Are drywall cracks, sticking doors, and sagging floors just typical quirks of an older home or signs of a more serious structural problem? These issues may seem minor, but they often point to underlying foundation problems that will only worsen with time. 

While small problems are not typically a cause for immediate concern, it's important to know when these symptoms of foundation settlement warrant a call to a structural engineer for further investigation.

Signs of Foundation Settlement 

Before calling a structural engineer, you can perform your own inspection of your home's interior and exterior to identify signs of foundation settlement. Inside your home, take note of any foundation or drywall cracks, sticky doors and windows, or sagging, bowing floors. On the exterior of your home, be on the lookout for cracks and separating chimneys, doors, and windows. 

Signs Outside Your Home

1. > Stair-step cracking in brick or block walls.
2. > Chimneys separating from the rest of the home.
3. > Cracks extending from the corners of door or window frames.
4. > Doors and windows separating from their frames. 

Signs Inside Your Home

1. > Foundation wall cracks in the basement or crawl space.
2. > Drywall cracks throughout the house, especially in the upper levels.
3. > Doors and windows that do not close properly.
4. > Sagging, bowing floors and weakened floor joists.
5. > Bowing or leaning foundation walls.

What to do if you Spot These Issues

The problems noted above are classic symptoms of foundation settlement. If you notice severe cracks (larger than 1/8 inch), heavily bowed or leaning walls, and/or sagging floors and sticky windows and doors, it's time to get a structural engineer involved.

A qualified structural engineer will provide a thorough assessment of your home's structural integrity, identifying or confirming potential issues and areas for preventative maintenance before they become major structural repairs. 

No matter the findings of a structural engineer's report, Mid-State Basement Systems can help execute their recommendations. We offer solutions for sagging floors, weakened floor joists, foundation walls that are bowing, leaning, or cracked, or major structural repairs for a sinking foundation, ensuring the stability of your home and peace of mind for you and your family.