Your home’s foundation is like its feet, it holds everything up. In Montreal, foundations go through a lot: freezing winters, heavy snow, spring rain, and clay soil that swells and shrinks with water. All of this can put stress on your house.
If foundation trouble starts, it usually shows small signs first. Spotting them early can save you big money later.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Cracks in Walls, Floors, or the Foundation Itself
In Montreal, it’s normal to see tiny “hairline” cracks from the freeze-thaw cycle. But watch out for:
- Cracks that keep getting bigger.
- Cracks shaped like a staircase in brick walls.
- Cracks wider at the top than the bottom.
These often mean the foundation is shifting.
2. Doors and Windows That Stick
Our winters and humid summers make wood swell and shrink, but if a door or window suddenly won’t close properly, it might not just be humidity. A moving foundation can twist the frames, making them uneven.
3. Uneven or Sloping Floors
Homes in Montreal with basements sometimes show uneven floors if the foundation settles into the clay soil. An easy test: put a small ball on the floor. If it rolls on its own, something might be off.
4. Gaps Around Windows, Doors, or Cabinets
Look inside and outside. Do you see spaces between the wall and the frame, or between cabinets and the wall? That could mean the foundation is shifting.
5. Water in the Basement
Montreal basements are famous for water problems, especially in spring when snow melts. Puddles, damp walls, or a musty smell can be early signs. Water puts pressure on the foundation and makes cracks worse.
Pro tip: Check your sump pump (if you have one) and make sure gutters drain water away from the house.
6. The Outside Looks Uneven
Walk around your home. Do you see:
- Bricks pulling apart?
- Concrete steps sinking?
- The ground sloping toward your house?
These can all show the soil is shifting and affecting your foundation.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
Don’t panic, tiny cracks or a sticky door in January might just be the weather. But if you see several signs at once or they keep getting worse, it’s time to call a foundation specialist.
In Montreal, fixing problems early is much cheaper than waiting. Think of it like winter tires: buying them before the snowstorm saves you from a costly accident later.
Keep an eye on cracks, sticky doors, uneven floors, water in the basement, and shifting outside walls. With our freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and clay soil, foundation problems can sneak up fast. Spot them early, and you’ll save yourself stress and money.
