The foundation of a house is extremely important for its safety. It serves as the base structure on which the rest of the construction is built. With time, the foundation of the property can wear out due to repeated exposure to environmental conditions. This deterioration can lead to serious structural problems in both the foundation and construction of the house. If spotted, the signs of foundation problems should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.

Cracked floor tiles
Cracks are less likely to occur on tile floors compared to moving wooden floorboards or carpets. Any sudden changes or shifts in the floor tiles can indicate a problem. Over time, repeated changes or movement in the foundation can cause changes in the floor tile layout. In spaces where the shifting has started, there will be visible cracks, shifting, gaps, and even cracked grout. In the case of tiles, even hairline cracks can be concerning and should not be overlooked.

Detached counters
Changes in the foundation might cause the property’s floors or walls to shift. This shift can also cause a shift in the fixtures in the house. The visible changes can be seen in the form of detached counters, gaps in adjacent cabinets, cabinets and countertops pulling away from the wall, etc. It is important to get things checked if there are any large noticeable shifts in the fixtures or detachments.

Cracked exterior walls
Many properties have part of the foundation visible from the outside walls. Any signs of deterioration can be identified from the visible concrete. If cracks are visible in the exterior walls, it can be a sign that the foundation of the house needs some repair. It is important to address these cracks quickly. Timely repair can save further problems and cost considerably less.

Mildew smell
Although not exclusively a foundation problem, the smell of mold and mildew is one of the signs of foundation problems in a house. Mildew growth can occur because of cracks and moisture in the foundation. These cracks can allow water to be trapped underneath the floorboards and tiles, especially if the property is located in an area with high humidity. If there is any smell of mold and mildew, make sure to get things checked and identify the source of mildew growth.