Kansas City’s clay-heavy soil expands with moisture and contracts during dry spells. This cycle puts constant stress on foundations, often leading to cracks, uneven floors, and shifting walls. Knowing the early signs of foundation issues is essential to prevent costly repairs and protect your home’s structure.

Common Signs of Foundation Issues

Identifying the signs of foundation issues early is the first step toward preventing more severe problems. Here are some of the most reliable indicators our team looks for during inspections.

1. Cracks in Walls, Ceilings, and Floors

Interior sheetrock cracks, especially stair-step splits along ceilings or corners, often signal movement in the foundation below. In Kansas City’s fluctuating climate, small cracks can quickly grow as the soil shifts seasonally. Vertical cracks in basement walls are typical of settling, while horizontal cracks usually indicate pressure from expanding soil.

Pro Tip: If you can fit a coin or your finger into a wall or floor crack, it’s time to schedule an inspection.

2. Sticking Doors and Windows

Doors that suddenly jam or windows that won’t latch could mean more than seasonal swelling. These shifts often occur when the foundation moves unevenly, forcing frames out of square. Over time, this stress may also separate trim from the wall or create visible gaps at the top corners of doors.

3. Uneven or Sloping Floors

A subtle slope might not seem serious, but it points to possible settlement beneath the structure. Homes built on slabs can develop dips or ridges as the foundation shifts. If furniture tilts or rolling objects drift on their own, you’re likely seeing the result of underlying foundation movement.

Key Takeaway: Floors that slope more than one inch every 10 feet typically need professional evaluation.

Need expert help with your foundation? Contact Olson Foundation Repair for a free inspection and honest evaluation.

Determining the Severity of Cracks

Not all foundation cracks are equally serious. Some are surface-level blemishes, while others indicate active structural movement.

Hairline Cracks

Superficial cracks, thin as a pencil line, usually form as concrete cures or slightly shift. They rarely threaten the structure, but should still be sealed to keep out moisture.

Wide or Deep Cracks

When a gap widens enough to let daylight through or water in, it’s a strong sign the footing has moved. These cracks can appear on both interior and exterior walls and often continue spreading if left untreated.

Pro Tip: Use a simple measurement test, mark both sides of a crack with a pencil, and recheck in 30 days. Any expansion means the foundation is still moving.

When to Call for a Foundation Inspection

You should contact a professional inspection team if any of these conditions appear:

• Doors or windows stick repeatedly
• Water enters your basement after rain
• Large horizontal or stair-step cracks form on walls
• Floors feel uneven or bounce when walked on
• Cracks reappear after being patched

At this stage, a foundation expert can determine if the problem is structural, moisture-related, or caused by settlement. Waiting too long may increase repair costs as damage spreads to framing, flooring, and exterior masonry.

Ready to Schedule an Inspection?

Small cracks can signal early foundation movement that only gets worse with time. Our team at Olson Foundation Repair specializes in identifying, stabilizing, and repairing structural issues caused by Kansas City’s shifting clay soil. Schedule your inspection today to protect your investment and ensure your home stays strong from the ground up.