Signs of foundation problems: a checklist
What to look for inside, outside and around your property.
Your building usually tells you when the foundation is moving. You just have to know what to look for.
One sign on its own may not mean much. Several together, or signs that keep getting worse, are worth a professional look.
Use this checklist as a starting point, then call us for an assessment if something looks wrong.
- Check inside, outside and around the property
- Note how long you have seen each sign
- Photograph what you find
- Call for an assessment if signs are growing
Inside the building
- Doors and windows that stick
- They no longer open, close or latch the way they used to.
- Cracks over doors and windows
- Often diagonal, starting from a corner of the opening.
- Uneven or sloping floors
- A marble rolls, furniture wobbles, or a floor feels bouncy.
- Gaps at baseboards and ceilings
- Walls pull away from the floor or ceiling.
- Cracks in floors and walls
- New cracks or cracks that are growing.
- Tile or flooring that cracks
- Tile or flooring that cracks for no clear reason.
Outside and around the property
- Cracks in brick or stucco
- Stair-step or diagonal cracks along mortar joints.
- Gaps near windows, doors and chimneys
- Caulk and trim that keep pulling away.
- Cracks in the slab or foundation edge
- Visible breaks or a slab edge that has dropped.
- Pooling water
- Water that collects next to the building after rain.
- Soil pulling away
- A gap between the soil and the foundation.
- Leaning or tilting
- A chimney, porch or wall that leans.
Commercial and industrial buildings
In commercial and industrial buildings, the first signs are often operational.
- Dock doors and overhead doors that no longer line up
- Cracked or uneven slab floors
- Equipment that is hard to keep level or aligned
- Gaps at expansion joints and wall connections
What to do next
Photograph what you find, write down the dates and check whether it changes. Keep gutters and downspouts clear and move water away from the building.
Then call us. Call right away if damage appears suddenly, a door will not open, or you can see tilting, especially after a storm or flooding.
Common questions
Can I check my foundation myself?
You can look for the signs on this page. Only an assessment can identify the cause and the right repair, so call us if you see more than one sign.
Is a foundation problem an emergency?
Usually not, but do not wait. Call right away if cracks appear suddenly, doors will not open, or you see visible tilting, especially after a storm or flooding.
Will the problem go away if I ignore it?
Foundation movement rarely stops on its own, and small problems tend to get bigger and more expensive.
Who should I call?
Call or text Ultra Pro at 972-535-9023, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. We assess the problem and send a written quote.
Get a foundation assessment
972-535-9023Call or text, or send the form and we'll get back to you during business hours.
- Emailinfo@ultraproservices.com
- HoursMon–Fri 8am–5pm. Weekends by appointment only.
- AreaCorpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas.
- PaymentTerms are listed on your written quote and invoice.