The first noticeable sign on the outside of the home is usually brick cracks. There is usually a stair-step break in the mortar and/ or bricks but sometimes these cracks can be vertical or horizontal. This is confirmation that nature’s forces (soil movement) were stronger than the slab concrete foundation and a portion of it has broken or cracked. Cracks in the brick and mortar become more pronounced in the second story of two story houses.

The outside brick around the fireplace is also a common area of damage when the concrete slab has been broken.  Look at corners and note any “bowing” of the bricks.  Fireplace brick can also “pull away” from the main portion of the home. Windows are another common area of damage when the foundation moves.  Check around the window frames for any gaps. Sometimes the soil movement is great enough to warp the window frame and break the glass, which is obvious to all.  Exterior doors that do not open or close properly may be the result of foundation movement.