10 Signs of Foundation Failures with Reasons

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Foundation failure is a bad condition in the foundation when it is no longer supported to the home structure properly. Some failures in the foundation can be visible, and some are invisible. So these are the visible 10 signs of foundation failures.

10 Signs of foundation failures

1. Cracks in foundation walls or floors
2. Sticking doors/windows
3. Uneven or sloping floors
4. Gaps around windows/doors
5. Bowing or leaning walls
6. Water intrusion
7. Separation of structural elements
8. Exterior step cracks
9. Sagging roofline
10. Cracks in the foundation slab

If you see these 10 signs of failures in the foundation, you should fix them immediately in order to prevent foundation failures over time. Aqviz experts have prepared this guide, considering all the experiences of our experts. If you see these, you should check your foundation with a foundation expert. As well as we have included the most related reasons for the signs as well. So we recommend you to fix the foundation

1. Cracks in Foundation Walls or Floors

Foundation cracks are one of the most popular signs of structural failure. These cracks can appear in different patterns, such as vertical, horizontal, stair steps, or diagonal. The severity of the foundation cracks depends on the width. Also, hairline cracks may be harmless, but any crack is wider than 1/8 inch may cause trouble. In order to minimize the damages Aqviz highly recommends you to take immediate action.

These are the most appropriate reasons for the foundation cracks.

1. Expansive soil shifts in the foundation due to moisture changes.
2. Water buildup pushes against foundation walls.
3. Improper water management at the foundation.
4. Uneven sinking causes stress fractures.
5. Freeze-thaw cycles in the foundation create expansion and contraction.

2. Sticking Doors/Windows

Next, we can see sticking doors and windows in the foundation. When doors and windows in the basement become difficult to open or close, it could indicate foundation movement. Aqviz experts have noticed this several times, misaligned frames, gaps around the edges, or doors that won’t latch properly. This happens because the shifting foundation warps the structure and affects the openings badly.

Reasons for sticking doors and windows in the  foundation

1. Foundation settling 
2. Expanding soil pushes against the foundation.
3. Weak framing fails under shifting pressure due to weak framing
4. Soil shrinkage at the  foundation due to drought conditions
5. Improper load distribution in the foundation

3. Uneven or Sloping Floors

Floors that sag, slope, or feel bouncy are strong indicators of foundation movement. You may notice furniture leaning, difficulty walking on certain areas, or even visible dips in the flooring. This causes to structural imbalances and it affects the stability of the entire home. Aqviz highly recommends you to take immediate action for this to protect your home from sudden collapse and wider crackings.  

These are the 5 Reasons for uneven or slopping floors in the foundation

1. Soil erosion under the foundation.
2. Poor foundation compaction 
3. Weakening of foundation floor joists and beams.
4. Expanding and shrinking soil movement
5. Heavy structural loads on the foundation

4. Gaps Around Windows/Doors

You can see gaps between the window or door frames and the walls indicating shifting or settling of the foundation. You can observe this by the light coming through the gaps, feeling drafts, or struggling to close doors properly. These signs indicate that the foundation is no longer level and it has misaligned.

These are the 5 Reasons for gaps around windows and doors

1. Foundation settlement 
2. Higher hydrostatic pressure at the foundation
3. Poor foundation construction or aging materials.
4. Swelling and shrinking soil at the foundation.
5. Minor earthquakes or vibrations affect alignment.

5. Bowing or Leaning Walls

When basement walls curve inward or visibly lean, it indicates that there is excessive pressure from the surrounding soil. With this, you may notice cracks forming in the foundation walls or water seeping through. Our experts have observed if the owner is unaddressed, these walls can fail and lead to severe structural damage.

These are the 5 Reasons for bowing or leaning walls

1. Hydrostatic pressure pushes against foundation walls.
2. Expansions in the foundation soil
3. Poor drainage in the foundation
4. Improper foundation backfilling
5. Excess weight above the foundation stresses walls.

