We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Most Common Foundation Problems?

Margo Upson
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 14,290
Share

Problems in a home's foundation can lead to larger structural problems, possibly causing an unsafe living environment. Being able to identify the most common foundation problems may make it possible to repair damage before it becomes more serious. The three most common foundation problems are bulges and bowing, cracking, and leaks.

Bulges, an outward bump in the foundation, and bowing, an inward curve, can both lead to serious foundation problems. Both can be caused by the expanding and contracting caused by temperature changes. A bad framing job, causing uneven pressure on the foundation, may also lead to these foundation problems. Measuring the amount of curvature in a foundation can be done by setting a straight rod against the furthest out point of the wall, and then measuring the distance to the innermost points.

Cracking can also be caused by temperature changes or inadequate framing. Cracking may also be caused by settling of the soil beneath the foundation or even by nearby construction, depending on the quality of the foundation and the amount of vibrations caused by the construction. Cracks can be fixed with some mortar and caulk, filling and then sealing the hole. While minor cracks do not pose much of a threat to the actual structure of the home, they can lead to the third of the most common foundation problems — leaking.

Leaking is caused by water coming in through cracks or holes in the foundation, and can be stopped through repairing the cracks and covering the area with a waterproof sealant. The movement of water, even a small amount, going through the crack can make the crack larger if left untreated, worsening foundation problems. Leaks may be a slow, steady drip, a stream, or even a gush, depending on the size of the hole and the amount of water coming through. Leaking is usually the most serious shortly after rain storms, as the water is absorbed into the ground and brought to the crack, or in the spring, as the snow melts.

Leaks may also stem from the edge of the roof being too close to the home. Water running off the roof falls too close to the base of the home, and can lead to water flooding the basement of the home. Any sinking around the base of the home, caused by settling in the dirt used to fill around the foundation, can make this problem worse. Using dirt to create a slope running away from the foundation may help to solve this problem.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Margo Upson
By Margo Upson
With a vast academic background that has ranged from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education, Margo Upson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as a HomeQuestionsAnswered writer. Her wide-ranging interests and skill at diving into new topics make her articles informative, engaging, and valuable to readers seeking to expand their knowledge.
Discussion Comments
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
With a vast academic background that has ranged from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education,...
Learn more
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-are-the-most-common-foundation-problems.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.