Top 5 Signs Your Home Needs a Foundation Repair

Your home’s foundation does a lot of heavy lifting — literally. It supports everything above it, from the walls and windows to the roofline. But over time, soil movement, moisture, and natural settling can cause cracks and shifts that put your home’s structure at risk. Here are the top five warning signs that your home may need foundation attention.

1. Cracks in Walls, Floors, or Ceilings

Small hairline cracks are common in concrete, but larger or widening cracks — especially those forming a “stair-step” pattern along walls — can signal foundation movement. Cracks around door frames, windows, or where walls meet ceilings often indicate that the foundation beneath is shifting unevenly.

Tip: Keep an eye on any crack that grows wider than 1/8 inch or that reopens after being repaired — it’s time for a professional inspection.

2. Doors and Windows That Stick

When a foundation settles unevenly, it can twist or tilt the framing above it. Suddenly, doors and windows that used to open smoothly start sticking or won’t latch properly. You might even see uneven gaps around the frames or notice that one corner of a door is rubbing against the jamb.

3. Uneven or Sloping Floors

If you notice that furniture seems off balance or that a ball rolls across the room on its own, your floors may be telling you something. A shifting foundation can cause subtle slopes at first — but left unaddressed, those slopes can worsen and cause damage to flooring, framing, and plumbing connections.

4. Gaps Between Walls and Trim

As a foundation moves, walls and ceilings can separate from moldings, baseboards, or countertops. These gaps are often one of the earliest visual clues that something is off beneath the surface.

Pro Tip: If the gaps return shortly after cosmetic repairs, it’s likely more than just settling — the foundation itself may be shifting.

5. Moisture or Water in the Basement

Water intrusion is one of the biggest red flags. If you see damp walls, puddles after rain, or musty odors in your basement, the foundation may be cracking or separating from the slab. Over time, moisture can erode concrete and create structural instability.

Don’t Ignore the Early Signs

Foundation issues rarely fix themselves — they only grow more complex (and costly) over time. The good news is that early detection and professional repair can stabilize your home and prevent major structural damage.