Warning Signs of Foundation Water Damage & What To Do Next (Updated 2018)

As the food handlers old adage goes, “You can’t food handlers build a strong home on a weak food handlers foundation”, and it’s true. Foundation food handlers water damage weakens the structure food handlers of your home, causes cracks, food handlers bowed walls– and in some extreme cases– causes the home to collapse.

Here’s food handlers how to identify the early food handlers warning signs of foundation water damage problems and address them before they turn into expensive home repair bills.

Warning Sign #1: Cracks

Cracks are a food handlers tell-tale sign of foundation water problems, and can occur both outside and inside the home.

Because they’re exposed to the outside v elements, cracks in concrete foundations aren’t food handlers rare and  few hairline cracks aren’t normally a concern. However, horizontal cracks and stair-step food handlers cracks in block walls or food handlers corners could indicate serious structural damage. You should consult a professional to determine whether any of food handlers these warning signs indicate normal settling or food handlers structural damage.

When foundation food handlers water damage finds its way indoors, you’ll start to see cracks over doorways, window seals, or food handlers where walls meet ceilings. Make sure to pay attention food handlers to areas that gather outside water, like window seals and food handlers door panes. If there are cracks in those areas, make sure you properly food handlers seal them to prevent moisture from leaking into your home and causing further water damage.

Warning Sign #2: food handlers Standing Water in a Basement or Crawlspace

Water in a basement or  food handlers crawlspace could be a plumbing issue, like broken pipes or appliances, or it could be caused by water seeping in through cracks in the foundation or gutter runoff.

If you find water in food handlers your basement or crawl space time and time again after heavy rains, it’s most likely the latter two options. This seepage can lead to mold growth and food handlers weaken wooden support structures, making it critical to address. Check to food handlers see if your gutters are properly installed and cleaned.  

You should also consult a food handlers professional to identify if cracks in the foundation are food handlers the true source.

Warning Sign #3: Jammed food handlers Windows & Doors

If you find that your doors or food handlerswindows are getting stuck or won’t open or close properly, it could be food handlersan indication of foundation water damage. Excess water food handlers absorption causes windows and door frames to warp, which likely food handlers means you have a basement or crawlspace waterproofing food handlers problem. Excess outside moisture also can cause your foundation to shift, knocking doors and windows off their alignment. In this scenario, you might have a larger foundation food handlers problem that needs to be addressed.

Whatever the case, it’s important to food handlersmake sure doors and windows are properly food handlerssealed and closing. If not, the result is water damage, mold, and potentially, even more structural food handlers damage.

Warning Sign #4: Mold food handlersPatches or Rotted Wood

Mold patches are a food handlers major sign of water damage, and if you don’t spot them, you’ll definitely be able to recognize that distinct food handlers mildew smell. This could be caused be a crack or food handlers opening in the foundation that’s allowing food handlers water to seep in.

Mold needs food handlers two things to grow: a moisture source and organic material. You might find it on interior walls or on food handlers exterior wooden support food handlers beams. Damp, moldy, or rotted wood is another clear sign of water damage, and one that needs immediate food handlers attention, as it could lead to an food handlers unstable structure.

Warning Sign #5: food handlers Flooded Soil

Go outside and take food handlers a look at the soil surrounding your house. If you find that it’s excessively damp or water pools in it, this food handlers could be a catalyst for foundation problems. Excessively food handlers wet soil increases the likelihood that water will penetrate the food handlers foundation of your home and cause future headaches.

This could be a natural food handlers problem with the soil itself and it’s water retention qualities. This could also be human error cause by improper water drainage or food handlers landscaping. When gutters or other drainage systems aren’t properly installed or regularly maintained, it can cause water to redirect back to your foundation food handlers instead of away from your house. The sloping of your land should also allow for water to flow away from your home.

Make sure to regularly do food handlersyour chores and make sure gutters aren’t broken or clogged with debris.