Warning Signs of Foundation Failure

Protruding floors, cracked wall surfaces, and doors that won't close are indications of foundation stress. Sixty percent of all houses constructed on expansive soils suffer from foundation stress. The problem takes place when only a portion of the foundation heaves or settles, leading to cracks and other harm.

This differential movement is basically triggered by variations in soil moisture. Loss or gain of soil moisture causes serious shrinkage or swelling.

If the framework of a house usually doesn't start distorting until after three or more years of adequate performance, it's doubtful that the distortion is brought on by full-depth foundation settlement, that is continually evidenced by coordinating splits. Cracks occur at each side of a part of the foundation wall that's having downward movement as a result of soil bearing failure.

Settlement cracks are most commonly vertical, and they shouldn't be mistaken for cracks that occur when a wall is put through lateral motion from soil pressure.

Exterior Warning Signs To Look For
•   Wall Rotation
•   Separation near garage door, windows and/or walls
•   Cracked bricks
•   Broken and/or cracked foundation
•   Displaced Moldings

Interior Warning Signs
•   Misaligned Doors and Windows
•   Cracked Sheetrock
•   Cracks in Floor

Foundation repair can be kind of scary. Call Ramjack of St. Louis today at 800-326-5193 and they'll be glad to guide you each step of the way.