As a homeowner, you already realize the importance of caring for your foundation—but there’s more to your house’s secure structure than its exterior walls. There is also the potential for damage happening underneath interior flooring—and the signs can be different than you might expect. Here’s what you need to know to keep your foundation strong:
What Is Interior Settlement, and How Does It Differ from Traditional Foundation Issues?
Foundation issues normally show up around a house’s exterior edges, where water has more influence over the movement of Oklahoma’s clay soil. However, some homes may not have strong enough support in their interior structure, so settling occurs underneath living areas such as hallways, central rooms, and load-bearing walls.
Unique Signs of Interior Concrete Settlement
Interior settling is most common in houses with slab foundations that were built in the 1960s-80s. You may see signs that don’t match traditional exterior-edge foundation problems but that are still concerning.
1. Horizontal cracks in brick
Typically, foundation damage shows up as stair-step cracks in brick surfaces. But when settling occurs in the center of a house, brick cracks may also run horizontally or show up in the middle of a wall instead of the corners.
2. Vertical cracks and gaps
If you see vertical cracks in exterior bricks, or if you notice gaps near joints, take a look at how wide the gaps and cracks are. When your foundation begins to sink in the center of your house, it can result in gaps and cracks that are wider at the bottom than the top.
3. Damage to trim around brick
Wood trim pieces (called brick friezes) are used in architectural design to smooth out the visual transition between brick exterior walls and wood soffits and siding boards. This trim should lay neatly against the brick. If exterior foundation damage is occurring, brick friezes will come apart at the corners. With interior settlement, a gap will widen between the trim and the brick because the wall is leaning inward.
4. Diagonal cracks pointing inward
While exterior settling creates cracks that point toward the outside of your home, interior settling leads to diagonal cracks that point inward—toward the area of damage. This issue tends to show up on drywall near door frames.
5. Gaps between walls and floors/ceilings
Interior settlement results in damage at the connections between horizontal and vertical structural elements. The floor may begin to sink, while the walls stay in place—creating gaps where the floor meets the walls. Or, walls may begin sinking along with the floor, but the ceiling doesn’t move—which results in a gap between the wall and the ceiling.
6. Sticking doors
When windows and doors stick, it’s a signal that your foundation is having issues. With interior settling, the spots that get jammed are door corners that point toward the center of your house.
7. Problems with wallpaper
As walls and floors move unevenly, odd issues can occur—such as wallpaper coming undone or tearing.
8. Unusual issues related to flooring
If your tile floors sound weirdly hollow as you walk on them, that can be a signal of interior settlement. You may also see that your flooring is popping up and out of place.
Get Answers and Ensure Your Foundation Is in Top Condition with Tulsa’s Foundation Experts
If you’re seeing any of these signs around your home, it’s time to have your foundation inspected. Foundation damage only grows worse if it is allowed to continue unchecked, and it can lead to costly structural issues. Addressing the problem head-on will protect the investment you’ve made in your house.
At Edens Structural Solutions, we have over 40 years of experience assessing interior (and exterior) settling and providing thorough solutions to your foundation issues. We start with a free, no-obligation estimate to identify whether you need our services and answer your questions. Reach out to schedule a consultation today. We look forward to seeing you!
