Skip to main content

Foundation Problems in Older Homes


Most people can agree that owning a home is one of the biggest goals in life, and that goal comes with a particular vision in mind. Some people enjoy minimalist homes while others enjoy elaborate architectural features, for example. However, buying a home is quite an expense, especially if the house is newly built with all the trending, up-to-date features. Due to financial constraints, one might select an older home instead. Alternatively, you may simply enjoy the classic look and houses with history much more!

Regardless of your reasoning for buying an older home, it comes with its own set of challenges, one of the top issues being the foundation. Are there any telltale signs that can serve to inform a property owner of foundation issues in their older home? To educate you on the matter, here are a few tips compiled by the experienced and professional team from Granite Foundation Repair. We are the trusted Dallas-Fort Worth Foundation repair company with decades of experience in the area!

What Defines an Old Home?

In the world of real estate, properties are designed to last many, many years. As such, a home can be considered old if it has passed the 50-year mark. Buildings of this age have older amenities and technologies. They might also contain materials that are now considered hazardous, such as lead paint. 

Be aware, however, that even if these elements have been fixed through recent renovations, the home can still possess foundation issues. While the older home may have been visually refreshed, there could still be internal issues, which is why foundation inspections are so important. 

Should I Avoid Buying an Older Home?

By no means! From our experience in the foundation repair industry, our team has been able to identify foundation problems even in newer housing options on the market. Foundation issues can be present regardless of the property’s age. You should not be deterred from purchasing an older home, but knowing the signs of foundation issues with them will benefit you. 

In fact, there are several benefits to be gained by purchasing an older home. More often than not, they have impressive architecture and the construction was done with high-quality materials. If you want to feel secure in your purchase of an older home, you need a thorough inspection done on its foundation. You can contact the professional foundation experts at Granite. Our knowledge in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is second to none!

Signs of Foundation Problems 

There are a few signs that indicate the possibility of a foundation issue. If you see any of the following on our list, call on the experts at Granite and have your foundation inspected! If any issues are found, we will proceed with a foundation repair best suited to your needs.  

Cracks and Fissures 

Be on the lookout for cracks. The common areas where cracks form include around windows and doorways (especially in the frames) and the cornice (the junction between the ceiling and wall). Also, keep an eye out for cracks in the concrete base of the foundation that can be viewed externally. While you may expect cracks in an older home, sometimes it can be more than just old paint wearing down. It’s best to have it checked. 

Jammed Doors and Windows 

All doors and windows are meant to open and close smoothly, even in older homes. Doors and windows that often get jammed are a sign of an underlying issue. Be sure to call an expert like Granite if you’ve discovered this problem! 

Uneven Floors 

Foundation problems can lead to the sinking or upheaval of the underlying support. Uneven floors are an obvious sign of foundation problems. You can use a simple level (an instrument used for measuring sloped surfaces) to check for an uneven floor. 

For those with a crawl space, it’s common to see the floor sagging toward the middle of your home. This often indicates that a support beam or post is in need of repair. 

Common Causes of Foundation Problems 

Foundation problems can emerge from both inside and outside the house. Here are a few common causes that the team from Granite has dealt with over the years: 

Ground Swelling 

Ground swelling is a common cause of foundation issues in the Dallas-Fort Worth area because of the high concentration of clay soils. Clay soils have fine particles, are porous, and have a high water absorption capacity. Once they have absorbed water, they increase in size and can exert significant stress on the foundation. 

Roots

Is there a large tree a few yards from the house? While it can be wonderful to have trees on your property, they might be responsible for your foundation problems. Root systems can grow horizontally, threatening the foundation of the home. 

Drainage

Poor drainage is another possible cause of foundation problems. If the water around your property is not flowing as it should, the pooled water can lead to the weakening of the foundation. It can also be that the foundation was not comprehensively waterproofed during its construction. Older homes often need improvements to be done when it comes to drainage. 

Overloading 

Have you or the previous owners made massive improvements on your property? You could have constructed a vertical extension or added another floor to the house, both of which are common when people renovate older homes. However, the increased load may be more than what the existing foundation can withstand, causing damage. 

The Bottom Line on Foundation Problems in Older Homes

If you detect any of the above signs, it’s recommended that you take immediate action. While a crack or a small shift in elevation may look minor, it’s only a matter of time until the issue spreads. You should hire a professional and reputable foundation repair contractor. Look for an expert in the field that is known for their quality services and has the experience to handle your unique case. For all your foundation repair needs, call on the premier foundation repair company, Granite Foundation Repair!

Granite is the leading service provider in the foundation repair industry here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our professional repair contractors are the best of the best! They perform comprehensive work that is guaranteed to last years. In addition, our work comes with a lifetime transferable warranty.  

There is no cost for having your home inspected by our repair contractors. Get in touch with us today and book a free inspection!

Schedule a FREE Inspection

Honest foundation repair in the Dallas, TX area. Leave your information and we’ll be in touch!

Our Services