Owning a home in Bloomington is fantastic, but those picturesque limestone facades sometimes hide a lurking issue: common foundation problems in Bloomington. Foundations are like the unsung heroes holding your home together, and ignoring warning signs is like neglecting a toothache – it only gets worse (and more expensive) with time.

3 Common Foundation Problems In Bloomington Homes

Let’s face it – Bloomington’s weather can be a bit of a drama queen. Those freeze-thaw cycles? They mess with our soil, making it expand and contract like an accordion, wreaking havoc on foundations. This often leads to cracks, uneven settling, and sometimes a sinking feeling – literally.

1. Settling or Sinking

Notice a spot a gap between the wall and the ceiling growing bigger? That’s Bloomington’s clay-rich, expansive soil at work. It shifts over time, causing your foundation to sink unevenly, leading to cracks in foundation walls and unsettling slopes in your home. Foundation piers are one way to fix this problem.

Image shows a settling foundation which is typically fixed with piering.

2. Cracks in the Foundation

Finding cracks in your foundation can feel like discovering a tiny fault line beneath your feet. You’ll want to watch out for both horizontal and vertical cracks in foundation walls. They’re often telltale signs of your foundation playing a not-so-fun game of Twister due to the ever-shifting soil. Climate change has exacerbated the shifting soil in the area.

Image shows a cracked foundation due to shifting soil.

3. Water Damage

Remember how much it rains in Bloomington? Now, imagine all that water pooling around your foundation because of clogged gutters or faulty drainage systems. Or worse, a hidden plumbing leak silently turning your basement into a swimming pool. This constant moisture not only damages your foundation, encouraging mold and mildew growth, but also invites a host of other structural headaches down the road.

Image shows a water-damaged foundation, encouraging mold and mildew growth.

3 Signs Of Foundation Issues

It’s important not to ignore common foundation problems. These signs might seem small at first, but they scream, “Get a foundation inspection – pronto.” If you have foundation issues, you’ll want to contact local foundation repair experts.

1. Cracks in Walls, Floors, or Ceilings

Ever notice those pesky cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings, especially around windows and doors? They’re often the first sign of foundation issues and should be investigated.

Think of them as your home sending out a subtle SOS. You’ll find that wall anchors may help this issue in some cases.

2. Doors or Windows Stick

If your doors or windows are sticking or refuse to close properly, that’s a common sign of foundation movement. It’s easy to blame humidity, but get this checked out by repair experts in foundation repair.

Sticking windows is another common sign of foundation issues, so you may also want replacement windows in the future.

3. Uneven or Sloping Floors

While a slightly off-kilter bookshelf could be your DIY skills, a whole room leaning like the Tower of Pisa indicates potential settling or shifting of the foundation. This could lead to bowing foundation walls and other serious issues.

Uneven floors can often lead to floor cracks, and in that case, you should seek a free estimate from foundation repair services.

3 Causes Of Foundation Problems In Bloomington

Here in Bloomington, foundations are constantly playing tug-of-war with our temperamental soil and climate. The result? Well, you guessed it – more common foundation problems in Bloomington. If you’re noticing any issues, you may want to consider a foundation repair company in Bloomington, IN to diagnose and fix your foundation problem.

1. Expansive Clay Soil

Bloomington’s clay-rich soil, like a thirsty sponge, absorbs moisture and expands, putting immense pressure on foundations. When the soil dries, it contracts, leading to shifts and cracks.

Expansive soils like this can cause a lot of foundation damage. The foundation damage could result in needing your foundation repaired.

2. Freeze-Thaw Cycles

We’ve all experienced Bloomington’s dramatic temperature swings, right? During winters, water in the soil freezes, causing expansion.
When it thaws, the soil contracts. This repetitive freeze-thaw cycle constantly pushes and pulls on foundations, leading to damage over time. This can also affect basement walls.

3. Improper Drainage

Those downpours we experience in Bloomington? They can spell trouble for foundations with improper drainage.
If water isn’t directed away from your home effectively, it can pool around the foundation and lead to hydrostatic pressure, leading to common foundation problems in Bloomington. You can prevent needing your foundation repaired by making sure your home has proper drainage.

How To Prevent Foundation Issues

Preventing foundation problems might seem overwhelming but proactive measures go a long way. Trust me, tackling a small crack early is far easier (and cheaper) than dealing with a leaning wall later. This could potentially save you a lot of money on potential foundation repairs in Bloomington, IN.

Regular Inspections and Repairs

Regularly inspecting your foundation for cracks and addressing them immediately will save you future headaches. Look for things such as wall cracks or cracks in your foundation.

This will save you from needing a foundation repair contractor to come out for more serious issues. If you are noticing foundation issues, consider reaching out to local foundation repair experts in Bloomington foundation repair.

Proper Drainage

Ensure your home’s gutters are clean and water flows away from your foundation. Consider extending downspouts, regrading your landscape, or installing French drains for more serious drainage problems.

Proper drainage will not only help with the longevity of your foundation, but will also aid in a dry crawl space foundation. A crawl space foundation is susceptible to water damage.

Professional Waterproofing

A dry foundation is a happy foundation. Invest in professional waterproofing solutions to create a barrier between your foundation and the moisture-loving clay soil.

This could also help with basement waterproofing. Basement waterproofing is crucial to keeping your basement dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, snow accumulation can affect your foundation, especially during Bloomington’s freeze-thaw cycles. When snow melts, it can saturate the soil around your home, increasing hydrostatic pressure against the foundation. If drainage isn’t adequate, this excess moisture can seep into the foundation, potentially leading to cracks or erosion. Proper snow removal and directing meltwater away from the foundation are essential for minimizing these risks.

Typically, homeowners insurance won’t cover foundation issues caused by soil movement, such as settling or shifting, but it may cover damage if it’s due to specific incidents like plumbing leaks, accidental discharge, or natural disasters. It’s essential to review your policy to understand the coverage.

If you notice water pooling around your foundation, it’s crucial to address it quickly by improving drainage, installing or cleaning gutters, and regrading the landscape to direct water away. Seeking professional advice can help prevent potential damage to your foundation.

Ready To Identify The Root Cause?

Remember, dealing with common foundation problems in Bloomington early on can save you time, money, and lots of stress down the line.

Our specialists will provide the best quality work at affordable costs. Contact Crossroads to identify and fix foundational issues right away!