What That Crack, Sticking Door or Damp Floor Usually Means

Most foundation warning signs trace back to one of three causes: soil pushing on a basement wall, soil settling under a footing, or water reaching the foundation. One sign rarely proves which; two or three together usually do. Note where each sign is, when you first saw it and whether it is growing, then match it below.

What do stair-step or sideways cracks in a block wall mean?

They usually mean soil outside is pushing the wall inward, or one corner is settling. A long horizontal crack several courses down, with the wall tipping in above it, is the more urgent pattern. Measure the lean with a level or string line and have it assessed before the next wet spring. See basement wall repair.

Is a thin vertical crack in a poured wall serious?

Usually not structurally. Poured concrete shrinks as it cures, and a hairline vertical crack is the common result. It matters when it leaks, widens, or is noticeably wider at one end, which can point to settlement. A dry, stable crack can be watched; a leaking one is typically injected. See basement waterproofing.

Why are there cracks above my doors and windows?

Diagonal cracks in drywall or plaster rising from the corners of openings often mean the framing has shifted, frequently because a footing below has settled. Small cracks also come from seasonal swelling and shrinking of wood. If they reopen after patching or keep lengthening, look at settling foundation repair.

Why do my doors stick or refuse to latch?

Humidity swells wood frames in summer, so a door that sticks in July and swings freely in January is often just moisture. A door that sticks year-round, drifts open on its own, or shows an uneven gap at the top is more likely sitting in a frame that settlement has pulled out of square. See settling and piers.

What do sloping or bouncy floors mean?

A floor that slopes steadily toward one wall usually means that side of the house has dropped. A floor that feels springy in one spot is more often a framing issue: a sagging joist, beam or post. A marble or a long level shows which way it runs. Steady slope points to foundation settlement.

Why is a gap opening at my baseboards or trim?

Gaps between trim and floor, or between a window frame and the wall, mean parts of the house are moving relative to each other. A gap that widens toward one corner suggests settlement there. Pencil-mark the gap with a date, and if it grows over a few months, read about settling foundations.

What do cracks in exterior brick mean?

Stair-step cracks through mortar joints, especially near corners or under windows, usually mean the foundation beneath that section has moved. A crack wider at the top than the bottom suggests the corner is dropping. Check inside the basement directly behind it for a matching wall crack. See basement wall repair.

Why is there water in my basement after rain or a thaw?

Water along the floor edge after storms or snowmelt usually means groundwater is pressing at the joint between wall and floor. Water high on a wall points to gutters, grading or a window well. In Des Moines, April through June are the wettest months of the year (NOAA). See basement waterproofing.

What does a musty smell or white crust on the walls mean?

A white, powdery crust is efflorescence: minerals left behind as water passes through masonry and evaporates. It proves moisture is moving through the wall, even if you never see drips. A musty smell means damp air, and possibly mold on stored items. Both point to waterproofing and a dehumidifier.

Why has my front step or garage floor sunk?

Slabs usually sink because the fill beneath them was loose or water has washed soil away. Freeze and thaw, plus shrink-swell soil, a common Polk County limitation (USDA NRCS), rock them further. If only the slab moved, it can often be lifted. If the house shows settling signs too, deal with the foundation first. See concrete leveling.