Signs that Your House is Sinking (and What to Do About It)
As a homeowner, it can be difficult to keep track of possible problems that could affect the stability of your home. It’s important to spot signs of issues before they become serious and cause expensive damage. One particular warning sign is when your house, or certain parts of it, are sinking into the ground.
In this post, we will investigate potential causes, tell you what steps to take if your house is indeed sinking, and discuss whether or not you should worry about this happening in the future. With these helpful insights at hand, you’ll soon be aware of any structural threats and know how to deal with them quickly!
What are the signs that your house is sinking and what do they mean for you as a homeowner?
As a homeowner, it's important to be aware of the potential signs of your home sinking so that you can act quickly and minimize any future damage. Some common indicators include cracks in walls or door frames, gaps around windows and doors that suddenly appear, uneven floors, or pooling water in your basement or near the foundation after rainfall.
If you notice any of these signs, it could mean your home is experiencing soil movement from sinkholes, erosion, or nearby construction work. It's best to seek expert advice as soon as possible – addressing the issue promptly can help prevent further damage caused by the shifting soil.
If you think your house may be sinking, what are some steps you can take to correct the problem and prevent further damage?
If you think your house may be sinking, the first and most important step is to verify your suspicions. Measure any visible cracks or gaps that have opened around doors and windows, as well as from one corner of the house to another. If you notice any changes in your foundation's elevation, or if your walls seem to be leaning, it could indicate that there is indeed a settling issue being caused by the ground beneath shifting.
After verifying there is an issue at hand, you can take proactive steps. That might include hiring a qualified structural engineer or contractor to determine the underlying cause of the settling. These specialized professionals may suggest solutions such as underpinning or installing anchored piers. They can also advise you on how best to prevent further damage by making sure all surfaces are adequately waterproofed and ensuring proper drainage around the home.
Are there any potential risks associated with a home that's sunken into the ground and if so, what can be done to mitigate them?
While sunken homes are often admired for their unique outside aesthetics and interesting interior design, it is important to consider potential risks related to them. Over time, the soil around the home can become unstable, leading to dangerous foundation issues, such as water seepage and settling, which could lead to extensive structural damage.
To mitigate these risks, it is crucial for homeowners of sunken houses to monitor for any signs of distress, having regular foundation inspections, and having waterproofing done when necessary. Additionally, sloping the yard away from the house and ensuring good drainage provides another important line of defense against potentially hazardous conditions.
What should you do if you suspect that your home is in danger of sinking or has already started to sink - call a professional or try to fix it yourself?
In the unfortunate case that your home is in danger of sinking, or has already started to sink, it is best to call a professional. Unless you have significant experience and knowledge related to the issue, attempting to fix the problem yourself can be dangerous and can cause further damage to your property.
Calling a professional right away will ensure that the situation is assessed correctly and quickly addressed. They have the necessary tools, resources, and qualifications in place to be able to identify potential solutions, as well as prevent your home from being irreversibly damaged.
How much will it cost to have someone come in and fix your home if it's starting to sink?
If your home is starting to sink, it can be a daunting task to find someone to fix the issue. The cost of this service varies depending on the severity of the problem and a variety of other factors.
Generally speaking, homeowners should expect to pay anywhere from $200 - $3,000 or more, depending on how deep they need to dig, who is doing the work, and their geographic location.
It is important to get quotes from multiple companies and determine what services are covered in the cost so you know exactly what you will have to pay for. Even though it may be costly, having an expert come in and fix your sinking home will be well worth it in order for your home to remain safe for years to come.