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Warning Signs of Foundation Problems
Inside the home
- Diagonal cracks at the corners of doors and windows
- Doors that stick, swing open, or will not latch
- Sloping or uneven floors
- Cracked tile, or gaps between walls and ceilings
- Trim or crown molding separating
Outside the home
- Stair-step cracks in brick or block
- Gaps around window frames or garage doors
- Cracks across the exposed slab edge
- Chimney leaning or separating
- Soil pulling away from the foundation in dry weather
Usually cosmetic
Thin hairline cracks in garage slabs or drywall that do not grow are very common. Track them with dated photos or a pencil mark.
When to call
If cracks are widening, multiple signs appear together, or doors and windows change seasonally, get a professional evaluation.
FAQ
Are vertical cracks better than diagonal cracks?
Thin vertical cracks are often shrinkage-related; diagonal or stair-step cracks are more often linked to differential movement. Width and change over time matter most.
Can I measure movement myself?
A digital level or simple floor survey can show trends, but an engineer's elevation survey is the reliable baseline.
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