How Do You Handle Your Shifting Foundation in Colorado Springs, CO?
Dealing with a shifting foundation can be one of the most stressful challenges for homeowners in Colorado Springs.
The combination of the city’s unique geology, mountainous terrain, and unpredictable soil conditions makes foundation issues a common concern.
Let’s dive into the causes, solutions, and why acting quickly is essential.
Shifting Foundations in Colorado Springs: A Common Concern
While foundation issues caused by the area’s natural and human-made conditions are common throughout Colorado Springs, sinking and shifting foundations are especially prevalent in neighborhoods like Rockrimmon and Broadmoor Bluffs. The combination of steep terrains, underground mines, and expansive soils creates a perfect storm for foundation problems.
The soil in Colorado Springs is often clay-heavy, expanding when wet and contracting during dry conditions. This constant movement wreaks havoc on foundations, causing them to shift, crack, or settle unevenly.
Abandoned Mines and Their Impact on Colorado Springs Foundations
One of the unique challenges homeowners in Colorado Springs face is the presence of abandoned mines beneath the city and surrounding areas. The region has a rich mining history, leaving behind a network of tunnels and shafts that can create dangerous conditions for homes built above them. Over time, these mines can collapse or settle—a process known as mine subsidence—causing the ground above to shift, sink, or crack.
For many homeowners, this results in severe foundation issues that can compromise the structural stability of their homes.
What makes this issue even more concerning is that many homeowners are unaware their properties are built over old mines until they start experiencing damage. Signs of a shifting foundation or mine-related instability might include cracked walls, uneven floors, sticking doors or windows, or even more dramatic occurrences like sinkholes.
Fortunately, Colorado has programs in place to help mitigate these risks. The Mine Subsidence Protection Program assists homeowners affected by abandoned mines, including guidance and sometimes financial support for repairs.
However, not all properties qualify for assistance, and navigating the process can be complex. This makes it essential for homeowners in at-risk areas, such as Rockrimmon and Broadmoor Bluffs, to seek expert advice if they suspect mine subsidence may be causing their foundation problems.
Solutions for Shifting Foundations
At Groundworks, we have extensive experience addressing foundation issues in Colorado Springs, including those caused by abandoned mines.
Repairing a damaged foundation requires a multifaceted approach tailored to Colorado Springs’ unique challenges.
Here are some effective strategies:
1. Foundation Piers
- Push Piers: These are driven deep into the ground to reach stable soil layers or bedrock, providing long-term stability for homes on shifting or settling foundations.
- Helical Piers: Ideal for Colorado’s expansive soils, helical piers screw into the ground, distributing the foundation’s weight evenly and preventing further movement.
Both options are particularly effective in areas with steep grades or unstable soil conditions, offering a permanent solution to foundation problems.
2. Improving Grading Around Your Home
- Ensure the land surrounding your home slopes away from the foundation to prevent water pooling. Poor grading can exacerbate issues caused by shifting soils.
3. Checking Gutters and Downspouts
- Ensure your gutters and downspouts function correctly and direct water at least 10 feet away from your home. Water infiltration can weaken the soil and increase hydrostatic pressure on your foundation walls.
Why Groundworks Is the Best Choice for Foundation Repair
When repairing foundation issues in Colorado Springs, Groundworks stands out as the most reliable choice. With experience in thousands of Colorado homes, Groundworks also brings expertise from working across the U.S. and Canada. This vast knowledge ensures that our solutions are not only effective but also tailored to the specific challenges of Colorado Springs’ terrain and climate.
Groundworks offers:
- Proven Products: Our piers and waterproofing systems are developed with insights from years of national and local experience.
- Nationally Backed Warranties: You can trust that the work performed will stand the test of time.
- Tailored Solutions: Every repair plan is customized to address your home’s specific foundation problems.
Take the First Step to Stabilize Your Home
Foundation problems may seem daunting, but with the right approach and a trusted team like Groundworks, they can be resolved effectively.
Don’t let a shifting foundation compromise the safety and value of your home. Contact Groundworks for a free inspection today and take the first step toward a stable, secure future for your property.
Foundation Issues in Colorado Springs FAQs
