Now that we are HOPEFULLY done with major snowstorms for the year, it's time to assess your home and look for signs of damage suffered over winter. This includes checking your foundation. Cold and freezing temperatures can create cracks and other problems in your St. Paul home's foundation.
The question we often get at Christian Brothers Construction is, "How do I know?" How are you supposed to check your home's foundation, and when do you need to schedule services with foundation contractors like us?
Our experts are here to help!
Symptoms Of Foundation Problems in St. Paul Homes
Our foundation repair company near St. Paul, MN, sees all kinds of foundation problems. While we are trained experts, there are some signs you can watch for that indicate you need to schedule foundation repairs immediately!
Cracks in the Walls or Ceilings
One of the most apparent signs indicating you need foundation repairs is if you see cracks in your basement floor, walls, or ceiling. Our team recommends checking for cracks in the following spots:
- Interior Walls: Look for cracks in drywall. It's essential to look for diagonal cracks that run along corners or window/door openings. These cracks can indicate foundation settlement.
- Exterior Walls: It isn't too concerning if you notice hairline cracks in brick or stucco. However, you must schedule professional repairs for large cracks, horizontal cracks, or cracks that stair-step across multiple bricks.
- Ceiling Cracks: Large cracks in your ceiling, particularly those radiating outward from a central point, could indicate foundation issues. You should schedule services to have these inspected.
Uneven Floors
Are your kids' toys constantly rolling to one side of the floor? This can indicate uneven floors. While this can have a number of causes, sloping or bouncy floors can indicate foundation problems.
Sloping floors can be caused by uneven settling of the home's foundation. A pro should check this to determine the cause and see if repairs need to be made.
If you think your floors feel bouncy when you walk across them, it might not be due to your flooring – it can signal a foundation problem. Experts can inspect the floors and find the cause.
Problems With Doors or Windows
If you've noticed your windows or doors are sticking or if drafts are coming through gaps around them, it can signal foundation problems. If the foundation shifts, the window and door frames can shift, making them difficult to open.
Gaps around doors or windows can signal foundation problems and shouldn't be ignored.
Moisture Problems
A sign you might quickly notice is moisture in your basement or crawlspace. If water leaks into your basement or crawlspace, it can be due to foundation cracks. It's essential to have it repaired quickly as it can lead to mold or mildew.
Outdoor Issues
There are also outdoor signs you can watch for that indicate foundation problems. Some signs to watch for include:
- Cracks in the Driveway or Sidewalk: Cracks spreading from your house to the driveway or sidewalk can indicate movements in the foundation.
- Foundation Gaps: Gaps between the foundation and your house siding can be signs of settlement or water damage.
- Leaning Chimney: A leaning chimney can be a severe issue and could indicate foundation problems.
When homeowners notice these problems, it is important to schedule repairs with a trusted St. Paul, MN foundation repair company.
Why You Should Hire Christian Brothers For Your Foundation Services
When you need foundation repairs at your St. Paul home, hire our contractors. Contact us today to get an estimate and schedule services to have our experts inspect your foundation and make necessary repairs. We specialize in finding and repairing complex foundation problems.
