Foundation Shifting & Moving

Contact us today to learn about how we can put you in touch with foundation experts and engineers in your area. They can provide you with a foundation inspection and repair estimate so you can be prepared. Your foundation contractor will complete a walkthrough of your home or business to identify your specific needs, then create a plan to address them with the appropriate solution. Protect your investment and find a foundation repair expert today.

Causes of Foundation Shifting & Moving

The ground and soil beneath the foundation of your home or business can become unstable. When this happens it causes the structure’s foundation to start shifting & moving. This can wreak havoc on the structure above it leading to cracks, leaks, and even collapse. The soil around your foundation is in constant movement. Soil that is poorly compacted can cause foundation issues.

The weather in your area can also affect the soil around your foundation. When it is very dry, the soil around your foundation will compact, taking support and stability with it. This can cause your foundation to sink. If too much water surrounds your foundation, the soil will expand and become over-saturated, causing pressure.

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Signs of Foundation Movement and Instability

It’s not always easy to see the movement of a structure’s foundation. More often than not, a homeowner will notice the telltale signs of movement rather than the movement itself. Some of these signs can be alarming but others can seem innocuous. It’s important to know when it’s best to take action to repair your foundation. Here are some signs that your foundation is moving.

Cracks

Wall or ceiling cracks are a common sign that your foundation is shifting or settling. If left untreated, these cracks can turn into foundation failure. There are several types of foundation cracks that you should look out for, and each indicates a different issue. Angled cracks can indicate natural settlement over time. Stair-step cracks are usually found in masonry or brickwork and can indicate heaving or settlement. Horizontal cracks are usually the most dangerous types of cracks and are caused by extreme pressure.

Chimney Problems

A leaning or cracked chimney is another common sign of foundation movement. If your chimney has started to lean or break away from the rest of your house it can either fall in on your home or be a danger to you as bricks can come loose and fall.

Door or Windows Sticking

Many homeowners blame sticking windows or doors on the humidity, but this problem could be caused by the settling or shifting of your foundation. As your foundation moves, the distribution of weight on your structure is rearranged. This can create pressure on your doors or windows causing them to stick.

Gaps

As your structure starts to shift as the result of foundation movement, it’s common for gaps to form between walls, ceilings, and floors. If the issue is ignored, it can (and most likely will) escalate in a variety of ways.

Slanted or Uneven Floors

Sometimes a sloping or uneven floor is hard to notice. If you can take a ball, put it on the floor, and it rolls down the sloping surface, then there is likely an issue with your foundation. Sloping, uneven floors are a problem that occurs when your foundation has settled or sunk unevenly.

Foundation Movement Solutions Available From Your Contractor

Earth Contact Products manufactures many foundation repair solutions that have been proven to add support and stability to foundations that have shifted or moved. Here are a few possible solutions that could solve your issues:

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