Ever notice cracks within your brickwork or blocked foundation that follow up in a stair-step pattern? Those shouldn’t be considered as added “character” or “exterior decorating”. Those also aren’t a quick tuck-pointing fix. Those can often be signs of foundation damage.
Whenever an opening is formed, it becomes the weakest point of the wall and is often the first place where foundation problem signs become visible. Cracks extending out from the corners of doors and windows, separation from framing or finish, and doors and windows that stick are things to keep a watchful eye out for. If your windows are closed and still letting air in, caulk won’t fix the breeze in the long run.
Indicators
Anywhere you see cracks around the interior of your home should be a clue that you may have a foundation issue. Cracks within your drywall, ceilings, concrete walls, or concrete floors should be a hint to call in a foundation expert for an estimate. Another common symptom of foundation problems within the interior of your home is buckling drywall tape and cracks along drywall seams.
Chimneys are usually built on a shallow foundation that is not connected to that of your home, giving them a greater risk for settlement. If this is the case, chimneys can show signs of foundation failure before your home.
