The purchase of a home is a significant investment, and homeowners take all of the precautions they can to protect it. Whether you have a basement or slab foundation, educate yourself on all of the signs that you have a weak or damaged foundation. Knowing what to look for can save you from costly foundation repair, so here are several of the signs to look for.

How to Know When Your Foundation Is Failing

1. Bugs in the Basement

The presence of one or two bugs in the basement doesn’t always indicate that you have foundation issues, but large numbers of them should be alarming. Crawling critters like spiders, centipedes, and ants can make their way into your home through the cracks in the concrete that result from a shifting foundation.

These also cracks allow for moisture to seep into your basement, which further encourages these unwanted guests to make their way into your house. The only way to know if you need foundation repair is to have a full inspection.

2. Sinking Slabs

You may not notice the slab of your home sinking right away, but a key indicator is if your patio slab is sinking. The concrete structures around your home can clue you into what could be happening under your feet.

While it’s not uncommon for the ground to settle over time, if the problem goes unrepaired, half of your home could end up sitting lower than the other. Sinking homes require a lift from a licensed professional so you can prevent cracking in other areas.

3. Interior Changes

Do doors stick shut, or is there too much space between the windowsill and the wall? In some cases, you may even notice the kitchen cabinets separating from the wall due to the shift in your home’s foundation. These are major clues that the foundation may be in trouble.

If you begin to notice interior changes, it’s time to inspect the exterior and look for large cracks in the slab, gaps between the siding and exterior door frames, or a sagging garage floor. If your home has one or more of these signs, foundation repair is in your future.

At Crackstoppers Foundation Repair & Waterproofing, these experts understand how integral the foundation is to the integrity of your home or business. Since 2007, this family-owned company has been serving St. Charles County, MO, by providing top foundation repairs. Fully licensed and insured, these experts will get the job done right, so you can rest easy knowing your home or business is secure. To request your free repair estimate, call (636) 262-8458. Visit their website for more information.