Settling is a term frequently used to describe a home’s unrelenting sink into the ground over time. Settling occurs when the soil beneath the foundation begins to shift. Although settling is usually not something to worry about, it can sometimes lead to problematic foundation damage. Therefore, it is important to be able to determine when your house has a settling issue so you can know when to call for help. Here are some of the signs of settling:

Signs of Foundation Settling

The foundation of your home is one of the most important structural elements. It supports your home and helps to keep it level and stable. Unfortunately, foundations can settle over time, causing cracks in walls and floors, doors that stick, and window frames that are out of alignment.

If you suspect that your foundation is settling, there are a few key signs to look for. One is cracks in mortar joints or bricks. Another is gaps between the foundation and the framing of your house. You may also notice doors and windows that are difficult to open or close, or floors that are uneven or squeaky. If you see any of these signs, it's important to have your foundation inspected by a qualified professional. With timely repair, you can help to prevent further damage to your home.

Difficulty Opening Doors and Windows

When a house begins to settle, the doors and windows can become slightly angled and they begin to not fit inside their frames correctly. Consequently, opening and closing them gradually becomes more difficult over time.

trying to open a stuck window

Spaces Between The Windows and Walls

When a home begins to settle, the walls can start to pull away from the window frames, which leaves a space between the window frame and the wall. This is an easy problem to identify and can easily be the first sign of settling that homeowners notice.

horizontal crack in living room wall

Cracks in the Home's Foundation

When the soil beneath the foundation starts to shift, different parts of the foundation may sink deeper into the ground. As a result, the foundation will not be laying flat against the ground. Cracks then start to appear around the areas that have been affected by this shift in the soil. However, cracks in a home’s foundation can appear for a variety of reasons, even for something as simple as seasonal climate changes. Therefore, you cannot assume that your house is settling simply because there are cracks in the foundation.

Burst Water Pipes

Water pipes exist throughout a home to ensure water is always available when you turn on a faucet or showerhead. When a home’s foundation begins to shift due to settling, the water pipes can become compromised. On occasion, a homeowner might even visually notice that their water pipes are starting to bend or twist. Unfortunately, however, many homeowners don’t notice the problem until a water pipe bursts as a result of the home’s foundation shift.

Slanted Floors

Floors can start to slant as a home begins to slowly settle into the ground. In the beginning, the slant may not seem to be a problem, but as it compounds over time, it will become even more obvious.

It is important to note that slanting floors may indicate other issues, as well. In some instances, the floor can start to slant because the support beams (joists) are rotting, an issue not related to settling.

What to Do if Your Foundation is Settling

Your home is one of your biggest investments, so it's important to keep it in good repair. If you notice cracks in your walls or doors that won't close properly, it could be a sign that your foundation is settling. While this is a common problem, it's important to take action right away to avoid further damage to your home.

The first step is to determine the cause of the settling. In some cases, it may be due to changes in the soil or drainage problems. Once the cause has been identified, you can take steps to fix the problem and prevent further settling. In some cases, this may involve doing nothing more than repairing any cracks that have already formed. In other cases, however, you may need to have your foundation reinforced or even replaced. Regardless of the solution, it's important to consult with a professional to ensure that your home is safe and sound.

Foundation Repair Solutions For A Settling House

The first thing to do if you notice signs of foundation settlement is to contact a foundation repair specialist in your area. My Foundation Repairs has a network of foundation repair specialists across the country. They can provide an inspection and estimate for your foundation repairs. Some of the solutions might include the following underpinning products:

pier model

Steel Piers

Steel piers can be used to settle foundations and prevent further damage. Piers are driven into the ground until they reach a solid stratum, and then they are connected to the foundation. This helps to stabilize the foundation and prevent it from settling further. In addition, piers can be used to raise a sunken foundation and level your home. As a result, steel piers are an effective solution for repairing damage caused by settling foundations.

Push Piers

Push piers are one type of support that can be used to settle a foundation. Push piers are installed by driving them deep into the ground until they reach a firm layer of soil. Once they are in place, they can be used to lift and level the foundation. In many cases, push piers are an effective way to settle a foundation and prevent further damage to your home.

Torque Anchor Brackets

One way to help prevent foundation settling is to install torque anchor brackets. These brackets use the weight of the house to resist the forces that cause settling, helping to keep the foundation level and stable. In addition, torque anchor brackets can be adjusted as needed to account for changes in the ground over time. As a result, they offer a versatile and effective solution for preventing foundation settling.

Porch Piers

A pier is often used to support the weight of a building or structure. Porch piers are commonly used to support the weight of a porch. The pier settles into the ground and then the weight of the porch is transferred to the pier. This can be a problem if the ground around the pier starts to settle. The pier can start to lean, and eventually, the porch can collapse. Porch piers should be checked regularly to make sure that they are stable and not settling into the ground. If necessary, foundation piers can be used to support the weight of the porch. Foundation piers are placed deeper into the ground and are less likely to settle than porch piers.

Helical Piers

Helical piers, also known as screw piles, are a type of deep foundation that can be used to support a variety of structures. Unlike traditional foundations, which rely on the weight of the structure to keep them in place, helical piers are anchored into the ground using helical blades or screws. This allows them to be installed quickly and easily, without the need for excavation or heavy equipment. In addition, helical piers are extremely strong and can be used to support large loads. As a result, they are often used to support buildings and other structures in areas where traditional foundations would settle or fail.

Foundation Settling Contractors

It is important to call a professional repair team when you are considering foundation repairs. If you are looking for a contractor that specializes in residential foundation repair, My Foundation Repairs can help. Protect the investment you have in your home by giving us a call today.