What Your Windows Can Tell You About Foundation Damage

Posted on: 1 July 2016

Even though you might typically think of looking at the actual foundation of your home when looking for foundation damage, many signs of issues can be spotted within in the home. In fact, even taking a look at your windows can help clue you in to potential foundation damage. These are a few things to look for when looking at your windows if you are wondering if your home might have foundation damage.

Difficulty Opening and Closing

It might not seem abnormal for a window to "stick" and to be difficult to open and close, and if your windows are old, it could be related to the age of the window. However, if your windows aren't very old or if multiple windows in your home are "sticking," it might pay to take a look at your foundation. Even though you might not be able to see it right away, your foundation can actually shift and cause your windows to fall out of line, making it difficult to open and close them.

Cracks from the Windows to the Ceiling

For a home with foundation damage, cracks in the walls are not abnormal. They can appear anywhere, but they can be particularly prevalent near the windows. In many cases, the cracks will run from the tops of the windows to the ceiling. When at your windows, look up at the walls above to see if you notice the signs of any cracking.

Cracks Around the Windowsill

Similarly, even though you might not notice cracks from the top of the windows to the ceilings, you can also look around the windowsills. Because your windows are technically placed in a hole in the wall, this can be a common place for separation to occur as the foundation shifts. If you notice that there are cracks around your windowsills, it could be the sign of foundation damage.

As you can see, even if you don't know what you're looking at when inspecting your foundation, or even if you don't want to walk outside  to take a look, there are still signs of foundation damage that you can look for. By looking at and around your windows, you may spot signs that there is something wrong with your foundation. If you notice any of these things or if you otherwise think that there might be something wrong with your home's foundation, now is the time to contact a foundation repair company to come out and take a look.

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