Home inspectors will note if doors and windows are misaligned due to foundation movement. This is a warning sign that the house is in trouble and will lead to other issues.
Home inspectors also flag safety hazards such as tripping hazards and outdated electrical wiring. They will not check for pest infestations or mold, however, which are separate inspections. Visit Website for more information.
Water Damage
Water damage can have a devastating impact on the foundation of your home. Moisture promotes a cycle of expansion and contraction in the material that makes up your foundation walls, causing them to weaken over time. This slow process can cause structural instability that leads to buckling or shifting of your foundation, resulting in costly repairs.
During your inspection, an experienced inspector will identify early signs of moisture intrusion and take appropriate action to stop further deterioration. First, they will halt the flow of water by repairing leaks or improving drainage. Depending on the extent of the problem, they may recommend a French drain system or sump pump to reroute surface water away from your foundation and reduce soil pressures.
Another important consideration is the exterior of your house, including gutter systems and landscaping. A clogged gutter can overflow and create standing water, causing erosion and exacerbated pressures around your foundation. Improper grading can also cause surface water to pool against your foundation walls. Inspectors will check the slope of your property to make sure it drains properly.
Inside your home, inspectors will evaluate the condition of your basement and crawl space for signs of water infiltration. They will look for evidence of leaks in plumbing supply lines, drains, and fixtures. They will also assess the wood materials used in support beams and floor joists for signs of rot or mold. Older piping, such as Polybutylene Plastic (PB), has a higher rate of failure compared to modern piping.
Bowing or leaning walls indicate significant pressure on your foundation, and need to be addressed immediately to prevent further deterioration. Whether the cause is expansive soil, subpar building techniques, or a leaking foundation, you must act quickly to avoid major structural damage and expensive repairs.
Leaky Pipes
The structural integrity of a foundation is influenced by the surrounding soil. However, when the soil becomes oversaturated with water due to leaky pipes or drainage problems, it can compromise the foundation’s stability and cause cracks in the walls.
As the soil around a home saturates with water, the hydrostatic pressure exerted on the walls increases. This can weaken the concrete and deteriorate the wood framing, resulting in crumbling or sinking walls.
Plumbing leaks can also cause major damage. A single burst pipe can flood a room, ruin furniture and carpeting, and create expensive water damage that requires extensive restorative work. Slower leaks can be harder to detect but can cause just as much damage over time. Typically, the first sign of a leak is a high water bill, although puddles on the floor or warped flooring can also be clues.
During a home inspection, inspectors test outlets, examine plumbing fixtures and assess water heater performance and drainage systems. However, they are not able to access the internal components of the plumbing system or detect corroded or damaged pipes that require specialized assessment. Inspectors also cannot identify a musty odor, which may indicate slab leaks that threaten the structural integrity of a foundation.
The best way to prevent these kinds of problems is to have regular professional inspections. Home inspections not only flag potential safety hazards but also help prevent costly repair bills down the road. While most problems noted during an inspection are minor, such as a hose that needs tightening or a leaky faucet, some can lead to bigger issues, like mold and foundation failure.
Cracked or Broken Walls
One of the most common issues that affect a foundation are cracks in the walls. Depending on the severity, these can pose a variety of problems. Hairline vertical cracks are typically low urgency and can be monitored for changes, however, horizontal or diagonal cracks suggest a problem with the foundation that will only worsen over time. If your home has a cracked wall that admits water, it’s important to have a professional examine the crack for the most appropriate course of action, which may involve drainage systems, hydrostatic pressure relief techniques or structural reinforcement.
Most cracks in walls are caused by expansion and contraction of building materials due to changes in moisture content and temperature. However, a variety of other factors can also contribute to wall damage and cracking. For example, uneven soil settlement can cause different areas of a house to sink at varying rates, leading to stair-step or diagonal cracks in the walls, particularly around door and window frames. Incorrectly mixed concrete, poor masonry practices or construction defects can also lead to wall cracks.
Often, the most serious warning signs are not cracks but doors or windows that no longer open and close easily. These indicate that the floor or ceiling is no longer level and could be a sign of shifting or movement within the foundation. Cracks in foundation walls are also a serious issue, but the severity can vary greatly depending on their shape and location. For example, hairline vertical cracks in drywall should be monitored for changes, while horizontal or diagonal cracks suggest a problem and require immediate attention. Similarly, cracks that are wider than 3 millimeters need to be evaluated by a foundation specialist.
Leaning or Bending Walls
When a home’s foundation shifts or settles, it puts a lot of pressure on the walls. This can cause them to bend or lean, which can lead to other problems. Home inspectors will check for signs like sagging floors and sticking doors that may indicate a problem with the foundation. They also look for other issues that could indicate a problem, like cracks in the floor, ceiling, or walls. These cracks might start small, but they can widen with time and be a sign of a foundation issue. Depending on the location and pattern of the cracks, it’s important to determine what caused them so that repairs can be made.
Expansive soil, tree roots, poor grading around the foundation, and improper construction can all contribute to a bowed or leaning wall. Repairing this issue is a costly and complex process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Home inspectors will flag these issues so that real estate agents and homeowners can request repairs before completing the purchase.
Leaning or bending walls require immediate professional attention and should not be ignored. Ignoring them can cause a number of problems, including sagging floors and structural instability. Getting these problems fixed as soon as possible can save the home buyer thousands of dollars in damage and prevent future complications.
Home inspectors will also look for any tripping hazards that might be present in the property, like cracked sidewalks or stairs. They will also note any rotting wood and other signs of water intrusion in the attic or wooden floor joists. Oftentimes, homeowners or remodelers will cut into these beams to accommodate plumbing, and this can jeopardize the stability of the home’s structure.
Pooled Water
When water collects around a foundation, it creates a pressure point against the walls. This can cause them to shift or crack, and it can lead to serious structural damage. This is a sign that the foundation may be in danger of failure and should be inspected as soon as possible.
Home inspectors can look for signs of water damage in the foundation during a standard inspection. However, a specialized foundation inspection can uncover more subtle warning signs that are difficult to see with the naked eye. These signs could include mold or mildew growth, moss, or other moisture problems that affect the integrity of the foundation. These issues are not only unsightly, but they can also make a house unsafe for residents.
Detecting and addressing foundation problems as early as possible can save homeowners and real estate investors a great deal of money. A professional can provide a detailed evaluation and customized repair solutions that will keep the structure safe for future use.
Inadequate Drainage
A poorly functioning drainage system can cause water to accumulate in areas surrounding a foundation, which increases the risk of seepage. This could be due to clogged gutters that allow water to flow over the foundation or incorrect land grading that causes soil to slope toward a structure instead of away from it.
Inadequate drainage can also lead to structural damage to walkways, driveways, and foundations. It can also cause soil to swell and shift, which puts excess pressure on the foundation and can contribute to cracks. This type of problem is often easy to avoid with regular maintenance, such as clearing gutters and downspouts after rainfall. Having a French drain installed or adjusting yard grading are other ways to ensure proper drainage and prevent water accumulation.