What people keep running into with foundation issues
Complaints tagged foundation issues, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
7 recurring problems · 96 people · 6 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 32How to stop water pooling against the house from sinking concreteCracked and sunken pavement slabs redirect heavy rain directly toward the foundation, threatening water damage before winter. Fixing or replacing these slabs is necessary to redirect runoff away from the house and prevent pooling against the building.
- 31Is a basement wall crack structural or just cosmetic?Most small cracks result from minor concrete settling, but vertical cracks accompanied by wall bowing indicate active shifting that threatens structural integrity. Missing these signs prevents homeowners from catching foundation failures early, leaving them vulnerable to severe structural damage and costly repairs.
- 15How to tell if a discounted house has major foundation damageDiscounted homes often hide structural issues like daylight showing through crawlspaces or sagging walls that signal expensive repairs ahead. Relying on standard home inspections is not enough; buyers need a dedicated assessment from a licensed structural engineer before moving forward to avoid buying a money pit.
- 9New drywall cracks after a renovationNew drywall cracks leave homeowners unsure whether to hire a structural engineer or a general contractor to inspect for shifted joists. These cracks, particularly at inside corners, make it difficult to figure out the root cause and the best way to fix them permanently.
- 5Why is my basement wall paint peeling and turning white?White flakes and crystal buildup on older basement walls usually point to moisture seeping through the foundation and pushing the paint off. Scraping it away and adding a new layer without addressing the root cause leaves the wall vulnerable, which is why the peeling keeps coming back.
- 2Why is my exterior brick wall cracking from foundation shifting?Shifting soil from wet and dry weather cycles causes homes to settle and structural movement, leading to repeated cracks in exterior brick walls and doors that need constant shaving down to close. Sealing these cracks only provides a temporary fix because the underlying structural shifting continues to open up new gaps around the corners of the house.
- 2How to tell if a foundation is still settlingSigns of uneven settling include horizontal and vertical cracks, sticking doors, and gaps in floating floors. The lack of a straightforward way to know if mitigation efforts have worked stops homeowners from getting other work done, as ongoing movement could compromise new repairs and cause issues like squeaking to return.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.