It’s normal for the foundation of a house to settle slightly over time. Even new houses can shift, causing small cracks in the concrete. However, this phenomenon can become a much more significant problem if it is caused by subsidence.
In this article, find out the causes of settling, how to recognize it and how it can be fixed.
How to recognize settling
There are several signs that may indicate that your house is settling:
- Cracks in the foundation or exterior cladding
- Doors and windows that don’t close properly
- Uneven floors
- Deformations in the structure of the house
- Cracks in the interior walls
While these signs aren’t proof positive that your house is settling, they are cause for concern. If you notice them, you should monitor them carefully for any changes and remain vigilant. If you are concerned, you can have a specialist inspect the foundation.
Causes of settling
There are two main causes that are usually responsible for subsidence.
Ground instability
Many elements can affect the ground a home’s foundation rests on. Dry conditions during periods of drought, traffic vibrations, tree roots near the foundation and urbanization in the area can all cause instability.
If the ground no longer provides a sound base for the foundation, it can result in serious structural problems.
The presence of water
Water can also cause house settling problems. If water accumulates around your house due to a blocked French drain, for example, it can infiltrate through the concrete and cause damage. This phenomenon can be exacerbated by freeze/thaw cycles, because water in the concrete can cause it to shatter as it solidifies.
If the water table under the house isn’t drained correctly, it can wash out the ground underneath the concrete foundation, causing the house to sink.
How to repair the foundation after settling
If your foundation is sinking, experts often recommend installing posts at the base of the foundation to level and stabilize it. This is a complex procedure that involves excavating the entire perimeter of the building, so it’s essential to hire foundation repair experts to do the work.
In other cases, the expert may start with short-term reinforcement that includes installing a waterproofing membrane and placing support posts at strategic locations.
Foundation Crack Expert can prevent your house from collapsing
House settling is a problem that needs to be taken seriously. A settling foundation that remains unaddressed can cause your house to collapse.
If the problem is related to a crack in the foundation, you’ll need to have the crack repaired as soon as possible. Foundation Crack Expert specializes in crack repair.
Don’t hesitate to contact us! Our reliable experts can provide a permanent solution to your house settling problem.
