How to identify a collapsing foundation?

Sagging Basement Walls

One of the first signs that your foundation may be crumbling is when sagging walls begin to pull away from the house. This sagging is abnormal and can also cause damage to your home’s framing and potentially other structures. In older homes, you might notice that a wall has softened over time due to moisture or rotting wood. To check if your walls are pulling away from the foundation, use flashlights and tape a string between two points on the wall. If you have more than one floor, run a string to a central point on each floor as well. For concrete foundations, the wall may have lost a level of support over time.

Cracks Running Through the Foundation

Foundation cracks can be caused by nearby rocks or water seepage. In older homes, it’s common to see water coming up from the ground and flowing into the basement, causing walls to sag and develop cracks. This can sometimes lead to crumbling and collapsing of the concrete beneath your home.

Creaking Floorboards

A failing foundation often causes creaking floorboards or boards that crack in the corners. This is usually due to the foundation’s boards deteriorating and wearing out over time. If a floorboard starts to creak, inspect the foundation for cracks or signs of water leaks in your basement. Damaged wood due to water may need to be treated or replaced as it may no longer be safe for use in your home.

Floor Shifting

Another sign of potential foundation collapse is when the floor shifts or moves. Sometimes, this can even cause cracking between floors, eventually leading to widespread damage throughout your home. If there’s heavy rain, you might hear sounds from beneath the house, which could indicate foundation failure. If your floors start to shift, contact a foundation repair company to test the stability of your foundation.

Floor Bowing

Floor bowing is another common issue that can result from a decaying foundation. This refers to when your floor bows inward toward the center of your home. Although it may not be as frequent as other signs, it’s a clear indication of structural issues that need immediate attention.

Protracted Settlement

If your home appears to be settling over an extended period, this could indicate a collapsing foundation. As foundation repair specialists would advise, it’s essential to have a stable footing when building a home. If your house has become unbalanced due to prolonged settling, foundation repair is needed immediately.

How to Avoid Foundation Failure?

To prevent damage or accidents due to foundation failure, contractors should evaluate the load path details from structural drawings to ensure adequate reinforcement against horizontal forces. Additionally, masons may consider installing extra support or retaining walls, if feasible, as a preventive measure against settling and movement-induced failure.