Common Foundation Problems in Older Homes

If a crack in the wall appears and is more than one-fourth of an inch, this indicates a severe foundation issue.

The foundation is an indication of a home's overall health. When looking at old or historic homes, it's crucial to ensure the bones are in good condition. Typical wear and tear is expected, but when purchasing or remodeling an older home, homeowners must know how to identify foundation issues to resolve them quickly. If foundation issues are left for too long, they can cause problems such as mold, water damage, cracks in the wall, and sagging doors and floors, which are extremely expensive to repair. When working with these homes, stay alert for the following common issues, which indicate a foundation problem and must be repaired as soon as possible to avoid worsening.

Windows and doors

It's common to see windows and doors in older homes that have become uneven and difficult to open and close, yet many people do not realize this is a sign that the home's foundation has begun sinking and shifting. Windows and doors sticking or not closing correctly are not a charming quality of a historic home; rather, this indicates a more significant foundation issue that must be addressed to avoid the damage becoming more severe and more expensive to repair.

Foundation cracks

If a crack in the wall appears and is more than one-fourth of an inch, this indicates a severe foundation issue. Stair-step cracking is common in brick or concrete homes and looks like a zig-zag shape in the exterior foundation. Cracks are one of the most common ways foundation issues manifest and are often easy to overlook, so homeowners should pay close attention to their home's wall, especially in an older home.

Uneven and sagging floors

An older home's uneven or sagging floors are often overlooked and considered a charming character trait, but this is a sign of severe foundation problems. Uneven and sagging floors are often a structural issue and could damage the foundation. Try placing a marble on the floor; if it rolls, the floor is uneven. Do not let this issue persist, as it can quickly worsen, becoming both bothersome for home residents and expensive to repair.

Call an expert

Foundation issues often don't seem noteworthy until they've become severe. Homeowners, especially those with older homes, must watch for these issues to act immediately and contact a repair company. Professionals have the expertise to assess foundation problems and recommend the best course of action to ensure the problem does not become severe and costly.

Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.