Concrete walls are made by pouring wet concrete into forms, or with premade blocks bonded with mortar. The wall is usually strengthened with steel bars.
While concrete is strong, poor construction, seasonal temperature changes, and pressure can cause problems.
Every spring
80-100 years
Step 1: Begin inside your home. Check for cracks in the walls, slanted floors, or windows and doors that don’t open properly. These issues could be signs of a shifting foundation.
Step 2: In your basement or crawlspace, look for water, dampness, or discoloration on or around your foundation. These are signs of poor drainage.
Step 3: Look down the length of your foundation walls for buckling, bulging, or slanted concrete. If you find any of these issues, call a professional.
Step 4: Flaking (spalling) and cracking are common. Cracks wider than 1/8 inch, horizontal cracks, or extensive flaking (1/16 inch or deeper) are generally bad signs. They may indicate drainage problems or pressure on the outside of the foundation wall.
Step 5: If you have a block foundation, cracks are more serious. Cracked or loose blocks should be repaired. Missing mortar or “step pattern” cracks are also a concern. These problems could point to uneven settling and let water through.