How to spot a sinking foundation in Findlay, Ohio

March 23, 2017

How to spot a sinking foundation, why it’s happening, and what to do about it.

A home’s foundation is the single most important piece of the structure. After all, it is what your house is built upon. If your foundation is solid, your home will remain standing strong for decades to come. If it isn’t solid, you will need to address the issue right away.

“Settling” is a term many homeowners might not completely understand. It typically means the foundation is sinking. A small amount of settling is normal over time but a larger amount can create many problems. For example, floors with a noticeable slope, horizontal lines in cinder blocks that slant down, or a basement floor caving in are all obvious signs of extreme settling, but there some that you might not be aware of.

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

  • Cracks in the walls (especially horizontal ones) or floors of your basement / crawlspace
  • Cracks in drywall or moldings mainly around doors, windows, and doorways
  • Stair step cracks in exterior brick veneer
  • Cracks in the floor / tile grout
  • Sticky doors and windows
  • Sinking porches or Leaning chimneys

The most common places for these symptoms to start showing themselves is up high so pay particular attention to the second story or higher. If only smaller hairline cracks are present, mark them and track their size carefully. If you notice any combinations of these things happening, you should contact a professional contractor specializing in foundations as soon as possible. The sooner these problems are noticed and dealt with, the more money you will save.

What causes a sinking foundation?

  • Poor drainage
  • Tree roots causing soil voids
  • Poor soil preparation before foundation installation
  • Droughts
  • Unideal soil hydrology
  • Vertical layered soil makeup instead of horizontal

The biggest contributing factor to settling is soil expansion and contraction. This occurs when moisture levels change and the soil begins to move underneath the weight of the structure. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, soil expansion affects the foundations of around one-quarter of all American homes. At Forever Foundation Repair we can improve your drainage system and soil hydrology to ensure that your foundation and the surrounding areas stand strong.

So, what should you do about your sinking foundation?

Contact us as soon as possible. By acting quickly, any further damage is prevented and get the problem gets solved without added expense to you. We have the tools and expertise to repair foundations with reliable and permanent solutions.

We specialize in helical piering systems, which work particularly well in the Northwestern Ohio region. We also strive to cause minimal soil disruption, while providing the vital structural support that your foundation needs.

Do you have a sinking foundation in Findlay, Ohio? Contact Forever Foundation Repair for a free quote to restore your peace of mind, as well as the stability and strength of your home.