The Foundation Risks of St. Louis County’s Aging Homes

If you own a home in St. Louis County, you know how unpredictable Missouri’s weather can be—hot summers, cold winters, heavy rains, and long dry spells. Now imagine what that extreme weather does to a home’s foundation over 50+ years.

With 36% of homes in St. Louis County now over half a century old, foundation problems are becoming more common.

The good news? With the right knowledge and preventative steps, you can keep your home safe and stable for years to come.

schedule free inspection

How Many Homes in St. Louis County Are 50+ Years Old?

Housing Snapshot in St. Louis County:
Total homes: 18,209
Homes built in the 1970s: 6,585
Percentage of homes 50+ years old: 36%

That means over one-third of homes in the county have reached an age where foundation damage can lead to major structural problems.

But is your home at risk? Let’s break it down.

Why Aging Homes in St. Louis County Are at Risk

Older homes were built with materials and techniques that may no longer withstand Missouri’s modern climate. Over time, your foundation faces these key threats:

Soil Movement – St. Louis County’s clay-heavy soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry, leading to unstable ground beneath your home.
Heavy Rains, Droughts, and Freeze-Thaw Cycles – Constant moisture fluctuations cause foundations to shift, crack, and settle unevenly.
Aging Construction Materials – As homes pass the 50-year mark, concrete, wood, and drainage systems begin to deteriorate, leading to more frequent foundation problems.

Signs of Foundation Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore

Is your home already showing signs of trouble? Here’s a quick checklist to find out:

Warning Sign

Cracks in walls or ceilings

What It Means: Soil movement is shifting your foundation
Action Needed: Seal minor cracks; call for widening cracks

Doors & Windows Sticking

What It Means: Your foundation may be settling unevenly
Action Needed: Check for warped wood, and call a professional

Uneven Floors

What It Means: A sign of foundation sinking
Action Needed: Conduct a DIY level check; call a professional

Basement Leaks or Pooling Water

What It Means: Water is weakening your foundation
Action Needed: Improve drainage, consider waterproofing

Gaps Between Floor and Wall

What It Means: Structural shifts causing the unlevel ground
Action Needed: Assess for worsening signs over time

If you check off more than one of these signs, it’s time to take action.

How to Prevent Costly Foundation Repair

While foundation repair in St. Louis County can be extensive, early prevention can help homeowners avoid large-scale damage.

Here’s what you can do:

Ensure proper drainage – Keep gutters clean and direct water away from your foundation.
Monitor soil moisture – Use soaker hoses in dry months to prevent excessive soil shrinkage.
Seal small cracks early – Don’t ignore minor cracks; they can expand quickly with Missouri’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Schedule routine inspections – A professional assessment can catch issues before they require costly repairs.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve noticed multiple warning signs, it’s time to bring in a foundation expert. Waiting too long can result in more severe foundation settling, water damage, and structural instability.

Why Choose Foundation Recovery Systems?

For nearly 35 years, Foundation Recovery Systems has been the go-to choice for foundation repair in St. Louis County.

Our team understands the unique soil conditions, weather patterns, and foundation challenges of the area. Whether you’re dealing with minor cracks or major structural concerns, we provide long-lasting, customized solutions to protect your home.

Don’t wait for small issues to become costly repairs—schedule a free foundation inspection today!

schedule free inspection

Related Resources

Your Guide to House Lifting

Any damage to your home’s foundation will likely result in uneven settling. Learn how this impacts your home, and the solutions to the problem.

What Is Backfill in Construction?

After construction is complete, foundations and trenches are filled with a material that’s known as backfill.

3d cut out of piers stabilizing a home's foundation.

What is Underpinning?

Underpinning reinforces the foundation of buildings and homes built on poorly compacted or compromised soils. Learn more here.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.