Identifying Signs of Foundation Issues Before Leasing a House

People consider various factors like unique styles, friendly neighborhoods, and affordable prices while renting a new apartment. However, it’s important to be awareof potential foundation problems that can arise due to the area's weather and soil. A damaged foundation can create serious issues, affecting the safety and comfort of your home. In this blog, we’ll share some easy tips to help you spot signs of foundation damage so you can make a smart choice when renting your next home.

How Does Soil Impact the Foundation of Your Home?

The soil surrounding your home has a significant impact on its foundation. If the soil is clay-based and undergoes volume changes depending on the moisture levels, it expands and contracts, putting immense pressure on the foundation and causing it to crack and shift. Homeowners face serious foundation problems due to this expansive clay soil. 

Being familiar with weather and soil conditions allows you to take preventative measures to avoid damage.

9 Early Signs of Foundation Problems

Various geographical and climate factors can deteriorate a home's foundation health. Let’s discuss some of them below.

1.   Cracking Foundation

Cracks, from minor hairline fractures to large staircase cracks, can indicate significant foundation damage. While small cracks on foundation walls may appear superficial, they can often conceal serious structural issues that require professional evaluation.

Exterior cracks around your home are also important to inspect. Water can seep through these cracks, increasing the risk of damage, especially during rainstorms. Regularly assessing both the interior and exterior of your home is essential for identifying and addressing these potential problems.

2.   Heaving and Settling Floors

Variations in the moisture levels of the soil surrounding your home can cause parts of the foundation to move upwards unevenly. This phenomenon is called heaving. Heaving can lead to a variety of structural hazards in your foundation, ranging from cosmetic damage to serious problems.

Soil erosion or shifting can also cause foundation settling. A settling foundation can affect your home's doors, windows, and countertops, leading to misalignment and functionality problems. If you notice signs of a sinking or settling foundation, it's crucial to contact foundation restoration experts promptly for a swift solution.

3.   Gaps in Doors and Separating Tiles

Foundation issues can show up in a variety of ways around your home. You might notice small gaps around doors and windows or even see wooden planks or drywall starting to pop out of place. These gaps can cause doors and windows to misalign, making them tricky to open or close. While some gaps may seem minor at first, ignoring them can lead to bigger problems down the line. It's a good idea to keep an eye on these signs—identifying them early can save you from more serious damage later on!

4.   Water Intrusion

Homeowners are significantly concerned about structural damage resulting from water intrusion. Poor drainage, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding can cause the soil supporting their foundation to erode, ultimately leading to structural instability and long-term damage.

Common signs of water intrusion include:

• Moisture accumulation around the foundation after rainfall. 
• Excessive mold and mildew growth inside your home.
• Exposure of foundation parts due to soil displacement.

5.   Intrusion from Tree Roots

Tree roots can pose a serious threat to your foundation. As the roots grow, they may keep intruding into the soil around or underneath your foundation, displacing it and causing cracks. Additionally, tree roots invading the soil under the foundation can also cause plumbing issues. To avoid this problem, do not plant any trees too close to your home.

6.   Soil Movement Underneath the Foundation

As described earlier, the clay soil expands in wet conditions and contracts in dry conditions. This phenomenon exerts uneven pressure on the walls, leading to serious conditions like soil movement and bowing walls, which can cause irreversible damage in the future.

7.   Tilting Chimney

A tilting chimney is an indication of foundation damage. You can check the chimney of your home for damage by looking out for:

• Uneven roofing
• Cracks in the chimney or siding
• A chimney leaning away from the house

8.   Nail Pops

Nail pops are small, circular cracks that form when nails lose their grip on a wall, signaling potential foundation movement. As walls shift, these nails may become dislodged, creating unsightly bumps or cracks. If you notice nails in your walls shifting from their positions, it’s essential to have your foundation inspected thoroughly to address any underlying problems.

9.   Bowing or Bulging Walls

Bowing or bulging walls can be a red flag when you're considering a rental home. If you notice any interior or exterior walls leaning inwards or bulging outward, it might indicate significant stress on the foundation. This kind of distortion can stem from shifting soil or water damage, both of which can compromise the structural integrity of the house. Take a moment to look for uneven surfaces or walls that don't quite align with adjacent structures. If you do see these issues, it's important to get a professional inspection as soon as possible.

Maintaining Foundation Health

Understanding the potential for foundation issues when renting a home is important. The expansive clay soil and fluctuating weather patterns in the region can lead to a variety of structural problems that may not be immediately visible. By being vigilant and familiarizing yourself with the signs of foundation damage—such as cracking walls, settling floors, gaps in doors, and nail pops—you can save yourself from costly or inconvenient repairs.

If you do notice any concerning signs, don’t hesitate to reach out to foundation repair experts for a professional assessment. Their expertise can provide peace of mind and help you understand the condition of the property you’re considering.