What people keep running into with foundation
Complaints tagged foundation, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
30 recurring problems · 356 people · 16 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 4Horizontal drywall crack and stuck doorHorizontal drywall cracks extending from door frames combined with doors that stick point to structural shifting or foundational movement. Ignoring these signs can lead to worsening damage that requires professional inspection and costly repairs.
- 4How to get old silicone caulk off and make new caulk stickOld silicone caulk often breaks off in tiny pieces because it is difficult to loosen, and new caulk frequently fails to adhere to shower walls, separating as soon as it dries. These difficulties prevent a proper seal, leading to persistent leaks or repeated peeling failures.
- 4Are drywall cracks in an older house normal settling or structural damage?Older homes naturally shift and settle over time, but previously painted-over cracks resurfacing around doorframes often leave buyers wondering if they purchased a defective house. This uncertainty makes it difficult to know whether to simply patch the gaps with standard DIY materials or hire a professional to check for serious structural defects.
- 4How to backfill an exterior foundation drain without trapping waterBackfilling an exterior foundation drain incorrectly can trap water directly against your house, leading to basement leaks after heavy rainstorms. Without proper technique and the right materials around the pipe, trapped water will find its way through the walls, ruining your waterproofing efforts.
- 4Water seeping under foundation in heavy rainLow-poured concrete pads allow ground water to seep directly underneath the foundation during heavy rain. This persistent leaking quickly fills up sump pumps and soaks the interior, eventually causing sheds to rot.
- 3Who to call for exterior stucco cracking near roof and foundation?Stucco cracking can stem from simple surface-level base coat issues or point toward underlying roof leaks and serious structural shifts. Figuring out whether you need a roofer, a structural engineer, or a dedicated stucco specialist prevents you from paying for the wrong repairs or missing critical damage.
- 2Will concrete in the backyard crack and look bad over time?Old houses settling and blocked gutters overflowing water onto the side of the house cause concrete patios and paths to crack and require frequent filling. Homeowners worry that these cracks will make their backyard installations look bad over time.
- 2Cheapest way to build a floor on bare earth in a garage or shedBuilding a floor over bare earth on a tight budget usually comes down to using simple materials like concrete blocks and a plywood deck. Without an affordable flooring solution, it is difficult to properly place a shed or turn a detached garage into a usable workshop.
- 2Foundation vent won't fit because of rebar in the wayStandard crawlspace vents are often too deep to install when rebar runs across the top of the opening. This physical obstruction leaves homeowners unable to seal or replace vents properly, forcing them to leave the space vulnerable to moisture and critters.
- 2Unexplained sand piles along baseboards and exterior cornersSmall piles of sand or dirt that reappear overnight along baseboards and exterior walls leave people unsure if they need an exterminator. The piles look like ant activity, but the unusual mound shapes, lack of visible insects, and absence of water leaks make it difficult to know what kind of specialist to contact.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.