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Peoria Foundation

Serving Peoria and nearby areas

Signs of Foundation Problems in Peoria, IL

Bowing walls, sideways cracks and water at the floor are the most common signs of foundation problems in Peoria, and here is when to get a free inspection.

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We connect property owners in Peoria and nearby areas, including West Bluff, North Side, North Valley, South Side, Grandview Drive and East Peoria, with one independent local foundation repair specialist.

  • Wet soil in late winter and spring

    Ipava is one of the most common soils in Peoria County. USDA says its water table can rise to 1 to 2 feet below the surface between January and May. That is when the most water presses on basement walls.

  • Frost that pushes on walls

    The City of Peoria sets footings at least 36 inches below grade to get under the frost line. The top of a basement wall sits in that frost zone. Wet soil there can freeze, swell and push on the wall.

  • Heavy spring rain

    May is Peoria's wettest month, with about 4.7 inches of rain on average, and April is next at about 4 inches, per the National Weather Service. A sign that shows up after a wet spring is worth a look.

  • Many older walls

    About 2 in 5 Peoria homes were built before 1960. Their block, brick and stone basement walls have taken decades of frost and wet soil.

The signs Peoria homeowners see most

Most foundation trouble in Peoria shows up in the basement first. Here are the signs to look for, starting with the ones that need a look soonest.

Signs that need a look soon

These signs often mean the wall or the house is moving. Get a free inspection soon if you see any of them.

A sideways crack in a basement wall

It runs across the wall, often near the middle or a few blocks from the top.

A wall that bows in

Sight down the wall, and if the middle leans in, soil is pushing on it.

Stair-step cracks

The crack zigzags along the mortar in a block or brick wall.

One side of a crack sticks out

The two sides no longer line up flat.

A gap at the top of the wall

The top of the wall has slid in under the wood frame.

A crack wider than about a quarter inch

Wide cracks usually mean more than drying concrete.

A crack that grows

It gets longer or wider over weeks or months.

Signs of water trouble

Water is behind many foundation problems in Peoria. These signs mean water is getting in.

Water at the base of the wall

It seeps in where the wall meets the floor after rain.

A crack that gets damp or leaks

The crack darkens or drips after a storm.

White crust on the wall

That chalky powder is salt left behind when water dries.

Peeling paint or damp walls

The walls feel cool and wet to the touch.

A musty smell

The basement or crawl space smells damp even when you see no water.

Water from the floor drain

In older parts of Peoria, water up the drain in a big storm can mean the sewer is backing up.

A sump pump that runs all the time

The ground around the house is holding a lot of water.

Signs upstairs

Sometimes the first sign is not in the basement at all.

Doors that stick or swing open

Several doors acting up in one part of the house is a common sign.

Cracks over doors and windows

Look for cracks running from the corners.

Sloping or bouncy floors

A marble rolls one way, or the floor dips over a crawl space.

Windows that stick

A window that used to open easily now binds.

Gaps by the trim

You see a space between the wall and the floor or the ceiling.

Signs outside

Stair-step cracks in brick

Check the outside walls, mostly near the corners.

A gap by the chimney

The chimney leans away from the house.

Soil that slopes toward the house

Rain runs to the wall instead of away.

Downspouts that dump by the wall

Water pools next to the foundation after rain.

A sunken porch or step

The concrete has dropped or tipped toward the house.

Signs that are usually cosmetic

Not every crack is a problem. These are common and often harmless, but keep an eye on them.

Thin vertical cracks in a poured wall

These often form as concrete cures.

Hairline cracks in the basement floor

Most floors crack a little as they dry.

Small cracks in drywall at seams

These often come from wood framing drying out.

A single sticking door in summer

Humid summer air can swell a wood door.

If one of these grows, leaks or shows up with other signs, get it checked.

How to check your own basement

You can do a quick check in about 15 minutes.

  1. Walk each wall. Look for cracks and mark the ends with a pencil and the date.
  2. Check for bowing. Hold a long straight board or a tight string against the wall.
  3. Look at the top. See if the wall still lines up with the wood frame above.
  4. Look at the floor edge. Check for damp spots, stains or white crust.
  5. Test the sump pump. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it runs.
  6. Walk outside. Check that downspouts carry water at least a few feet away.
  7. Take photos. Put a coin next to each crack for scale.

Why timing matters in Peoria

Frost and spring rain work on walls every year. A wall that bowed a little last winter may bow more after the next one. A small leak can turn into a wet floor after a big spring storm. Getting a free look early gives you more options and often a lower price.

Frequently asked questions

When do foundation problems show up in Peoria?

Many people notice them in late winter and spring. That is when frost is coming out of the ground, the snow melts and the heaviest rain falls. Note when you first saw a sign. It helps the inspector.

Is a crack in my basement wall always serious?

No. Thin vertical cracks in a poured wall are common. Sideways cracks, stair-step cracks, wide cracks and cracks that grow or leak are the ones to get checked.

How serious is one door that sticks?

One sticking door can just be humid weather or loose hinges. Several doors sticking, or a sticking door along with new cracks, is a better reason to call.

Can I check a bowing wall myself?

Yes. Hold a long straight board or a tight string against the wall from floor to top. If the middle touches and the ends do not, or the reverse, the wall may be bowing.

What should I do while I wait for an inspection?

Take dated photos of each crack with a coin for scale. Keep gutters flowing away from the house. Test your sump pump. Move things off the floor near any leak.

Is a musty smell a foundation sign?

It is a moisture sign. It often means water is getting into the basement or crawl space. Water is behind many foundation problems, so it is worth a look.

Do newer homes get foundation problems too?

They can. Soil can settle under a new house, and a new yard may slope the wrong way.

Not sure what you are looking at?

You do not have to figure it out alone. Call (309) 245-0953 or send the short form. A local foundation crew will come out for free and tell you what the signs mean, with a written price if anything needs work.

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