Did You Know That About 5,000 Homes in Little Havana Were Built in 1940? Here’s What to Look Out For

Written By Ted DrycePublished on 03/19/2025

A house exterior with significant cracks and damage on a brick wall corner.

Little Havana is known for its Cuban roots, vibrant street life, and its warm community. However, many of the homes in this area were built in the 1940s, meaning they have endured over 80 years of Florida’s heat, humidity, and shifting soil. While older homes have character, they also come with potential foundation issues that homeowners should be aware of.

If you live in a home with a slab foundation, it’s important to understand how time and environmental factors can impact its stability. Many Little Havana homes have experienced slab foundation shifting due to changing soil conditions, which can cause cracks, uneven floors, and other structural concerns.

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Common Signs of Foundation Problems in Older Homes

If your home is one of the many historic properties in Little Havana, here are some signs that you may need old home foundation repair:

Cracks in walls or ceilings
Uneven or sloping floors
Doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly
Gaps between walls and floors
Water intrusion in the crawl space (if you have one)

Tape measure showing foundation movement.

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to costly repairs down the line. Slab foundation shifting can worsen over time, affecting the overall safety and value of your home.

Why Do Slab Foundations Shift?

Many homes in Little Havana were built on slab foundations, which rest directly on the soil. Over the decades, the ground underneath these homes has gone through cycles of expansion and contraction due to moisture changes, leading to movement in the foundation. Common causes of slab foundation shifting include:

Heavy rainfall & flooding: Miami’s tropical climate brings rain and hurricanes, often causing the soil beneath homes to erode, shifting the foundation.
Soil shrinkage: During dry seasons, the soil contracts, creating gaps that allow the foundation to settle unevenly.
Sinkholes: Sinkholes cause slab movement by creating underground voids that weaken soil support, leading to uneven settling, cracks, and shifting in the foundation.
Aging construction materials: Older homes were built with materials that may not have the same durability as modern construction techniques.

What Homeowners Can Do: DIY Checks

Before calling a professional, homeowners can conduct simple DIY checks to assess their foundation’s condition:

Look for exterior cracks: Walk around your home and inspect the foundation for visible cracks.
Test doors and windows: If they’re sticking or difficult to open, foundation shifting may be the cause.
Check for floor unevenness: Place a marble on the floor—if it rolls on its own, your foundation may be settling unevenly.
Inspect for moisture issues: A musty smell or water stains could indicate foundation-related water intrusion.

When to Call a Professional for Slab Foundation Repair

If your home shows multiple signs of foundation issues, it’s time to call an expert. Professional slab foundation repair can help prevent further structural damage and protect your investment. Solutions may include soil stabilization, concrete lifting, or installing foundation piers to reinforce the foundation.

Foundation FAQs

How much can I save by doing foundation repairs myself?

While you might think you’ll save on labor costs by doing repairs yourself, the potential for incorrect repairs can lead to higher costs in the long run. Professional repairs ensure the problem is correctly addressed the first time, saving you money and increasing your home’s value in the long run.

How do I prevent future foundation problems?

Preventing future foundation problems involves regular maintenance, such as ensuring proper drainage around your home, controlling moisture levels, and checking for early signs of damage. Addressing small issues sooner rather than later can help prevent larger foundation problems later.

Can Florida’s weather make foundation cracks worse?

Yes, Florida’s high humidity, frequent storms, and soil movement can accelerate foundation damage.

Protect Your Home’s Future With Alpha Foundations

Little Havana’s historic homes are a vital part of Miami’s cultural landscape. However, owning an older home means staying proactive about maintenance, especially when it comes to foundation stability. If you’ve noticed any warning signs of slab foundation shifting, schedule a professional inspection to ensure your home remains safe and secure for years to come.

Need a professional foundation inspection? Contact Alpha Foundations today for a free inspection and ensure your home’s foundation stays strong!

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Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.