Signs & Symptoms of Foundation and Basement Problems
Signs You May Need to Call a Foundation Repair Company
Foundation problems often start with small changes that become more noticeable over time. Here are a few signs that it's time to schedule an inspection: No matter the cause, our team is ready with proven solutions to help you safeguard your property from top to bottom.
Cracked Foundation Repair
Anchored Walls is a leading foundation and concrete repair contractor serving the Des Moines area.
Understand the signs
Foundation Cracks:
A small foundation crack isn't always a cause for concern, but one that's getting longer, wider, or letting in water shouldn't be ignored. We'll determine what's causing it and recommend the right repair. Look for: Drywall cracks; Foundation cracks; Horizontal foundation cracks; Stair-step cracks in brick/block; Vertical foundation cracks; Wall and ceiling separation.
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Foundation Settlement
You may not see your foundation settling at first. Look for: Chimney leaning; Doors sticking; Gaps above doors; House settling; Porch sinking; Sloping floors; Uneven floors; Windows sticking.
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Bowing Basement Walls:
If your basement walls are beginning to lean, bow inward, or develop horizontal cracks, our bowing wall repair can help restore stability before the movement becomes more severe. Look for: Basement wall pushing inward; Bowing basement walls; Leaning basement walls.
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Crumbling foundation walls
Loose block, deteriorating concrete, or crumbling mortar deserves a closer look. An inspection helps determine whether stabilization or rebuilding is appropriate. Look for: Crumbling mortar joints; Foundation wall crumbling.
Understand the signsBasement Waterproofing signs
Water, stains, and dampness can have more than one cause. Explore the signs before choosing a repair.
Rust Stains on Basement Walls and Floors
Rust stains on basement walls or floor might seem harmless at first, just a few orange streaks near a drain or a faint outline around a metal post. Look for: Rust stains on basement floor/walls.
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Efflorescence in Basements and Water Stains on Basement Walls and Floors
Efflorescence in basements and water stains are two of the most common warning signs that something is going on behind your basement walls or beneath your slab. Look for: Peeling paint in basement; White powder on basement walls.
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Basement Mold
If you've noticed musty odors, dark spots on your basement walls, or patches of mold spreading near the floor, you're not alone. Look for: Mold in basement.
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Standing Water
While plumbing leaks and surface runoff can play a role, persistent standing water is often a symptom of deeper structural problems. Look for: Basement flooding; Water on basement floor; Water seeping through wall cracks; Wet basement walls.
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Sump pump trouble
A pump that stops working or runs constantly may need attention. The inspection considers the pump, power supply, discharge, and the water entering the system. Look for: Sump pump failed; Sump pump running constantly.
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Water collecting around the foundation
Pooling water and runoff directed toward the house can contribute to basement moisture. Ask about drainage and downspout options as part of the inspection. Look for: Gutters overflowing at foundation; Standing water in yard; Water flowing toward house.
Understand the signsConcrete Lifting & Leveling signs
Learn what these changes may mean and when an inspection can help.
Frost Heave
In our Iowa service area, winter doesn’t just bring snow and ice. Look for: Slab heaving.
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Concrete Tripping Hazards
Uneven concrete might seem like a cosmetic issue at first, but it poses a serious risk to your safety and your property value. Look for: Sunken sidewalk; Uneven patio.
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Pooling Water on Concrete
After a rainstorm, you expect water to run off your driveway, patio, or sidewalk, not sit there in a puddle.
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Uneven and Settled Concrete Driveways
You might notice it when pulling into your garage: one side of the driveway dips lower than the other. Look for: Cracked driveway; Sunken driveway.
Understand the signsSinking garage and basement slabs
A dropping garage floor or a cracked slab may reflect a void or changing support below. An inspection determines whether lifting, stabilization, or replacement fits the problem. Lifting is not a remedy for every crack or a heaving slab. Look for: Floor cracks; Garage floor sinking.
Understand the signsCrawl Space Repair signs
Learn what these changes may mean and when an inspection can help.
Musty Odors & Earthy Smells
If you wrinkle your nose every time you open the basement door, you are not imagining it. Look for: Crawl space smells musty; Musty smell in house.
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Allergy and Asthma Symptoms from Damp Crawl Spaces
As temperatures drop in Iowa, we start sealing up our homes, shutting windows, running the heat, and preparing for the cold months ahead. Look for: Allergies worse at home.
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Pest Activity in Your Crawl Space
If you’re seeing signs of bugs or rodents in your crawl space, it’s more than a nuisance; it’s a warning. Look for: Pests in crawl space.
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Uneven Floors:
Floors that slope, dip, or feel uneven are a sign that part of your foundation has shifted. Catching the problem early can often prevent additional structural damage. Look for: Bouncy floors; Rotting floor joists; Sagging floor above crawl space; Sagging floors; Soft/spongy floors.
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The Common Crawl Space
Anchored Walls knows that the crawl space in your home is not an area where you and your family spend time. Look for: Crawl space condensation; Damp crawl space; High humidity in home; Insulation falling down in crawl space; Mold in crawl space; Water in crawl space.
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Cold floors and changing energy bills
Damp or displaced insulation and air leakage below the home can affect comfort. These signs have several possible causes; inspecting the crawl space helps identify its role. Look for: Cold floors in winter; High energy bills.
Understand the signsEgress Windows signs
Learn what these changes may mean and when an inspection can help.
Egress Window Requirements for Basement Bedrooms
Turning your basement into a finished living space can add value and comfort to your home.
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Leaking or Foggy Egress Windows
If you’re seeing moisture near your basement egress window, it’s worth a closer look. Look for: Window well flooding.
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