A sinking or settling foundation is a great cause for concern for homeowners. Foundation settlement is a common problem in Missouri and will only become worse (and more expensive to repair) over time; it’s always in your best interest to begin repairs for foundation settlement sooner rather than later. If it’s not repaired or replaced, the foundation will fail.
Recognizing the causes and symptoms of a sinking foundation will save your home and your wallet from many expensive headaches.
Poor Soil Compaction
Many homes are built on back-filled soils, which is a common and accepted building practice. If the soil under the house is not properly compacted before building, that soil will slowly consolidate and cause the foundation to sink into the ground. This can happen over the years, making the problem difficult to spot immediately.
Too Much Water In The Soil
Too much water in the soil can cause a foundation to sink as the soil under the house becomes saturated. If the house sits on a slab, the water underneath can get washed away. Cold temperatures can cause the damp soil to freeze and thaw during the winter, causing frost heaves. Frost heaving expands and contracts, slowing sinking the foundation further into the ground.
Warning Signs Of Sinking Foundations
Be on the lookout for the warning signs of a sinking foundation. These can include:
- Cracks in the foundation
- Windows or doors that are hard to open or close
- Cracks in interior drywall
- Cracks in the basement
- Water seepage in the basement
If your home is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact the professionals at Missouri Basement. It’s also recommended to get your home regularly inspected to catch problems early.
Repairing Sinking Foundations With Missouri Basement
At Missouri Basement, we’re experts at fixing a sinking foundation. We have permanent, engineered solutions available to correct your problem, such as piers. Piers are steel posts driven into the ground around your home and secured to your foundation with a steel bracket. These will prevent the foundation from sinking further and can lift the foundation back up and closer to its original position.