Foundation Problems
Each year foundation problems such as sinking and heaving foundations, cracked and buckled walls, uneven floors, doors and windows sticking affects millions of families. Buildings situated on unstable soils can experience various kinds of movement when the foundation is subjected to moisture or poor drainage. A shifting foundation could result in structural damage to your home and potentially, a loss of your investment.
Signs of foundation problems:
- Cracks in foundation walls, drywall or ceilings
- Doors or windows sticking
- Gaps between walls and ceilings or floors
- Nails popping out of drywall
- Floors that are cracked or uneven
- Cracks in the masonry
- Gaps between bricks, doors, and windows
- Walls that a beginning to lean or bow
- Gaps between the fireplace and house
- Sagging roofline
One of the most common causes of foundation movement is the shrinking and swelling of expansive soils. The degree of soil movement is determined by the amount of expansive material, and the variation of its moisture content. During wetter times of year, when the moisture content is high, the soil swells which can cause your foundation to heave. During drier months when the moisture decreases, the soil shrinks allowing foundations to settle.
Another common cause of foundation problems in your home is hydrostatic pressure. This occurs when water builds up around your foundation or expanding soils begins forcing your foundation walls inward. This problem is generally the result of poor perimeter drainage and/or loosely compacted soils around your foundation and can cause serious damage to your property.