The foundation under your home is the structural base of the entire building, so if there is a problem with the foundation, damage to your house can occur over time. You may see some warning signs in your home or basement that indicate a problem and should prompt you to have a foundation contractor come and inspect the foundation for damage. 

Cracks and Microcracks

Some cracks in the foundation are very easy to see, but sometimes the cracks are small and hard to find. Water can sometimes seep in through the cracks, making them easier to see, but water coming through the wall can damage the concrete and cause it to deteriorate over time. 

The deterioration will weaken the foundation, and eventually, the wall can shift, causing the house to shift on top of the foundation. You may also see mold or organic material growing on the foundation walls where the water is coming into the house.  

If you see a crack or find any water coming through the foundation, call a foundation contractor to come to inspect the entire foundation for damage. 

Sagging and Sinking

Shifting foundations can cause movement in your home that can be very telling. This movement can cause walls in your home to crack and doors or windows to not open correctly, but often the first sign of shifting and settling is a low spot on the floor. Most of the time, the low spot is on one side of the home or in a corner. 

Place a ball on the floor and see if it rolls one way or another if you think the floor is lower in one area. If the ball rolls to one side or the other, you more then likely have a portion of the house that is low, and the foundation could be the reason. 

Countertop and Cabinet Movement

The countertops and cabinets in your home are mounted to the walls and sitting on the floor. If the house is shifting, the countertops may start to pull away from the walls, and a gap can open along the edge of the countertop. Because the cabinets are sitting on the floor, they sag when the floors sag, and the countertop has no choice be to shift with the cabinet it is anchored to. 

A small gap that appears over time is a concern, but a growing gap that is over an eighth of an inch is an indication of a significant issue, and it is a good reason to have the foundation inspected.

If you notice any of these problems, contact a basement foundation repair company like Seagate Roofing and Foundations.