Signs and Solutions for Foundation Settlement Northeast New England
In your own home, do you feel like you’re walking around a fun house with unstable flooring and wild cracks in the walls? Don’t panic; many Northeast New England homeowners experience the same thing due to a common regional problem—settling home foundations.
A settling foundation can be scary, especially if you don’t know what caused it in the first place. Unfortunately, the source is often something beyond your control, such as soil conditions or wet weather. Over time, external factors stress your foundation, causing it to gradually sink into the ground.
Foundation settlement is no joke and something you should tackle as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more about the telltale signs of a settling foundation, why it’s happening, and what you can do to stabilize your home and protect your loved ones.
What Is Foundation Settlement?
First, let’s explain this phenomenon. Foundation settlement refers to the sinking or downward movement of a foundation — a process that happens gradually over time.
There are three main types of foundation settlement:
- Uniform Settlement: When a foundation settles evenly into the ground, meaning the structure stays level
- Tipping Settlement: When one side of the foundation settles more than the other, causing the structure to tilt
- Differential Settlement: When different portions of the foundation settle at different rates
Some settlement is to be expected within the first few years after your home was built, but it should not continue. The ongoing issue can result from several factors.
What Causes Foundation Settlement in Northeast New England?
No matter where you call home in Northeast New England—Portland, Portsmouth, Manchester, and nearby—environmental factors could be behind your settling foundation. Here are some common causes that you need to know about:
Unstable Soil
A foundation can settle when the soil around it starts to shift or sink. Northeast New England is home to a variety of soils, from gravelly and silty to loamy and sandy. Though less common in our region, expansive clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry are typically the top culprit of foundation settlement.
Freeze-thaw Cycles
Freezing and thawing cycles lead to the expansion and contraction of soils and building materials like concrete, putting pressure on your foundation. Over time, this can lead to settlement. Northeast New England often experiences freeze-thaw cycles in the winter and spring months.
Growing Tree Roots
When tree roots near your foundation grow as they search for nutrients, they can shift the soil and cause it to dry out and shrink, resulting in foundation settlement. Many trees native to our area have extensive root systems.
Flooding
When flood water washes away the soil surrounding your home, it can destabilize your foundation. Damaging flood events have become more common in our region recently, especially in areas near rivers like the Merrimack and Penobscot.
What are Common Signs of Foundation Settlement?
A settling foundation can be a complex issue, sometimes with sneaky, hidden issues, and other times displaying visible symptoms. Here are some telltale signs to look out for that indicate your foundation is settling:
The faster you act after noticing these signs, the quicker you can protect your home. Ignoring a settling foundation will only make the problem worse, so get in touch with a foundation repair expert as soon as possible.
How Do You Fix Foundation Settling?
Undertaking a home repair project can be overwhelming. We get it, we’re homeowners, too. You don’t have to go through the process alone. Instead of DIY “quick fixes,” invest in lasting foundation stabilization solutions your home deserves.
Following a thorough evaluation of your home to determine the exact cause of the problem, Groundworks’ experienced professionals recommend foundation repair solutions tailored to meet your home’s specific needs. These products to correct foundation settlement include:
- Push Piers: Our team can drive push piers deep into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock, potentially lifting your settling foundation.
- Helical Piers: Also known as screw piles, helical piers can also help lift your foundation and restore it to its original position. They are ideal for lighter structures.
- Slab Piers: If you have a concrete slab foundation, slab piers may level it.
We won’t suggest installing “everything but the kitchen sink,” only what your home requires to remain safe and structurally stable. Plus, everything we install is covered by comprehensive, transferable warranties.
Repair Your Settling Foundation With Groundworks
Have you spotted concerning cracks or are you unsure about floor unevenness? Don’t ignore the early signs. Neglecting a settling foundation can put your home’s entire structure at risk, so fixing this part of your property is something you should definitely think about.
When it comes to foundation repair in Northeast New England, Groundworks offers the local insight and trusted expertise homeowners deserve. Our customized repair solutions provide the support and stability you need, helping you create a safer home environment. Get in touch with our team today to schedule a free inspection and estimate, and start protecting your home for years to come.
Foundation Settlement FAQs
It may be tempting for you to try and fix some of the more obvious symptoms of foundation settlement on your own. After all, if you have drywall cracks, can’t you just plaster over those cracks? The problem is that the drywall cracks will persist even if you cover up what you can see. You won’t get rid of the problem until you fix whatever’s causing the problem. A DIY fix just won’t cut it; you need to get an expert who can help you with the foundation settlement.
Foundation settlement can be a serious concern, as it may lead to significant structural damage if not addressed promptly. How serious? That depends on factors like how long the issues have been going on. Neglecting foundation issues results in visible structural damage and potential safety risks for the home’s occupants. Contact an expert for an inspection to assess the status of your home’s foundation.
Yes, unresolved foundation settlement can significantly decrease your home’s value due to the potential for structural issues and costly repairs.
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