Your chimney can signal a moving foundation.
Homeowners who notice a shifting foundation have a very serious problem on their hands. Moving foundations can put the home's structural integrity at risk and drain any value the home holds. Moving foundations can be caused by a number of factors, including shoddy craftsmanship, poor maintenance, or by nature, such as a previous flood or earthquake. Look both inside and outside for signs that your home's foundation is moving.
Foundation Cracks
If it is accessible, the foundation itself can provide a clear guideline for signs of movement. Look at the foundation for signs of cracks or missing pieces. If you never observed these things before, but see them now, there is a good chance your home is shifting.
Windows
Your home's windows also provide clues about a moving foundation. Look in the corners of window frames for cracks. Often, moving foundations will create spider cracks that jut out from the corner. Be sure to check both the inside and outside window frames for these signs. Also, test the windows by opening and closing them. Windows that suddenly stick where no problem had existed previously can point to a moving foundation. Observe the windows both open and closed for signs that they are uneven. Shifting foundations can make the window appear crooked when open or not allow it to shut evenly.
Doors
Doors' functionality and appearance provide similar insights as windows for signs that a home's foundation is moving. Swing the door open and shut to check for sudden stickiness. Look at the door in both the open and closed position for signs of gaps or unevenness not previously present.
Walls
Your walls hold additional information about a moving foundation. Look for signs of leaning, tilting, buckling and bowing. Get onto the floor to look carefully at where the walls and floor meet. Any separation signals a moving foundation. It is best to examine walls both inside and out and on all levels of your home. One floor or area may show more damage, depending on the direction and extent of the foundation's movement.
Floors
In addition to cracks appearing where the floor and walls meet, floors may display other cracks that could signal a moving foundation. Look for long jagged cracks in your flooring. Also, monitor for signs of buckling or sudden sloping, both of which point to a moving foundation.
Exterior Signs
Walk around your home, observing the ground for soil that pulls away from the home, and water gathering near the foundation. Look up to examine the walls and chimney. Look for signs of large cracks, shifted bricks, gaps around doors and windows, and separated siding. Observe the chimney from up close and from a distance to gauge whether it appears to be pulling away from the home. Any of these observations can mean your home's foundation is moving.
Related posts
Replace a House Foundation Sill PlateIs the sill plate on your wood frame house rotten or damaged? Keep in mind that replacing a sill plate on your house is not as scary of an undertaking as most...
Pets are cute and fluffy but can give off an unpleasant aroma.When people think of pet odors, they usually think of urine. However, urine is not the only pet odor that can fill your home with an u...
Stop fleas at home.Getting rid of fleas in your home helps the health of your pets and family. It also prevents the further spreading of fleas. Using common household products and topical medicati...
A dirty dog can provide a challenge to keeping your home clean.Cleaning your home is more challenging when a dog is part of the household. Dogs provide their own set of cleaning problems, includin...
Vacuum frequently to get rid of mite infestations.Mites are tiny insect-like pests that you cannot see with the naked eye. You may not be able to see mites, but you may notice their presence throu...
