Doors That Do Not Open or Shut Like They Once Did

Doors that no longer open/close smoothly and evenly with the door jamb can be caused by something as simple as loose hinges. But it can also be from something a little harder to detect: a problem in the foundation. Before you get worried, be sure to check the hinges and hinge screws first—maybe it’s a quick fix!

If the door is properly connected to the door jamb, and there hasn’t been a change to the floor, then it’s time to check for other signs of foundation problems and not just assume changes in humidity are the cause of the door malfunction. But remember, if no other signs exist, problems like doors that don’t open/close correctly can be significant enough to warrant calling an expert for a full inspection. It’s always better to solve the problem before it gets worse.

Are You Noticing Doors That Aren’t Aligned Properly?

Other common symptoms to check for:

• Windows that also do not open/close properly
• Cracks in exterior brick walls (stair step shaped cracks in the mortar joints, specifically)
• Cracks in the basement floor
• Sloping floors

Keep in mind that there are other symptoms of foundation problems not included in the short list above.

Before checking the house, it might be a good idea to learn about some common signs of water intruding into your basement or crawlspace—foundation problems can be caused by waterproofing problems and vice versa. Here are a few more common signs of water coming into your basement or crawlspace:

• Is there water in the area where the basement wall and floor meet—the area called the cove?
• Is there standing water on the basement floor, or is the cement damp?
• Is the wall discolored anywhere from a few inches to a few feet high?

If the answer to any of these is yes, calling a professional who can solve your waterproofing and foundation repair needs is a good idea—neither of these go away on their own, but they both do get worse over time.

If you are noticing doors not opening or closing properly, we have the foundation repair solutions you need to solve these problems. Check with your nearest ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing location for additional information.