Is Your Home Sinking or Settling?

The ground your home was built on is a mixture of many different types of soils, each with their own characteristics. Those soils are going to behave differently when they are wet or dry. However, when the ground can no longer bear the weight of the home above it, the foundation can sink and settle into the earth.

That is why we call it “sinking” and “settling”. When it happens, homes experience damage in different ways. Here are four common signs of foundation settlement.

 

1. Cracks in The Exterior of Your House

Cracks in your brick wall can be very noticeable and concerning. While cracks in concrete are normal, they usually occur relatively quickly after the foundation is poured. They tend not to grow or be much bigger than a hairline crack.

If you see stair-stepping cracks, notice the gap in the crack grows or the crack grows in length, you should have your foundation inspected. It could be a sign that your home is sinking or settling into the earth. You might want to stabilize the foundation before the problem gets worse.

 

2. Cracks Above your Window Frame or Near your Door

Cracks in your drywall are an eyesore. Once you notice them they never seem to go away. Whether you tape, patch, paint or leave it alone those cracks can make your home feel less comfortable.

Those cracks are usually caused by the sinking and settling action of your home into the earth. Cracks can appear on the first floor, the second floor or any other floor above. If you fixed a crack and it reappears you should call a foundation repair company and have the crack inspected.

 

3. Sticking Windows or Doors

Sticking windows and doors can signal a sinking foundation. If your windows or doors are sticking to the frames, or won’t close during hot and humid seasons, it could be humidity causing the problem, however, it might be something else. Place a bubble level on your window frame, if it is not level the frame might not be square. It could be a sign of possible settlement under your home.

When checking doors, run your fingers along the top of the door and notice any indications that the door was smoothed to fit the door frame. The wood might be a bit different in one section than another. If you have questions or concerns call a foundation repair company and have your home inspected.

  

4. Sagging, Bouncy or Uneven Floors

The first sign of foundation settlement most people notice are changes to their floors. Floors that are bouncy, sagging, uneven, or floors that have weak spots are common indicators of a foundation that is need of stabilization. When you have issues like these, you should have your home inspected by a foundation professional. 

 

Problems Don’t get better with Time

Foundation problems only get worse. Lowcountry Basement Systems offers free foundation inspections to homeowners. The inspections are thorough and usually take about two to three hours. To schedule an appointment with a professional give us a call, we would be happy to help.