How to identify foundation issues — cracks, sticking doors, uneven floors, and what each sign could mean.
Stair-step cracks in brick or horizontal cracks in foundation walls are serious. Small vertical hairline cracks are often normal settling. Diagonal cracks wider than 1/8 inch warrant professional evaluation.
Doors that suddenly stick or won't latch, windows that jam — these suggest the frame has shifted. Seasonal swelling can cause minor sticking, but persistent problems indicate foundation movement.
Place a marble on the floor — if it rolls consistently in one direction, the floor is sloping. A slope greater than 1 inch per 15 feet suggests structural issues. Some slope is normal in older Michigan homes.
Visible gaps where walls meet ceilings, or baseboards pulling away from walls, indicate settlement. Crown molding separation is another tell-tale sign.
Persistent basement water intrusion may indicate foundation cracks or poor drainage that can worsen existing structural issues. Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles make this especially common.
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