Foundation Issues in Troy: How to Spot the Signs and Protect Your Aging Home
Your Troy home has stood strong for decades, weathering Michigan’s brutal winters and dry summers. Nearly 55% of Homes in Troy Were Built Before 1980.
But after 40 or 50 years, even the most resilient homes start showing signs of wear— maybe cracks in the walls, bowing walls, or uneven floors.
With over half of the county’s homes now reaching this age, foundation issues are becoming more common—and more expensive to ignore.
This guide will help you:
- Spot the early warning signs of foundation issues
- Understand why older homes in Michigan are more vulnerable
- Perform simple DIY checks before calling a pro
- Know when it’s time for an expert inspection
Why 40+ Year-Old Homes in Troy Face Foundation Issues
From shifting foundations to rising energy bills, aging homes in Troy are facing more structural challenges than ever.
With more than 18,500 homes built in Troy before 1980, these issues are becoming more common—and more costly if left unchecked.
The Two Biggest Culprits
1. Foundation Issues Due to Michigan’s Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Michigan’s ever-changing seasons can be brutal on a home’s foundation.
The soil beneath your house expands when wet and contracts when dry, leading to poor soil conditions that cause cracks in walls. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles stress aging concrete, creating cracks that can allow water to seep into your basement or crawl space.
Add in outdated drainage systems and pooling water around your foundation, and you create a recipe for long-term damage.
2. Insulation Breakdown Leading to Higher Heating Costs
Homes built in the 1970s and 1980s weren’t designed with today’s energy efficiency standards.
Over time, insulation deteriorates, allowing drafts to creep in through windows, doors, and attic spaces. This not only leads to higher heating bills but can also cause ice dams—thick ridges of ice that build up along the edges of your roof, leading to leaks and structural damage.
Ignoring these warning signs won’t just make your home less comfortable—it can lead to bowing walls, uneven flooring, and costly repairs.
The good news? Catching these issues early can save you thousands and keep your home strong for decades to come.
Foundation Red Flags—When to Worry
Think your home’s foundation might be struggling? Use this quick checklist:
Wall or Drywall Cracks
What it Means: Soil shifts have caused structural movement
What to Do: Monitor small cracks, call an expert for widening ones
Doors & Windows Sticking
What it Means: Your home may be settling unevenly
What to Do: Check for misalignment and call a foundation expert
Uneven Floors
What it Means: The foundation is shifting beneath your home
What to Do: Test with a marble roll & seek inspection
Basement Water Leaks
What it Means: Cracks or poor drainage are letting water in
What to Do: Improve grading & consider waterproofing
Gaps in Walls or Baseboards
What it Means: Structural shifts causing separations
What to Do: Assess severity and contact a professional
Insulation Failures—Is Your Home Losing Heat?
Older insulation wasn’t built to handle decades of Michigan’s freezing winters.
This means you may be dealing with:
- Cold rooms, even when the heat is on.
- Skyrocketing heating bills from lost warmth.
- Ice dams forming on the roof, which can lead to leaks.
- Condensation buildup, causing mold inside walls.
Top Areas Where Heat Escapes
- Attics: Weak insulation lets warm air rise and escape.
- Walls: Older homes often lack modern energy-efficient insulation.
- Windows & Doors: Gaps allow drafts, making your heating system work harder.
DIY Inspection: How to Check for Problems Yourself
Before calling a pro, take a few minutes to inspect your home with these simple DIY tests. These quick checks can help you spot early warning signs and save you money.
For Foundation Issues
- Walk around your home—check for exterior wall cracks.
- Look for sticking doors/windows—are they harder to close than before?
- Drop a marble on the floor—does it roll to the middle of the room or exterior walls?
For Insulation Problems
- Check windows and doors for cold drafts—hold a lit candle near them. If the flame flickers or moves, air is sneaking in.
- Check your attic—if you see exposed floor joists, you need more insulation.
- Inspect walls—do they feel cold compared to the inside temperature?
If you’re noticing multiple issues, your home may need professional attention.
When to Call an Expert for Foundation Issues
If your home demonstrates multiple red flags from the lists above, it’s time for a foundation inspection.
The best part? Many inspections are free and come with no obligation.
- If caught early, small cracks are more affordably repaired than large ones.
- Waiting too long can mean higher energy costs, worsening cracks, and expensive repairs.
Not sure where to start? Get a free expert evaluation today from the trusted professionals at Foundation Systems of Michigan—because your home’s comfort and stability matter.
Keep Your Home Strong for Another 40+ Years with Foundation Systems of Michigan
Troy’s homes have lasted decades, but age and Michigan’s climate can take a toll.
With nearly 20 years of experience helping Troy homeowners, Foundation Systems of Michigan understands the unique challenges our region faces—from shifting soil to freeze-thaw damage.
We’ve seen it all, and no job is too big or too small for our expert team. Whether you’re dealing with foundation cracks, insulation issues, or water damage, we have the local expertise to provide lasting solutions tailored to your home.
Schedule a free inspection today.
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Leah Leitow
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