Sinking foundations, cracked and buckled walls and uneven floors are problems commonly faced annually by some quarter-million homeowners. They are caused by unstable soil settling, poor foundation design or poor construction practices. Migration of footing support due to a defective drainage system either in its original construction or improperly designed dewatering repair systems are also common causes of foundation settlement. Foundation settlements usually occur early in the life of a structure. Evidence of settlement may be cracking in exterior masonry, interior walls, jammed doors or windows, excessive basement wall cracks, and in extreme cases, visual displacement of the structure.
Early identification and repair of foundation problems can save you money by preventing more extensive structural damage.
Indications of foundation settling problems include:
- Uneven or slopping floors
- Wall cracks. When cracks are wider at the top than bottom, it is usually a sign of foundation settlement. Exterior wall cracks that run diagonally along joints can also indicate problems
- Wall separation – Walls that are separating from windows, doors, garage doors, floors and ceilings are often evidence of foundation problems.
- Wall bulging – Any masonry walls that bulge above the ground are dangerous and could result in structural failure
- Sunken or buckles interior concrete floors
- Cracks in interior walls and ceilings
- Wall rotation- Settling can cause walls to rotate outward as the structure sinks
- Nail Popping – Nails can pop out of sheetrock or gypsum walls when there is a foundation settlement problem
- Floor and foundation cracks
- Doors and windows that don’t open properly
- Weak soil. A foundation can sink when it is built on weak soil
- Leaning chimneys
- Poor Soil Composition – Many houses are built using fill soils. If the soil isn’t properly compacted, it can cause structure settlement.
- Excessive Soil Moisture – Typically caused by poor drainage and water leaks, moisture can soften soil. Settlement damage occurs when the soil can no longer support the weight of the structure.
- Soil Consolidation – The weight of a structure can cause additional soil compression and settlement after the house has been built.
Foundation settlement is a serious condition and if excessive, should be investigated by foundation contractors. EBS Engineering and Construction can resolve your foundation concerns in a cost effective and reliable manner utilizing Chance Helical Piers and Anchors. We are leaders in residential stabilization and underpinning helping hundreds of customers throughout the past 35 years. Our strong reputation has been built on providing excellent customer service, quality work and flexible solutions for challenging projects.
Contact us if you are facing foundation challenges.