7 Warning Signs Your DFW Foundation is in Trouble (And What to Do About It)

Foundation problems develop gradually—but early detection saves thousands in repair costs. These seven warning signs indicate your DFW home's foundation is being damaged by Texas black gumbo clay, and the actions you should take immediately.

Sign #1: Interior Doors That Stick or Won't Close

When doors suddenly require extra force to latch or won't close completely, foundation shifting has altered door frame geometry.

Interior doors are precision-fitted with minimal clearance. Even 1/4 inch of foundation movement creates binding that makes doors stick. In DFW homes, this typically appears first on the side of the house experiencing the most soil moisture change.

Immediate Action: Check other signs on this list. If multiple doors are affected, schedule foundation inspection within 1-2 weeks.

Sign #2: Cracks Above Doorways and Windows

Diagonal cracks running from door or window frames toward the ceiling indicate differential foundation settlement.

These cracks—often 1/8 inch or wider—follow the path of least resistance as the foundation shifts and wall studs separate from framing. They're typically most visible in drywall above interior openings.

Immediate Action: Monitor crack width weekly. If expanding, urgent professional assessment is needed.

Sign #3: Gaps Between Baseboards and Floors

Visible separation where baseboards meet flooring indicates the floor is sinking or walls are rising relative to the foundation.

This sign is often accompanied by creaking floors and visible slopes when objects roll across the room. The gap represents the gap between the wall's bottom plate and the foundation or floor structure.

Immediate Action: Measure gap width and location. Document with photos for professional assessment.

Sign #4: Exterior Brick or Mortar Cracks

Stair-step patterns in brickwork or separation in mortar joints signal serious foundation movement affecting the exterior structure.

Brick cracks are particularly concerning because masonry has no flexibility—any movement immediately shows as cracks. "Stair-step" patterns following mortar lines are classic indicators of foundation settlement.

Immediate Action: This sign requires immediate professional foundation evaluation. Do not delay.

Sign #5: Sloping or Sagging Floors

When floors develop visible slopes or "bouncy" sections, foundation supports have shifted or failed.

Place a golf ball on suspected sloping floors—if it rolls consistently in one direction, you have measurable foundation settlement. Sloping greater than 1 inch per 15 feet is considered significant.

Immediate Action: Professional structural assessment needed within 2 weeks.

Sign #6: Separating Crown Molding or Trim

Trim pulling away from walls or ceilings indicates frame stress from foundation movement.

Crown molding gaps reveal where ceiling joists have shifted relative to wall studs—a secondary sign of foundation differential settlement affecting the entire frame.

Immediate Action: Combine with other signs assessment. May indicate moderate foundation movement requiring intervention.

Sign #7: Windows That Stick or Won't Open

Foundation shifting distorts window frame geometry, creating binding that prevents smooth operation.

Like interior doors, windows are precision-fitted. Foundation movement creates pressure that warps frames and jams sashes—often appearing first on one side of the house.

Immediate Action: Check if multiple windows on same wall are affected—pattern indicates foundation issues requiring assessment.

The Landscaping Solution

Early-stage foundation movement can often be stabilized through soil moisture management before structural repairs are needed.

If you detect 1-3 of these signs without major cracking, immediate landscaping intervention may prevent escalation:

• Foundation watering: Install soaker hoses 3-5 feet from foundation, water 15-30 min daily
• Drainage correction: Address any water pooling near foundation with grading or French drains
• Tree management: Install root barriers for large trees within 20 feet of foundation
• Gutter maintenance: Ensure downspouts discharge 6+ feet from foundation

When to Call a Structural Engineer

Contact a structural engineer (not just a foundation repair company) when:

• Multiple major signs are present (cracks wider than 1/4 inch, significant sloping)
• Signs are worsening week to week
• Doors/windows are inoperable
• Exterior brick shows significant cracking

Engineer assessment ($500-$1,000) provides objective evaluation before committing to expensive repairs.

Conclusion

Foundation warning signs are your home's cry for help. Early detection through vigilant observation enables cost-effective landscaping solutions before catastrophic structural repairs are required.

Learn about comprehensive foundation protection: DFW Foundation Protection Guide