7 Warning Signs You Have Foundation Settlement
Know When to Call the Experts at A&M Waterproofing & Foundation Repair
Foundation problems don’t usually appear overnight—but once they start, they tend to get worse fast. At A&M Waterproofing & Foundation Repair, we’re committed to helping Central Indiana homeowners recognize the early warning signs of foundation settlement so they can avoid costly repairs down the road.
If you’ve noticed cracks in your walls, sticking doors, or uneven floors, you might be dealing with a settling foundation. Here’s what to look for and why it matters.
What Is Foundation Settlement?
Foundation settlement occurs when the soil underneath your home shifts, shrinks, or compresses. In areas like Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Plymouth, where clay-heavy soils and freeze-thaw cycles are common, this can lead to one part of your home sinking more than another—causing structural issues that worsen over time.
7 Signs Your Foundation May Be Settling
1. Stair-Step Cracks in Brick or Block Walls
These zigzag cracks typically form along the mortar joints of exterior walls and are a major red flag for differential settlement. They often appear near corners or window openings, where the structure is most vulnerable.
Why it matters: It means parts of your foundation are sinking at different rates—a key symptom of soil movement.
2. Vertical or Diagonal Cracks in Basement Walls
Thin vertical cracks in poured concrete or block basement walls may start small but grow with time. Diagonal cracks, especially those wider at one end, are also concerning.
Pro Tip: Track the width of the crack with a pencil or measuring tape over a few weeks. If it’s expanding, call a professional.
3. Doors and Windows That Stick or Don’t Latch
If you’re struggling to open or close interior doors or windows, your home may have shifted. As the foundation settles, it throws off the alignment of the frames.
Watch for: Gaps above doors, tilted frames, or windows that won’t slide without force.
4. Sloping or Uneven Floors
You might notice your floors aren’t level—or that furniture slowly drifts. This is often a direct result of foundation movement affecting floor joists or subfloor support.
Why it’s serious: Sloping floors can eventually lead to sagging, bouncing, or even structural instability.
5. Cracks in Drywall or Ceiling Corners
Foundation movement often reveals itself as diagonal or vertical cracks above doors and windows or where walls meet ceilings. These cosmetic cracks often return even after patching—until the foundation is stabilized.
6. Chimney Pulling Away From the House
Chimneys are heavy and typically rest on their own footings. If those footings settle independently, the chimney may begin to lean away from the home.
Don’t wait: A leaning chimney can collapse or damage the roof line if not addressed with proper support like helical piers.
7. Gaps Around Garage Doors or Exterior Doors
If you can see daylight around your garage or notice weatherstripping no longer sealing tightly, your framing could be shifting due to foundation settlement.
Why These Signs Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Foundation issues never fix themselves. Ignoring them can lead to:
- Major structural damage
- More expensive repairs down the line
- Reduced home value
- Plumbing line problems and broken utility connections
- Increased safety concerns
How A&M Waterproofing & Foundation Repair Can Help
We specialize in diagnosing and repairing foundation settlement throughout Central Indiana—including South Bend, Fort Wayne, Plymouth, and beyond. Our team uses industry-trusted solutions such as:
- Steel Push Piers
Driven deep into load-bearing soils to lift and support sinking sections. - Helical Pier Systems
Ideal for lighter structures or areas with variable soil. These screw-like piers provide powerful, permanent stabilization. - Underpinning and Wall Stabilization
Custom solutions for bowing walls, cracked foundations, or unstable slabs.
All of our work is backed by years of local experience and a deep understanding of Indiana’s unique soil conditions.
Schedule a Free Foundation Inspection
If you’re seeing one or more of these warning signs, don’t wait until small issues become major problems. Contact A&M Waterproofing & Foundation Repair today for a no-obligation foundation inspection. We’ll assess your property, explain what’s going on, and recommend the best path forward—so you can protect your home with confidence.