Foundation Sinking: How Much Is Too Much?
Foundations are vital to maintaining the health and safety of your home. While each case of foundation sinking is unique, the general rule is that any noticeable amount of settling warrants attention.
Should I Care About a Sinking Foundation?
A sinking foundation is a serious issue that can lead to significant structural damage to your home if left unaddressed. Ignoring signs of foundation settlement can result in costly repairs down the line and jeopardize the safety and stability of your property. If you notice any signs of that your foundation is sinking, contact a foundation repair expert right away.
How a Sinking Foundation Impacts Your home
Sinking foundations can cause a huge amount of damage all over your home and the property it’s on. These are just a few of the ways a sinking foundation impacts your home:
Basement or Crawl Space
As your foundation sinks, the basement or crawl space is most likely to see issues first. Additionally, many homeowners may not go into their basement regularly, and almost no one enters their crawl space regularly. If you never look into these problems, you’re more likely not to notice until you’ve sustained serious amounts of damage.
General Home Structure
The foundation is the important part of your home. If it isn’t maintained, you’re likely to end up with serious concerns that spread out across the entirety of the home.
Many of the warning signs of home foundation failure are manifestations of this damage. For example, drywall cracks often occur when the foundation below begins to sink unevenly, this is called differential settlement.
Overarching Property
Foundations don’t sink for no reason, and the most common cause of a sinking foundation is soil issues. Whether it’s too much water running through the soil or the wrong type of soil for concrete, the soil tends to contribute heavily to foundation sinking.
More than likely, the soil underneath the rest of the property’s concrete also has the same problems your home’s soil has. Erosion, expansive soil, and other problems often cause concerns in the entire property, not just your foundation.
How to Identify a Sinking Foundation
Identifying a sinking foundation early is key to preventing extensive damage. Here are some common signs to look out for: · Cracks in walls or floors · Uneven or sloping floors · Sticking doors or windows · Visible gaps around windows or doors · Exterior brickwork cracks If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to consult with a qualified foundation repair specialist to assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate repairs.
How to Fix a Sinking Foundation
Repairing a sinking foundation typically involves stabilizing the foundation to prevent further settlement and restoring it to its original position. Here are a few techniques we use to correct a sinking foundation:
- Underpinning: This involves installing additional support beneath the foundation to transfer the weight of the structure to stable soil or bedrock. Our underpinning solutions include helical piers, push piers, or slab piers.
- Foundation leveling: Using our hydraulic jacks, the crawl space foundation can be gradually raised and leveled.
- Install necessary waterproofing measures: Expert waterproofing solutions can ensure that your interior is protected from future water intrusion.
During a free inspection, our experts will recommend the appropriate solutions for your home. Delaying foundation repairs can lead to further deterioration and increased repair costs, so it’s important to address foundation issues promptly.
Trust Your Foundation to Experts
Foundation settling, whether major or minor, warrants professional help. With an foundation repair expert from Groundworks, you’ll be able to diagnose and treat your home’s foundation problems more effectively. Schedule your free inspection today and ensure your home remains safe and stable.
