Updated 8/23/2023
Cracks on floors may seem like harmless, minor issues at first. However, small hairline cracks and other symptoms like wall gaps can be telltale signs of foundation movement. However, to be safe, it’s always a good idea to have your home evaluated by a foundation repair contractor if you have concerns.
You’ll want to take action because the fractures you’re seeing could become bigger. Moreover, they could indicate that other parts of your home will soon become damaged. In areas where house foundations rest on expansive clay soil, such as Dallas, Fort Worth, TX, these types of things are a common concern.
Property owners should take warning signs seriously to ensure their property’s structural integrity. By taking proactive measures, homeowners can prevent issues from escalating. Below, we explain the connection between cracked floor tiles and potential foundation issues. Specialists can identify potential foundation issues and perform thorough inspections, repairs, and maintenance to ensure the safety and stability of your home or building.
Are Cracked Tiles a Sign of Foundation Problems?
It’s possible for cracks on floors to indicate potential issues with your home’s foundation. Soil movement or water buildup can cause your foundation to shift, move or even be pushed in an upward direction. Sometimes hairline cracks in tile floors are one of the first tell-tale indications that soil or moisture affects a foundation. Poor drainage allowing water to enter your slab foundation can lead to significant deterioration. Learn more about uneven floors and foundation problems. It is best to work with professionals so you can know if a cracked tile means foundation problems.
Understanding the Tell-Tale Signs
Often, it’s easy to dismiss minor cracks in your home’s flooring. Some people see them as products of wear and tear. However, small cracks can already be early indicators of underlying foundation issues. Some homes are situated atop clay soil in regions like Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, which can cause several problems.
Here are some of the tell-tale signs to watch out for:
- Uneven or Sloping Floors: If you notice your floors developing slopes or depressions, it could be an indication of foundation movement. Shifts in your home’s foundation cause uneven flooring, affecting the stability of the entire structure.
- Misalignment of Doors and Windows: When previously functional doors and windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, it’s a possible sign of foundation movement and shifting. This movement causes the structural elements of doors and windows to get misaligned. Other signs to look for include gaps between doors and windows and their frames.
- Visible Gaps in Walls and Ceilings: Cracks in walls and ceilings accompanied by visible gaps or separations, significantly if these gaps are widening over time, suggest that the foundation has experienced movement. These gaps indicate that the foundation’s structural integrity has been compromised, impacting the overall stability of the home.
So why should you be concerned about those hairline fractures across your tile floors? The answer lies in the complex interplay between soil movement, moisture, and the structural integrity of your home. Sometimes, these hairline cracks are the first visible signs that soil instability or water infiltration is affecting your foundation. Moreover, poor drainage that allows water to seep into your slab foundation can lead to significant deterioration over time.
The Escalation of the Issue
You may notice crevices in other areas of your home, including your walls or exterior brick. Fractures in your flooring may be tiny at first, then become 1/16” of an inch wide, and eventually expand to 1/8” ¼” or larger. While gaps in tiles do negatively impact the appearance of your house, the more significant concern is that you may require foundation repair (or the installation of a drainage system) to stop the damage from this type of problem.
Types of Cracks You Can Find on Floors
Are cracked tiles a sign of foundation problems? Cracks in floors can take various forms, each hinting at a different underlying issue. Some cracks, known as “hairline cracks,” are very thin and often occur due to the natural settling of a home.
However, you may also find diagonal cracks that appear wider at the top. This sign could suggest a differential settlement, where one part of the foundation settles more than another. These horizontal cracks could indicate hydrostatic pressure against your home’s foundation. It can be caused by excessive moisture buildup or poor drainage.
On the other hand, vertical cracks could stem from soil movement. Understanding the types of cracks can help you assess if a cracked tile means foundation problems.
Which Cracks on Floors I Should Be Worried About
Not all cracks should be a cause for concern. Some cracks won’t significantly impact your home’s foundation, such as minor hairline cracks.
However, it would be best to call for professional help if you notice wider, multiple, clustered cracks. If you see cracks that have changed in size or direction over time, they can also cause concern.
A cracked floor tile affecting your flooring and walls could indicate a more serious structural problem. Any crack that allows water or pests to enter your home should be treated as a pressing concern.
When Should a Cracked Floor Tile Become a Serious Concern?
While small cracks can be part of the natural settling process, you should take action the moment they grow larger or start multiplying. Always consider cracks wider than 1/8″ and continue to widen over time as red flags. In addition, if you notice doors and windows becoming misaligned or your floors feel uneven when walking, these signs should prompt immediate attention. Pay attention to these signs since they could lead to more extensive and expensive repairs in the future.
Is it Possible for Cracks on Floors to Get Worse?
Some cracks on floors can get worse if not addressed promptly. Due to soil movement, moisture infiltration, and external pressures, cracks can expand further. These factors can affect not only your flooring but also the foundation.
If left unchecked, these issues can lead to significant structural damage, affecting your home’s stability. Best practice indicates that property owners should take action when they see the earliest signs of cracks. Timely solutions can prevent the situation from becoming a costly problem.
What Are the Signs That a Crack Is a Structural Issue?
Homeowners should learn to distinguish between superficial cracks and those indicative of structural stress. So, how do you know if cracked tiles are a sign of foundation problems?
Suppose other clear indicators like sticking doors and windows, sloping floors, or visible gaps between walls and ceilings accompany a crack. In this case, they can be signs of a more severe problem. In addition, if the crack appears suddenly and becomes wider at the top or bottom or has a jagged, irregular pattern, it could signify a foundation-related concern. Consulting a professional for a thorough assessment is crucial in such cases.
What Solutions Can a Foundation Repair Company Use?
Addressing cracked floors and foundation problems requires a range of practical solutions. Experienced foundation repair professionals can implement various methods, such as installing interior or exterior foundation piers to stabilize and level your home. These piers provide support and prevent further sinking or shifting of your foundation.
Piers stabilize homes and make floors even. This prevents the foundation from sinking. If you notice something wrong, contact a professional right away. An experienced contractor can determine whether or not your floor is out of level and, if so, whether you require the installation of interior foundation piers or exterior ones.
The contractor will determine precisely where the piers should be placed beneath your floors (and foundation). You’ll also learn precisely how many piers you need to solve the problem. While tile does crack, wooden floors are also affected by soil, water, and weather.
In addition, drainage solutions can be implemented to redirect water away from the foundation, mitigating moisture-related issues. The solution choice depends on the severity and specific characteristics of the problem, highlighting the importance of professional expertise in determining the best course of action.
Work with Reliable Foundation Specialists
If you’ve begun noticing fractures in your flooring, uneven tiles, wall gaps, or other concerning issues, don’t hesitate to contact our professionals in HD Foundations. Our A+ BBB-rated team specializes in comprehensive foundation repairs and drainage system installations across various cities.
Our specialists address issues promptly, safeguarding your home’s structural integrity. If you need help building up the soil around your home’s foundation, fill out this form, and we’ll be happy to help you.