement can lead to serious damage, so you should watch for subtle signs. New gaps around doors or windows are a perfect example.
Doors and windows are installed precisely to prevent gaps and drafts. If you notice gaps around doors and windows, it can indicate underlying problems with your foundation.
These gaps pose an immediate issue as they can allow drafts, pests, and moisture into your home. If your energy bills have been going up, it could be due to gaps causing your home’s cooling and heating to work harder.
8. Mold Growth
Mold is one of the most common foundation issues found in old homes. Any moisture working its way into your basement can quickly lead to mold growth, affecting walls, flooring, and other materials.
If you notice any mold in your basement, you shouldn’t just clean it up. It indicates a moisture issue that must be addressed. Keep in mind that there may be much more mold than what you see, especially behind drywall.
Mold poses serious health concerns and can carry significant remediation costs to remove from your home. Finding the source of the issue at hand and dealing with any moisture intrusion or foundation cracks lets you keep mold out of your home for good.
What Makes Foundation Issues So Common in Older Homes?
Several key factors contribute to common foundation issues found in old homes, in particular. They include:
- Outdated construction techniques don’t follow the same standards as modern houses
- Insufficient waterproofing lets moisture penetrate foundations more easily
- Soil can settle or become unstable over long time periods, and cause uneven support
- Wood beams, mortar, and other construction materials can deteriorate over time
- Drainage systems around older homes are often inadequate to prevent foundation issues
Together, these factors lead to foundation issues being commonplace for older homes. However, you can take steps to prevent the serious consequences that come with a faulty foundation.
The Dangers of Leaving Foundation Issues Unaddressed
Even seemingly minor foundation issues are something you shouldn’t ignore. They only get worse over time, and a complete foundation replacement can cost $150,000 or more.
If you leave issues like cracks, bowing walls, moisture, and other common foundation issues found in old homes unaddressed, they can lead to lasting damage.
That affects not just your foundations, but also framing, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
This also impacts your home value, making future sales more difficult. Your insurance provider might also take neglect into account and reduce or even refuse payouts for future foundation repairs.
FAQ
Here are some frequent questions homeowners have about common foundation issues found in old homes.
Turn to Crossroads Foundation Repair for Effective Fixes for Foundation Problems
Have you noticed any of these common foundation issues found in old homes? If so, reach out to Crossroads Foundation Repair to find an effective foundation repair solution.
You can count on our decades of experience and commitment to lasting solutions to keep your property stable and safe. Contact us today for all your foundation repair needs.
