High Risk
1. Diagonal Drywall Cracks
Cracks that run diagonally (45-degree angle) from the corners of interior doors or window frames signal that one side of your foundation is sinking while the other remains stationary.
Common Sign
2. Sticking Doors & Windows
When a foundation shifts, the square framing of your house is warped out of plumb. Doors begin sticking at the top corner, rubbing against floorboards, or failing to latch shut.
Severe Risk
3. Exterior Stair-Step Brick Cracks
Cracks running in a zig-zag or stair-step pattern through exterior brick mortar joints are a definitive indicator of grade beam deflection caused by shrinking Texas clay.
Structural Drop
4. Sloping or Bouncing Floors
In pier & beam homes, rotted joists cause bouncy, spongy floorboards. In slab homes, a dropped corner creates an noticeable tilt where balls roll toward one wall.
Early Warning
5. Gaps at Trim & Crown Molding
Noticeable gaps opening between baseboards and flooring, or crown molding separating from ceilings, indicate that walls and floor slabs are pulling apart.
Critical Risk
6. Chimney Tilting or Pulling Away
Heavy masonry chimneys have concentrated footing loads. When soil gives way, the chimney tilts away from the house siding, allowing rainwater into wall cavities.
Notice Any of These Signs in Your Denton Home?
Our structural specialists provide 100% free digital altimeter elevation inspections.