Your home’s foundation is essential to providing structural integrity by evenly distributing the weight of the building. However, changes to soil conditions or improper installation can result in serious foundation damage over time. If your foundation fails, it could lead to significant damage throughout the house. Addressing such damage early on is key to protecting your property and safety. Here are some of the most common signs that you have serious foundation issues.

Top 3 Signs Your Foundation is Failing

1. Musty Basement

If you have a basement, significant foundation damage will typically lead to leaks as groundwater seeps through cracks in the wall. If your basement has developed a musty odor, look for gaps or cracks in the foundation that could be contributing to the problem. Check for overflowing gutters, which can also contribute to the foundation damage that causes this issue.

2. Crumbling or Bowed Walls

While hairline cracks in the walls are a fairly normal part of the foundation settling, more noticeable issues could indicate that you have more serious problems. Be especially mindful of large cracks or fissures in the walls, particularly large, zigzagging cracks or walls that appear bowed. Cracks wider than an eighth of an inch are also a sign of trouble. Such problems typically only occur if the foundation is moving more than the expected amount.

3. Sloped Floors

As the foundation shifts beyond normal limits, your home’s walls and support beams are either compacted or pulled away from each other. This often results in a sloped or slanted floor as the home’s weight becomes unevenly distributed. You can check the floor’s slope with a level or by placing a ball on the floor. If the ball rolls away, you have a sloping problem.

Whether you need foundation repairs or site grading, you can count on H.C. Eavers & Sons Excavating to provide top-quality work. Serving the Stuarts Draft, VA area for over 50 years, their excavating team provides affordable services that fit your unique project needs. To learn more about their work or to request a free consultation and estimate, visit them online or call (540) 337-1286.