Foundation Settlement Signs and Tips

Did you consider foundation health when purchasing your home? While the foundation may have seemed stable then, soil shifts and settles over time, which can also cause foundation settlement.

This page explains the signs of foundation settlement and the repair methods to address damage. Let’s get started.

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How to Tell if a House Has Foundation Problems

You may be curious whether that crack above your front door is a concern. Foundation settlement causes minor and significant damage. Here’s a checklist outlining how to tell if your house has potential foundation problems:

If you notice signs of potential damage, contact a foundation repair expert for an inspection. Issues only worsen over time, causing more significant damage and expensive repairs.

Tips to Fix Foundation Settlement

Foundation settlement is not a DIY project, as many methods can lead to additional problems and costly repairs. Professional foundation repair involves several techniques. The method used on your home depends on factors like soil conditions, damage extent, and foundation type. Repair options include:

Illustration of push piers and helical piers installed on foundation

Helical Piers: Screw-like piers installed to support homes on unstable or soft soil.
Slab Piers: Steel columns cast into slabs that provide support and correct unevenness.
Push Piers: Hydraulically-driven piers are installed to raise and stabilize foundations.

Wall Anchors: These stabilize and reinforce shearing, cracked, and bowing walls.
Carbon Fiber Reinforcement: Straps ten times stronger than steel fix cracked, bowing walls with mild to moderate damage.
IntelliBrace™ Wall Repair System: Adjustable wall repair system anchored to floor joists and basement walls to correct bowing and instability.

Contact a foundation repair expert for a free inspection to determine whether repair is necessary and, if so, which technique is suitable for your home.

What Causes Foundation Settlement?

Foundation settlement is caused by many factors, including:

Dry Soil

Foundation settlement can occur when the soil around the foundation becomes dry. Soil cracks and shrinks in drier areas where rainfall is scarce or where expansive clay soil is present. When cracking begins, voids form. These areas cannot support your home’s weight, leading to foundation settlement.

Wet Soil

Heavy rain and outside flooding near house

Wet soil is another cause of foundation settlement. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and poor drainage create water puddles around the foundation. These puddles soften the soil, causing it to have insufficient strength to support the weight of your home and causing the foundation to sink.

Poorly Compacted Soil

Builders may not correctly compact the soil during your home’s construction. If this is the case, the soil will compress with the weight of your home over time and lead to foundation settlement.

Tree Roots

cracked foundation wall caused by nearby vegetation

Trees and other vegetation planted near your home use soil moisture to feed their roots, causing dry soil conditions. This dry soil causes cracking and voids that lead to foundation settlement.

Inadequate Drainage

Inadequate drainage systems, like gutters, downspouts, and drains, allow water accumulation during heavy rains and floods. This water pooling causes soil instability and leads to foundation sinking and settlement.

Foundation Repair experts can help determine the underlying cause of foundation damage. Contact an expert at the first sign of trouble.

Mount Valley Foundation Services Offers Free Inspections

Mount Valley Foundation Services work truck

If you notice the signs of foundation settlement, don’t delay. Contact Mount Valley Foundation Services for a free inspection. Our experts create tailored repair plans to suit your home’s needs and budget.

Learn more about our specialized process and financing options by contacting us today.

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Foundation Repair FAQs

How do I choose the right contractor for hurricane-related foundation repair?

Look for experienced, licensed contractors specializing in foundation repair and storm damage, with good reviews and references.

How long does it take to make foundation repairs?

The duration of foundation repairs can depend on various factors such as the extent of the damage, the repair methods being used, and the curing time for materials applied during the repairs. After our expert assessment, we will provide you with a time estimate for the repairs to give you a general idea.

Can landscaping affect water entry into my foundation?

Absolutely. Improper landscaping that directs water towards your home can increase the risk of water entering through the foundation.

Shaye Glisson

Shaye is an SEO Content Writer for Groundworks with over twelve years of experience creating helpful content across various industries, including home services and retail. She is a Gulf Coast native and writes from her firsthand knowledge of the area's hurricane and flood impacts on the local community. In her free time, Shaye enjoys exploring the local food and music scenes.

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