As a homeowner, you want to ensure that your home retains its value. With so much upkeep, it can be easy to miss signs that your foundation may be in need of repairs. Look out for these five common signs that your foundation is damaged to ensure that your home remains a good investment.

Visible cracks in foundation or walls

One of the most common signs of foundation problems is the presence of cracks on your foundation or walls. A cracking foundation will significantly impact the value of your home, making it essential to deal with this issue immediately.

While the presence of small vertical cracks - especially on a new build - are common and do not warrant concern, horizontal cracks indicate that you may have a more serious foundational problem. The larger these cracks are, the more likely it is that water will enter the foundation and cause further problems.

Though cracks can be evidence of a foundation in need of repairs, it's best to hire a professional to survey your home to determine whether a problem exists, as well as the extent of the issue.

House appears to have shifted

If you've noticed that one side of your house appears to be higher than the other, you may have a problem with your foundation. Shifting may be caused by foundation settling, sinking, or upheaval. This may be caused by shifting soil and differential moisture content, causing some parts of the foundation to settle before others.

To repair this, interior or exterior pillars may be installed to raise your foundation where needed.

Gaps around doors and windows

If you've noticed that your doors aren't opening and closing properly, or there are gaps between exterior doors and frames, your foundation may be to blame.

In addition to a shifting foundation, this problem may be caused by extreme humidity, which causes wood to expand and contract. However, if you live in a relatively dry climate, it's a good idea to look for other signs that indicate your foundation may need repairing.

If in any doubt, contact a local foundation repair specialist to survey your property.

Uneven flooring

Flooring that creaks and sags in some areas may be a sign that your foundation is moving. Though this might seem like a minor issue, a foundation that has begun to move isn't likely to stop. The best thing you can do is get it repaired immediately before the problem gets out of hand and ends up costing you significantly more.

Unwanted moisture in crawl space

In addition to causing mold and mildew, the presence of moisture in a crawl space or basement can indicate that there are cracks in your foundation. Ensuring there is proper drainage around your foundation is essential if you live in an environment prone to heavy rains and flooding.

There are many reasons why you may have unwanted moisture in the home. To determine the exact cause and the right solution, obtain a professional opinion.

Assess your foundation today

To have your foundation assessed for damage, call Pinnacle Foundation Repair for a free quote today. Though it may be tempting to avoid a minor problem, ignoring it will make repair more costly in the long run and negatively impact the value of your home.