There are many important parts of a home. The roof provides shelter while the walls create privacy. The foundation, however, is imperative because it is the base that pulls the entire house together. Over time, basic settling and moisture problems can decrease the foundation's integrity, reducing the structure of your home's base. This not only affects the look and structural integrity of your home but also its value. Repairs are possible, but early diagnosis is important for fast repairs. Here are a few signs your foundation is in distress.

Cracks/Holes in Foundation

If you see small cracks or holes in the foundation, you may not be concerned. However, these small issues can end up being big problems for your foundation and your home.

You should walk around your home, inspecting the foundation regularly for these "minor" problems. It is smart to document cracks and holes, making note of their location and size to compare to times you inspect the foundation in the future.

Use caulk or silicone to seal up these small cracks and holes when they are first noted. If they are growing in size, contact a foundation repair specialist to determine the best repair option.

Sagging/Warping Floors

Again, the foundation is your home's base. Therefore, if there is an issue with this base, you may notice signs inside your home.

If you are noticing issues with your floors, such as sagging or warping, there is probably an issue with your foundation.

The foundation may be weak due to improper installation or moisture. This can lead to the foundation shifting, affecting the floors.

Ceiling Gaps and Wall Issues

Foundation issues may also show signs of distress in the ceiling and walls of your home.

As the foundation moves, warping of the walls and trim may be found in the area between the ceiling and interior walls.

The exterior walls of the house may also show signs of distress. Cracks, warping, decay, and even watermarks on the outside walls of your home may indicate a failing foundation or excess moisture under the home.

Sticking Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are installed to fit the exact measurements of their openings when the house is first being built. This means they are installed to fit the measurements before the foundation starts to settle.

As the home settles, the openings for the doors and windows may shift. If your foundation is shifting excessively because of poor installation of moisture, the doors and windows will not fit properly. This causes them to stick when opening and closing.

Early diagnose can help restore your foundation to a proper state. This guide will help you learn the early signs your foundation has issues.