When you think about sinking foundations, you may have a drastic picture in your head of a crooked house half sunk into the ground. While this can certainly happen, it’s more likely that you would see subtle hints such as sticking windows and doors or cracks in your
foundation.
So while shifting earth and water can cause foundations to sink, they generally don’t create sudden or dramatic shifts. That’s why it’s so important to have a foundation repair expert in TX that can provide a professional inspection.
Here we will explain the common causes of foundation sinking, the warning signs, and the best repair methods.
3 Reasons Why Foundations Sink
- Poor Compaction: When homes are built, the ground under the foundation is tamped down or flattened to create a dense, level surface. However, over time, pockets of air can form in the soil. The weight of the house presses into the ground, causing those small spaces in the dirt to shift or collapse. This leads to settling and sinking. Most houses settle somewhat, so it’s not always a cause for alarm except in more extreme cases.
- Erosion: Dirt expands when water infiltrates the soil around the If too much water is present, it will move to other places such as your foundation. This will form hydrostatic pressure and can result in cracks and leaks in the foundation. Too much water makes the soil soft, and as a result the soil can no longer support the weight of the house.
- Weather Extremes: Extreme hot and cold temperatures, droughts, and floods lessen the stability of your foundation. Frost heaves can result when damp soil freezes, damaging your foundation. That’s because the ice expands in the soil underneath your home, pushing it out of position. When the ice melts, the pressure lessens, which lowers the foundation once again.
Warning Signs of a Sinking Foundation
Be on the lookout for:
- Cracks in the foundation, particularly on the exterior.
- Doors or windows that stick.
- Cracks in the interior drywall, particularly around sticking doors or windows.
Any of the above problems can make the foundation not level. If one corner of the foundation sinks at a faster rate than the others, the overall structure is compromised. Concrete, steel, wood and other building materials aren’t very flexible. This is why windows stick: they are unable to accommodate shifts in the structure of the home. This is also why concrete and drywall will separate or crack.
In many cases, the best way to repair a sinking foundation is to install piers, which are steel posts that are secured to your foundation with brackets. These piers will ensure your foundation can no longer shift.
But the proper treatment will depend on your specific foundation issues. Your best bet is to get a professional inspection.
Contact Aftermath Structural Repair
If your foundation is sinking or you are experiencing other signs of a damaged foundation, call us for a free quote and consultation at
281-231-8904.
