What are the 12 Early Warning Signs

“The 12 Early Warning Signs of Foundation Failure and Water Intrusion” is a homeowner education initiative by Vintage Construction Inc.   We believe that educated homeowners make the best decisions about the repair and protection of their home.

Foundation failure affects millions of homes across the U.S.  Often, the causes are unique to each geographic region.  Your home has many ways of “telling you” that foundation and water issues are causing damage to your property.    Learn to recognize these 12 Early Warning Signs so that you can protect your home before issues become serious.

 

1. FRACTURED BRICK

Cracks in brick cladding may indicate a sunken footing. Look
for “stair stepping” cracks near windows and doorways, running vertically or diagonally near the ground and foundation corners.

2. WET CRAWL SPACE

Excessive moisture, staining or standing water in the crawl space is a sign of foundation failure and may cause mold growth and poor indoor air quality.

3. CREAKY/BOUNCING FLOOR

Do certain areas of your floor creak? Does the china cabinet rattle? These are signs that your home’s framing may be warped by a shifting foundation or water damage, or may indicate the need for added structural supports.

4. WET/DAMP BASEMENT

Standing water in the basement or even a musty smell is another indicator that potentially harmful water is not draining away from the foundation.

5. DRAFTY/ POOR INDOOR AIR

Drafty or low quality indoor air may indicate gaps in your home’s insulation, especially around the floor and rim joists. These gaps may lead to an increase in
mold and utility costs as unconditioned air is pulled through your basement or crawl space into your living area.

6. FRACTURED BASEMENT WALLS

Expansive soil pressure or lateral earth movement may cause horizontal cracks and moisture intrusion. This may eventually cause the basement wall to bow inward, then fracture and finally collapse.

7. STANDING WATER

Standing water or “ponding” around the outside of the structure may be
caused by improper exterior drainage.  This excess water may contribute to severe structural damage and poor indoor air quality.

8. CRACKS IN INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR CONCRETE

Uneven, sunken concrete slab, garage slab, separation of concrete slabs, steps, patio, or sidewalks all may be signs of volatile soil or settlement and should be
repaired before becoming hazardous. This may also cause moisture intrusion-leading to rotting thresholds, mold and poor indoor air quality.

9. MALFUNCTIONING DOORS OR WINDOWS

Doors and windows that stick may indicate the warping or distortion of your
home’s frame due to foundation failure and moisture intrusion.

10. CRACKED INTERIOR WALLS

Vertical cracks in interior sheetrock or plaster, as well as displaced molding or wood trim may indicate a sinking foundation caused by soilbearing failure.
Look for these signs around windows, wall openings and interior corners.

11. EXTERIOR MILDEW/STAINS

Persistent mildew or staining on exterior walls and siding may indicate insufficient
draining of storm water around the structure. Serious structural problems may result, as this water is absorbed into the soil and around the foundation.

12. ITCHY EYES/RUNNY NOSE

Poor indoor air quality resulting from crawl space or basement conditions
may cause difficulty breathing and an increase in allergy-like symptoms include a runny nose, itchy eyes and congestion.