While your home’s foundation is a solid, sturdy slab, the ground beneath it may not be as stable. Erosion, compaction, and shifting soil can remove support under some areas of your foundation, causing it to move or buckle. Keep an eye out for the most common signs that it’s time to call a masonry company for foundation repairs.

How to Tell Your Foundation Masonry Is Damaged

1. Cracks

Any visible cracks in the foundation itself should be looked over by a professional. However, damage in other areas of the house can also come from foundation problems. Cracks that are unusually long, more than a quarter inch wide, run horizontally on walls or diagonally from door frames, or are visible on both the inside and outside of the home indicate that the structure is shifting or buckling.

2. Settling

When the foundation sags or tilts, walls throughout the home shift slightly relative to each other. You may notice some areas of floors or ceilings sagging as their support is removed. Door and window frames can change shape slightly as the walls surrounding them settle. As a frame settles, it may start to squeeze the window or door and make it stick, or the frame may pull away and leave a gap around the edge of a door or window. Another sign of settling can occur in your kitchen as cupboards also begin to separate from the wall.

3. Moisture & Mold

A crack in the foundation can let water from the soil into the home. You may notice a musty odor or dark spots from mold. You may also see signs of water damage, including damp areas or yellowish stains. This is especially likely after wet weather. Water damage can also come from other sources like leaking pipes, so you’ll need to find the source to determine if you need masonry work.

For masonry and foundation work on the island of Oahu, choose Aloha 'Aina Landscaping in Waimanalo, HI. This fully insured landscaping company is also a licensed general contractor, and they take pride in offering a variety of services when it comes to your yard and hardscaping, including permitted work. To discuss your project, call (808) 291-0143 or visit their website to see a full list of their services.