Foundation Issues
Many people are not aware of the problematic occurrences at their own home. Please take some time to review the table below,
which displays some common problems that occur. If you recognize any of these problems
at your own home, consult Ottawa Masonry, Inc. today for an appointment to get your FREE ESTIMATE
Uneven or Sloping Floors
If a piece of furniture appears to be leaning, it is probably settlement of the foundation
Cracks in Interior or Exterior Brick
Stair-step cracks in brick mortar are the most common sign in slab and pier and beam houses. The mortar is the weakest link in the chain and usually will break before brick, however, brick can also break due to the stress.
Displaced or Cracked Moldings
Molding may become separated at corners or from the walls. Door frames may no longer look “square.” Examine baseboards, door frames, crown molding and chair rails for separation at all joints. Gaps may appear above baseboards. Look for any sign that molding and the other structural components that they are meant to attach to are no longer well attached.
Wall Rotation
Like most foundation problems, wall rotation is caused by issues with water. The moisture levels of soil beneath the structure’s foundation fluctuate. Too much or too little moisture in the soil can lead to expansion and contraction forces, which end up putting undue stress on a foundation. The end result of all this is the transmission of pressure upwards on the foundation, causing it to move or settle, which is eventually witnessed as all rotation.
Cracks in Walls or Bowing of Walls
A bowed basement or foundation wall can occur as a result of soil loads pushing against the wall. Compounded with depth and other factors, the lateral forces surpass the foundation’s original resistance to these loads. Over time, these factors can produce lateral bending and the foundation or basement wall becomes bowed. This condition also produces significant cracking. If left unattended, this will worsen over time and jeopardize both the structural integrity and/or resale value of the property.
Cracks in Floor, Floor Tiles, or Foundation
Ceramic floor tile, being a rigid material, will often crack due to foundation movement.
Doors or Windows will not Open or Close Properly
Both interior and exterior doors can stick if the foundation has settled. Since settlement causes the frames of doors to be out of square, the door itself will stick in the frame or swing open by itself.
Separation of Doors, Windows, or Garage Doors/ Spaces between Wall and Ceiling or Floor
Gaps or cracks that remain after weather warms may be caused by foundational shifts or settling, which may be more serious than truss uplift and should be inspected by a trusted contractor.
