How do you know if a crack in your building is harmless? Cracks in ceilings and walls are a common problem for new and old structures alike. Some cracks can be easily repaired with plaster and paint, while more serious cracks are typically signs of foundation issues.
For over 20 years, Leveled Concrete has offered foundation repair services in Houston and resolved various types of foundation problems. This quick guide will help you determine how serious your foundation situation is and the best way to address it.
How to Spot Foundation Problems that Mean Trouble
A damaged foundation isn’t always obvious. But, if you notice any of these problems in your house or business, there is likely a foundation issue that needs to be addressed. Here’s what to look out for.
Common indicators of a faulty foundation:
- Cracks in walls and ceilings
- Shifted door frames
- Jammed doors or stuck windows
- Pipes, doors, or windows out of kilter
- Sinking floor surfaces
- Twisting roof rafters
Foundation Problem Pictures
There are several types of cracks in walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations to look out for — some more serious than others. The following pictures of foundation problems should help you determine whether you need to contact a foundation repair specialist.
Wall Cracks
Cracking brick is a sign of foundation issues. It’s normal for minor cracks to appear in a building’s foundation over the first couple of years, but larger cracks in the brick or concrete can indicate settling.
Stair step cracks are one of the most common indicators of damage to foundation walls.
Foundation Cracks
You can accurately determine the severity of a crack by measuring its length and width. For example, cracks 2-6 inches long and 5-15mm wide are classified as moderate, while those longer than 15mm are classified as very serious. Additionally, new cracks that appear in the middle of ceilings and walls are more likely to be a sign of structural issues. 
The amount of cracking can also tell you about the state of your foundation. Most of the time, the more cracks you see, the more problems there are with your building’s structure.
Before and After Foundation Problem Pictures
Getting an expert’s opinion is always a good idea because cracking can seriously damage your building structure if not properly repaired. In addition, foundation repair professionals can help you evaluate whether you’re experiencing structural cracks or non-structural cracks.
At Leveled Concrete, we make foundation crack repairs throughout the Greater Houston area every day. Check out these foundation repair before and after photos from some of our latest projects.
Interior Wall Cracks on Windows and Doors
This common type of interior crack is caused by stress on vulnerable parts of the wall as the building’s foundation shifts. They often appear above windows and doors and below windows. Consult a professional if you suspect these types of cracks in your structure.
Note that not all drywall cracks are the result of foundation issues. However, if you notice drywall cracks that keep coming back, you may have a foundation problem on your hands.
Exterior Brick Cracks
Settling often results in large stair-step cracks, and as time passes, the cracks widen further. In this case, we were able to repair the crack and restore the wall, preventing further foundation damage.
Leveled Concrete is the #1 Foundation Repair Company in Houston
It’s wise to deal with foundation issues as soon as possible. Hopefully, these examples of foundation problem pictures will give you a clear idea of what to look for in and around your property. If you think you have an issue with your foundation, contact an experienced professional before it’s too late.
Leveled Concrete is a trusted Houston foundation repair company. With decades of industry experience, our specialists have provided home repair services to thousands of property owners across the state.
- Foundation leveling
- Concrete slab foundation repair
- Pressed piling foundation repair
- Foam jacking with polyurethane
- Building foundation failure
Contact our team today for help with your residential or commercial foundation issues, or check out some more of our resources, like this foundation repair cost calculator or foundation repair financing tool.