Signs of Trouble: Common Symptoms of Foundation Problems

Floridians know their state is unlike most others in the country. Given its predominantly warm climate for the majority of the year, many people choose to visit the state during the winter months to escape the freezing, snowy conditions that encompass much of North America during this time. 

But despite its perceived temperature advantages, the Sunshine State has its own distinct environmental characteristics that can directly affect your home's foundation throughout the year. With the aforementioned high heat index and frequent torrential thunderstorms, homes in Florida face significant challenges, and it's important to be on the lookout for symptoms of potential foundation problems.

Common Signs Your Foundation Needs Repair

So, what are the signs to look out for? Let’s uncover some obvious signs and find out what we can do about them.

• Wall Cracks. Quite possibly the most obvious sign of foundation problems is the emergence of cracks both on the inside and outside walls. Vertical, horizontal, or even stair-step cracks are all clear indicators that your home's foundation has shifted due to settling soil below. 
  
  
  
• Sticking Windows and Doors. As the foundation shifts, the frames around doors and windows can become uneven, making it challenging to open and close them. Additionally, it is common to notice cracks emerging from the corners of the frame as a result of these shifts.
  
  
• Sloping/Sagging Floors. In homes with a crawl space, a common indication of foundation instability is the gradual sloping or sagging of the floorboards. Even if not immediately visible, the floors may feel bouncy when walked on and are usually accompanied by a noticeable creaking sound.
  
  
• Rotten Floor Joists. In conjunction with the sagging and creaking floors, the rotting of the wooden floor joists in a crawl space is an all-too-common occurrence. Moisture frequently becomes trapped in Florida crawl spaces following heavy thunderstorms, and without effective moisture regulation systems in place, the likelihood of mold buildup increases, leading to damage to a home's foundation and indoor air quality.
  
  
• Walls Separating From the House. The exterior walls of an add-on structure connected perpendicularly to a home may show signs of separation when foundation settlement occurs. This could also indicate that the add-on structure may have settled independently, for example, a concrete slab that is separate from the main structure of the home.
  
  

Take Action Now

When it comes to foundation problems in Florida homes, it's often a matter of when, not if. Now that you are aware of what to look out for in your home for signs of potential foundation problems, it can be alarming when you find some of these symptoms reveal themselves. 

What's important is not to panic. Discovering these symptoms early allows you to have the best possible chance to address them before they worsen and become more costly. If any of these symptoms are found in your home, immediately call LRE Foundation Repair.

With free estimates and flexible payment options, the LRE team can provide you with the support you need to ensure your home's foundation remains safe, secure, and resilient in the face of Florida's unique environmental challenges.