Has My Foundation Shifted or Cracked? The Locals Opinion and Solution for Auburn

Auburn, with its college town atmosphere, beautiful surrounding scenery, and rich local history, is undeniably a great place to live. But with such a long history, many homes in Auburn are starting to show their age.

Foundation problems become a growing concern the older a home gets. If you own an older home, it’s important to know the signs of foundation damage and when to seek professional foundation repair.

This guide will help you:

Identify common foundation issues in Auburn homes
Understand the causes of foundation cracks and shifts
Learn simple DIY checks to assess your foundation
Know when it’s time to call a professional for old home foundation repair

Why Are Older Homes in Auburn More Prone to Foundation Issues?

Homes age over time, and their foundations experience wear and tear. Many Auburn homes were built decades ago, using construction methods that may not be as resilient as modern techniques. Older homes are especially susceptible to foundation shifting and cracking due to:

Heavy Rainfall & Poor Drainage: Auburn receives significant rainfall, which can lead to soil erosion and foundation sinking if water isn’t directed away properly.
Seasonal Soil Expansion & Contraction: Alabama’s clay-rich soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry, putting pressure on foundations and leading to cracks.
Aging Materials: Homes built decades ago may lack the reinforcement and waterproofing techniques used in modern construction, making them more vulnerable to foundation damage.
Tree Roots & Soil Shifts: Tree roots seeking moisture can grow under foundations, shifting the soil and causing cracks in concrete slabs.

Common Foundation Issues in Auburn Homes

If you’re unsure whether your foundation is holding up, here are some common warning signs:

Problem Sign	What It Means	What to Do
Drywall cracks	Foundation movement or settling	Monitor small cracks, but call a professional for widening ones
Sticking doors and windows	Foundation shifts have altered alignment	Check for gaps around frames
Uneven or sagging floors	Indication of foundation movement	Perform a DIY level test, then call a professional if severe
Gaps between walls and floors	Uneven settling of the foundation	Monitor and assess if gaps increase
Water intrusion in basement or crawl space	Water seeping through foundation cracks	Improve drainage, consider professional waterproofing

If you notice even just one of these signs, it may be time to seek expert foundation repair to prevent further damage.

DIY Foundation Check: What Homeowners Can Look For

Before calling a professional, you can conduct a few simple checks to assess your foundation’s condition:

Walk around your home and inspect the foundation: Look for visible cracks, especially those that widen over time or form stair-step patterns in the brickwork.
Test doors and windows: If they stick or appear misaligned, it could indicate foundation movement.
Check for floor unevenness: Place a marble on the floor—if it rolls on its own, there could be foundation settling.
Inspect your basement or crawl space: Look for signs of moisture, musty smells, or standing water, which could indicate foundation damage.

When to Call a Professional for an Inspection

If your Auburn home is showing multiple foundation problems, it’s time for a professional assessment. Seeking expert old home foundation repair early can save you thousands in future repairs and prevent major structural damage.

Foundation specialists in Auburn use modern foundation stabilization techniques like helical and push piers, epoxy injections to seal cracks, and waterproofing solutions to prevent moisture damage. These cost-effective solutions ensure your home remains safe and stable for years to come.

Your Auburn Home Has Stood for Decades—Make Sure It Stays Strong

Auburn’s historic homes are a treasure, but foundation issues can threaten their stability. If you suspect foundation problems, don’t wait until the damage worsens. Schedule a free foundation inspection with AFS to ensure your home’s foundation remains strong and secure for many more decades.

Foundation Damage FAQs

Can clay soil affect other parts of my home besides the foundation?

Yes, clay soil can cause issues with driveways, sidewalks, and other structures, leading to cracks and uneven surfaces due to soil movement.

How can I tell if a crack is due to foundation problems?

Signs that a crack may be related to foundation issues include the crack being wider than 1/4 inch, the presence of stair-step or horizontal cracks, doors and windows that stick or won’t close, and cracks that continue to grow over time.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover wind damage to my foundation?

Coverage varies by policy; check with your insurance provider to understand what types of wind damage are covered under your policy, as some may require additional windstorm insurance.

Related Resources

The Ultimate Guide to Foundation Repair in the Southeast USA

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Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.