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Signs of Foundation Problems in Knoxville Homes

Foundation problems usually show up slowly, as a crack that wasn't there last year or a door that started sticking. These are the signs worth watching in a Knoxville home.

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Stair-step cracks

Cracks that zigzag along the mortar joints of brick or block walls often mean part of the foundation has settled.

Diagram: a stair-step crack following mortar joints in a block or brick wall.
Diagram: a stair-step crack following mortar joints in a block or brick wall.

Sticking doors

Doors that stick, won't latch or swing on their own can mean the frame has moved out of square.

Diagram: a door frame pushed out of square by foundation movement, leaving an uneven gap.
Diagram: a door frame pushed out of square by foundation movement, leaving an uneven gap.

Window gaps

Gaps between window frames and walls, or windows that suddenly won't open, are another sign.

Diagram: cracks running from the corners of a window frame.
Diagram: cracks running from the corners of a window frame.

Sloping floors

Floors that slope or bounce, especially in crawl space homes, point to sinking supports.

Horizontal cracks

Horizontal cracks or bowing in basement block walls mean soil pressure is pushing in.

Water

Damp crawl spaces, wet basements and water stains at the base of walls often come before or with movement.

Outside clues

Gaps where steps, porches or chimneys meet the house, and cracks in exterior brick.

Interior cracks

Drywall cracks above doors and windows, and gaps where walls meet ceilings.

Next

See foundation repair or foundation inspections.

More foundation repair guides

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Cracks, sloping floors, sticking doors and damp crawl spaces. Tell us what you're seeing and we'll pass it straight to a foundation contractor, who will call you to set up an inspection and quote.

  • Crawl spaces, basements and slabs
  • Knoxville, Karns, Lenoir City, Clinton and nearby
  • Get an inspection and quote before any work

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Request a foundation inspection
Request a foundation inspection