How to Identify Foundation Problems

Even though it does not look like it, the ground is in constant motion. Due to this fact, it is possible for your house to either settle or heave. If this happens, there are a few things you can look for, both indoor and outdoor, to help you diagnose the problem. Many times the problems caused by settlement or heaving is cosmetic and does not impede with the structure strength of your house. However, in some cases, it is necessary to fix the foundation problem.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Walk around the exterior of your house. Look for any cracks in the brick or mortar of the outside wall. Pay attention to the exposed grade beam as well to see if there is any cracking.
   • 2
     Close your garage door. Inspect the section of ground the garage door is touching. Look for any gaps on both sides of the garage door.
   • 3
     Go inside your house and inspect the sheet rock drywall for any cracking. Open and close doors and windows to see if they get stuck. Look at the corners to see if there is any cracking.
   • 4
     Walk slowly along the floors of your home, in socks or bare feet. Feel for any raised or sunken areas in the flooring. Look for any cracks in the cement slab on the basement floor.
   • 5
     Look at the upper portion of your kitchen cabinets, where the cabinet touches the ceiling. See if there are any gaps or cracks forming.