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The key to staying ahead of major home repairs is to catch them before they become major. Turning a deaf ear to your house’s cries for help will only lead them to worsen with time. So, whether you want to improve your own home or rule out potential problems in a home you’re purchasing, here are some important signs to look for.
1. A Cracked Foundation
A cracked foundation isn’t uncommon, even on relatively newer homes—and it’s not always a serious indicator that future damage is expected. Small cracks are usually the result of normal settling that occurs after the home is built.
However, large cracks (bigger than 1/8-inch), horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks, or foundation cracks paired with other issues like stuck doors and windows, bowing walls, and sloped floors, could indicate a serious issue.
Solution: Have a foundation expert inspect the damage and assess the integrity of your home’s foundation. They’ll add insight into whether the cracks are concerning or are the expected result of normal settling.
2. Cracks in the Walls and Ceiling
Just like cracks in your foundation, cracks in your home’s walls and ceiling could indicate that the house is settling. However, it could also suggest there’s too much weight above the walls and ceiling, such as in the attic.
Solution: If the cracks in your walls or ceiling are larger than 1/8-inch, it’s wise to consult a professional who knows exactly what to look for to determine the root of the issue.
When was the last time you cleaned your gutters? Clogged gutters can allow water to penetrate your home’s walls, causing bubbling paint, cracks, and more extensive structural damage. Most homes can benefit from a semi-annual gutter cleaning, while homes surrounded by large trees need it even more frequently.
3. Drafty Doors and Windows
Drafty doors and windows could be caused by poor installation, old age, or weather stripping that needs to be replaced. However, if you have multiple windows and doors that are suddenly drafty with no clear cause, it could be a sign that your home is shifting and settling.
Solution: If you’ve ruled out any minor causes of the drafts, have a foundation expert assess your home’s foundation.
4. Bubbling in Your Ceiling
A bubbling ceiling is almost always a sign of moisture, which could be from leaky pipes, a leaky roof, or other sources of moisture.
Solution: If possible, head to your attic and inspect the area above the bubbling ceiling. If you have pipes in your attic, check them thoroughly to rule out any water leakage. Next, check the roof for possible leaks.
5. Soft and Squishy Floors
Soft and squishy floors can indicate rot and decay in the floor system, which could be caused by water damage, termite damage, or more.
Solution: The best way to uncover the cause of your soft floors is to go under your house and inspect the floor system. If you’re having trouble locating the soft spot, have someone stand above you and knock on the floor until you find it.
6. Increased Energy Bills
Suddenly increased energy bills that aren’t associated with utility rate price hikes are usually caused by your home’s HVAC system running more and struggling to maintain your desired temperature. This could be due to drafty windows and doors, missing insulation, or the development of gaps and cracks in your home.
Solution: Before you assume the worst, monitor your energy usage. Compare your past statements from your utility company to isolate the increased usage. Consider any recent changes, such as weather changes or new appliances. If you still can’t find a reasonable cause, pay close attention to how often your HVAC system runs.
7. Sticking Doors and Windows
Sticking doors and windows are a telltale sign that your home is shifting, which causes the doors and windows to be misaligned with their frames. It could also indicate that your home has a moisture problem.
Solution: Check for leaks or sources of moisture. Use a hygrometer to track your home’s relative humidity. If you’ve ruled out a moisture issue, contact a foundation expert to assess your home’s foundation integrity.
8. Cracks in the Chimney
Cracks in your chimney might seem like surface issues that aren’t of much concern, but they could be signs of deeper issues. Not only can cracks in any home surface indicate serious settling and shifting, but cracks in the chimney can allow water to penetrate, which can wreak havoc on other areas of your home and exacerbate the problem.
Solution: Even if you rule out any serious causes of your chimney cracking, you should still promptly repair the cracks to prevent further damage.
Beyond allowing water in, cracked chimneys can worsen with time, dropping bricks and other materials on your roof, which poses potential damage and a safety risk to anyone around your home.
