Your home is your most important investment. So it is crucial that you maintain the structural integrity of your home. If something happens to your foundation it can be difficult to tell if it is normal settling or a major problem that needs to be dealt with.
Most foundations are constructed of concrete poured over steel. As the years pass the elements can affect your home. Over time concrete will crack to some degree. The steel reinforcement is there to hold the foundation together when it cracks.
Settling
Settling is a natural change that takes place in a foundation due to time and weather. A new home will gradually sink down to the ground over time. Contractors take the climate and soil into account so settling is normal as time passes.
While there is normal settling there are also extreme cases of settling. Damage can be due to improper soil preparation when the home is built or extreme weather conditions. The biggest cause of settling is soil expansion and contraction. As the soil loses or gains moisture it shifts beneath the foundation.
Settling vs Foundation Issues
There are warning signs you can check for to see if your cracks are more than just normal settlement. While cracks can be a sign of a foundation problem, they can also be a sign of just normal settlement.
Some common things to look for are:
Cracks in walls– Cracks in your wall are a sign that there is serious shifting and you have foundation problems.- Sticking doors or windows– If you notice that your doors or windows have started to shift that could be a sign of foundation damage.
- Sloping floor– While sloping floor may seem like the result of aging wood or tile, that isn’t always the case. Uneven floors are a sign that your foundation could be compromised.
If you fear that your foundation settlement is severe or if you notice any other foundation issues, feel free to give us a call. By acting now you potentially stop the problem from getting worse.
