If you’re concerned that your house may be sinking, there are a few telltale signs you can look for. In this blog post, we’ll share some of the most common indicators that your home may be in trouble.
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Warning Signs
Your house is your biggest investment, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any warning signs that it might be sinking. Some of the warning signs to look out for are cracks in your foundation, doors and windows that are hard to open or close, and gaps between your walls and ceiling. If you see any of these warning signs, it’s important to get your house checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Cracks in the foundation
One of the most obvious signs that your home is sinking is cracks in the foundation or brickwork. These cracks can be small and hairline or large and easily visible. They may run vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, and can be found in the mortar between bricks as well as in the actual bricks themselves. If you see any cracks in your foundation, it’s important to have them inspected by a professional as soon as possible, as they could indicate that your home is sinking.
Another telltale sign of a settling foundation is doors or windows that are no longer level or plumb. If you’ve noticed that your doors are sticking or not closing properly, or that your windows are harder to open and close than they used to be, it’s possible that your home is sinking and causing the frame of your doors and windows to become misaligned.
Gaps around doors and windows
One of the most obvious signs that your house is sinking is gaps appearing around doors and windows. If you have doors or windows that suddenly start to stick, or if there are noticeable gaps appearing where there weren’t any before, it’s a sign that your house is sinking and settling.
Cracks in walls or ceilings
One of the most common indicators of settling foundations is cracks in walls or ceilings. These cracks can be caused by a few different things, but most often they are the result of changes in moisture or temperature. If you see cracks in your walls or ceilings, it’s important to have them evaluated by a professional as soon as possible to determine if they are caused by settling foundations.
Other Warning Signs:
-Doors or windows that stick or won’t close properly
-Gaps between doors, windows, and molding
-Cracks in foundation walls
-Cracks in brick or stone veneer
-Leaning chimneys
-Sagging porches or decks
Sloping floors
One of the most obvious signs that your house is sinking is sloping floors. This can be easily detected by looking at doorways and windows; if they appear to be leaning or out of square, it’s likely that your house is settling. Another telltale sign is cracks in the walls, particularly if they are large or zigzag in shape. These are often caused by the weight of the house bearing down on the foundation, and can worsen over time as the problem persists.
Causes of Sinking
Sinking usually happens due to one or a combination of the following: ground water, the weight of the house, and/or poor drainage. If you notice any of the following signs, your house may be sinking and you should call a foundation expert immediately.
Poorly compacted soil
One of the most common causes of sinking is poorly compacted soil. When the ground is not properly compacted during construction, it will settle over time and cause the foundation of your home to sink. This is especially common in areas with high clay content, as clay expands when wet and shrinks when dry. If you suspect that your home is sinking due to poorly compacted soil, you may be able to have the problem repaired by having the soil around your foundation re-compacted.
Poor drainage
One of the most common causes of sinking foundations is poor drainage. When the soil around your foundation becomes oversaturated with water, it can no longer support the weight of your home. This can cause your foundation to settle and sink.
There are a few different ways that poor drainage can lead to foundation problems:
-If there is no drainage system in place, rainwater can pool around your foundation and cause the soil to become oversaturated.
-If your gutters are not functioning properly, rainwater can spill over the sides and pool around your foundation.
-If the ground around your foundation slopes towards your house instead of away from it, rainwater will run towards your foundation instead of away from it. This can cause problems even if you have a good drainage system in place.
Poor drainage is a problem that is often exacerbated by heavy rains or extended periods of wet weather. If you live in an area that is prone to these conditions, it is important to be proactive about keeping your foundation safe by ensuring thatyour gutters are clean and clear and that any water that pools around your home is diverted away from it.
Tree roots
One of the most common causes of sinking foundations is expansive tree roots. Large trees with expansive roots systems can cause problems for your foundation, especially if the tree is located close to your house. As the roots grow and expand, they can put pressure on your foundation and crack or damage the concrete. In extreme cases, the roots can actually lift your foundation out of the ground. If you have a sinking foundation and there is a large tree close to your house, it’s important to have an expert assess the situation to determine if the roots are to blame.
Leaking pipes
If you notice water pooling in your yard or coming up through cracks in your foundation, it could be a sign that your house is sinking. This is usually caused by leaking pipes underground that are eroding the soil and washing away the foundation. If you have leaking pipes, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.
How to Prevent Sinking
If your home is sinking, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent it. There are a few things you can do to help prevent your house from sinking. First, you should make sure that your foundation is in good condition. If you have cracks in your foundation, they could be letting water in and causing your house to sink. You should also check the grades around your house to make sure that they are not causing water to pool around your foundation.
Have your soil tested
Sinking foundation problems can be caused by a variety of soil conditions. To determine what might be causing your sinking foundation, have your soil tested by a professional. Your local county Extension office can recommend someone who does this type of testing. Once the test results are in, you and your contractor can develop a plan to fix the problem.
Improve drainage around your home
One of the best ways to prevent your home from sinking is to improve drainage around your property. Make sure that downspouts are directed away from your home, and that gutters are clean and in good repair. You may also want to consider installing French drains or other types of drainage systems to keep water away from your foundation.
You can also take steps to keep water out of your basement or crawl space by sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, and by installing a sump pump to remove any water that does seep in. If you have any trees on your property, make sure that their roots are not growing too close to your foundation, as they can damage it over time.
Remove trees with large roots
Trees with large roots can cause your house to sink, so it’s important to remove them before they become a problem. Large roots can damage your foundation and cause cracking, which can lead to sinking. If you have trees on your property, have them inspected regularly to make sure their roots are not causing damage to your home.
Fix any leaks in your plumbing
One of the main causes of house settling is leaks in your plumbing. Water can seep into your foundation and cause it to erode, leading to cracks and Settlement. make sure to fix any leaks in your plumbing as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