6. Water Intrusion

Foundation water intrusion is seeping water into the foundation through cracks, porous materials, or weak points. Water intrusion usually occurs due to foundation cracks, poor drainage, or hydrostatic pressure. You can indicate this by using persistent moisture, pooling water, or leaks in basements and crawl spaces. prolonged water intrusion causes to damp walls, musty odors, or mold growth in the basement. 

These are the 5 Reasons for water intrusion in the foundation

1. Foundation cracks
2. Poor footer drainages
3. The high water table at the foundation
4. Aging or inadequate waterproofing membranes.
5. Broken or clogged sump pump

7. Separation of Structural Elements

When different parts of your home begin pulling apart, such as walls separating from floors, ceilings detaching, or exterior brickwork cracking, it signals to the homeowner about the foundation failure. This can reduce the structural strength of the home and we strongly recommend you take immediate action to prevent heavy damage to the home. 

These are the 5 Reasons for the separation of structural elements

1. Uneven foundation settling
2. Expanding and contracting soil disrupts the foundation.
3. Weak connections between home components.
4. Higher hydrostatic pressure
5. Small tremors or vibrations in the ground.

8. Exterior Step Cracks

Step cracks in brick or masonry walls are a clear sign of foundation movement. These cracks typically follow the mortar lines in a staircase pattern, starting small and growing over time. While minor cracks may be cosmetic, larger or widening step cracks indicate structural stress that needs professional foundation evaluation.

These are the 5 Reasons for the separation of structural elements

1. Foundation settlement
2. Expansive foundation soil due to higher moisture content
3. Higher hydrostatic pressure
4. Poor foundation construction techniques
5. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles force cracks.

9. Sagging Roofline

A properly constructed roof should remain straight and level, so any visible sagging suggests structural shifts that may originate from the foundation. Over time, this misalignment can lead to roof leaks, weakened framing, and further instability.

These are the 5 reasons for sagging roofline

1. Foundation settlement
2. Weak lead bearing capacity of the foundation
3. Excessive moisture in the foundation
4. Poor foundation construction
5. Heavy snow or roof loadings

10. Cracks in Foundation Slab

Cracks in the foundation slab indicate structural stress and potential foundation failure. Commonly you can see hairline cracks due to normal curing, larger or widening cracks can be visible due to foundation issues. So Homeowners should be particularly concerned about deep, uneven, or expanding cracks.

These are the 5 reasons for cracks in the foundation slab

1. Foundation soil shrinkage and expansion
2. Higher hydrostatic pressure in the foundation
3. Excessive weight on the slab.
4. Freeze-thaw cycles 
5. Improper curing of concrete 

How to Prevent Foundation Failures?

You should follow the below steps to prevent foundation failures.

• Ensure proper site preparation: Before construction, perform soil testing and compaction to ensure a stable foundation base.
• Use quality materials: Build with high-quality concrete, rebar, and proper reinforcements to enhance durability.
• Control moisture levels: Maintain consistent soil moisture to prevent excessive expansion and contraction, especially in clay-rich soils.
• Ensure proper drainage:
  • Grade the land to slope away from the foundation.
  • Install gutters and extend downspouts at least 5-10 feet away.
  • Use French drains or swales to redirect water.
• Waterproof the foundation: Install foundation waterproofing membranes and drainage boards or membranes to prevent water intrusion.
• Address plumbing leaks quickly: Repair underground water or sewer line leaks to prevent soil erosion and foundation weakening.
• Avoid overloading the structure: Ensure the foundation is designed to support the building’s weight, including future renovations.
• Use proper foundation design for soil type: Choose the right foundation type (slab, pier and beam, or deep foundations) based on soil conditions.
• Monitor repair cracks early: Regularly inspect for foundation cracks and seal minor ones before they worsen.
• Control tree plant growth:
  • Keep large trees at least 20 feet away from the foundation to prevent root damage.
  • Avoid planting water-thirsty shrubs too close to the foundation.
• Install a sump pump drainage system: Sump pump systems help to remove excess water from basements and crawl spaces to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup.
• Perform regular inspections: Check for signs of settlement, cracking, or shifting, especially after heavy rains or droughts.