Do your home walls or foundations have any cracks? Have you ever been bothered by them? You should never overlook such a situation as foundation settling, a common problem these signs often point to, can cause quite a lot of issues for your home.
It’s a very common issue among homeowners that happens when the ground under your home starts to shift. This causes the structure to move, which causes some serious damage.
Do you know that you’re one of the 7% of people who have experienced foundation problems?
Now, there are multiple reasons why foundation settling can happen. It can be due to changes in soil moisture, natural soil compaction over time, or anything else.
What’s important to know here is why it happens. So, let’s find out.
What is Foundation Settling?
Foundation settling is a natural process. It occurs when the ground beneath a home shifts or compresses over time. It can happen due to soil changes, the weight of the building, or soil compaction.
When the soil beneath your home adjusts, it causes the foundation to move slightly. This results in small cracks or unevenness in the structure.
Some amount of foundation settling is normal and expected. However, if you notice large cracks on the walls or floor, then that’s a major problem. It’s important to understand what is normal settling and what kind can cause issues.
Foundation Settling vs. Foundation Problems
Foundation settling is a very common thing. However, it’s important to know the difference between normal foundation settling and more serious signs.
Normal settling often causes minor inconveniences. For instance, doors and windows start to stick, or you see small cracks in the drywall. You might also notice baseboards starting to pull away slightly from walls due to minor shifts or shrinkage.
However, it’s crucial to distinguish these minor issues from major foundation problems. The type of building material can provide clues.
For example, concrete is prone to cracking. But, it might not be a cause for concern. What matters most here is the size and location of the cracks. Large cracks that appear around the top corners of doors or windows can indicate more severe structural problems.
What Causes Foundation Settling?
You might be wondering why foundation settling even happens. Don’t worry, we’re here to tell you all about it. The causes include:
Soil Composition and Moisture Levels
The type of soil you used while building your home plays a significant role in foundation settling. There are two kinds of soils:
- Clay soil: That expands when wet and shrinks when dried. This type of soil causes the foundation to shift excessively.
- Sandy soil: It is more stable, but it can settle over time if not properly compacted.
Moreover, the changes in moisture levels also cause soil to expand or contract. It could be because of heavy rainfall or a drought condition. This increases the risk of foundation movement.
Natural Soil Compaction
Now, the process of soil compaction happens with every house as the soil settles down a bit to beat the weight of the new structure. It’s quite normal as it causes just a few minor issues.
However, if the soil wasn’t adequately compacted before construction, the settling can be more than normal. And this leads to significant problems with your home’s foundation.
Water Drainage and Plumbing Leaks
Another reason for foundation settling is improper water drainage around your home. If there’s Water pooling near the foundation, it can saturate the soil. This will cause the sand to expand and exert pressure on the foundation walls.
Similar to this, undetected plumbing leaks can also add excess moisture to the soil. This triggers uneven settling and causes significant damage over time.
Nearby Construction or Natural Changes
If there’s construction happening nearby, it can cause problems with your home’s foundation. It could be simple excavation or even drilling. Foundation issues can also be caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes.
Signs of Foundation Settling
There are a few signs of foundation settling that you should never ignore. These include:
- Cracks in Walls: Cracks in your walls that have become wider than a quarter-inch are a straightforward sign that something’s wrong. These cracks mean that the foundation is settling abnormally.
- Sticking Doors and Windows: You might also feel the doors and windows are getting stuck more and are hard to open or close. This is a big sign that foundation settling has surpassed the normal level.
- Uneven or Sagging Floors: Sloping floors or unlevel furniture are signs of foundation issues. These could indicate that the foundation has shifted and needs attention.
- Gaps Around Window Frames or Exterior Walls: Gaps around window frames or between walls and floors can suggest foundation shifting. These shifts cause building materials to pull apart.
Hire Level Up Foundation Repair to Solve Your Foundation Issues
Are you worried about the sudden foundation cracks that appeared out of nowhere? Worry not.
Level Up Foundation Repair is here to the rescue. We provide the best foundation repair services at the lowest price possible. We believe everyone deserves affordable repairs.
If it’s an emergency, and you live in Oklahoma, don’t hesitate to call us at (816) 230-0101 or (816) 788-9922.
Still unsure? Get a quick quote for free.
FAQs
How long does foundation settling typically last?
Foundation settling can occur gradually over a few years after construction as the home adjusts to its environment. However, noticeable signs of settling usually become apparent within the first 1-3 years, with ongoing minor adjustments possible as soil conditions change.
Is foundation settling more common in older homes?
Yes. This issue is way more common in older homes. It’s because of the long-term exposure to varying soil conditions and natural wear and tear. However, newer homes can also experience settling if the soil is not properly prepared before construction.
Can DIY methods fix minor foundation settling issues?
DIY methods like filling small cracks with epoxy can temporarily address minor foundation settling signs. However, for larger issues or signs of severe settling, it’s best to consult a professional to ensure the integrity of your home’s foundation.
