How to Deal with Foundation Settlement?

Broken House Model With Crossed Band Aid On Wooden

When the soil changes under your foundation, the settlement takes place. The foundation moves when the soil can no longer bear the weight of the structure it has.

Foundation Settlement Is Common – When?

Many homeowners fear to hear the words ‘foundation cracks’. But not all of it is bad, in fact! Some settlement, especially in new building homes, is normal and expected. In newly built foundations, you will probably see hairline cracks. Hairline cracks can occur as moisture leaves the cement and cracks occur when it becomes dry in the ground.

Foundation Problem Signs

You wonder whether you have problems with the foundation. All foundations have time to settle, but when this settlement is uneven or extreme, problems arise. You must call a foundation repair company in Oklahoma City for help.

The common signs of underlying stress are here:

Exterior Signs

  • Rotation of the wall.

  • Separation near the garage door and wall

  • Broken bricks

  • Cracked or broken foundation

Inside Signs

  • Doors and windows misaligned

  • Crack in sheetrock

  • Floor cracks

  • Uneven floors

All signs of foundation trouble are bulging floors, cracked walls and doors that will not close. 60% of all homes constructed on expanded soils suffer from foundation problems. The problem happens when only part of it settles, which causes breakage and other damage.

Causes of Foundation Problem

Water is the principal culprit for the vast majority of damage. Moisture variations cause soil components to swell or shrink and move under your base.

Your property may be more vulnerable to base damage if:

  • Constructed on expansive clay

  • Built on compacted soils

  • Poor drainage around the foundation.

  • Extreme seasonal change

  • Plumbing leak

  • Tree roots invasion

  • The structure was affected by an earthquake, flood or drought

Problems Arising from Foundation Problem

  • Structural damage

  • Real estate value loss

  • Tripping problems

  • Unpleasant cracks

Regardless of the cause, settlement may destroy and even make the value of your home questionable. Don't delay in getting the problem solved if you see signs of failure. The longer you wait, the more your foundation sinks and further expensive damages will be caused.

When Do You Need Foundation Repair?

Your foundation is not structurally threatened by hairline cracks. However, over time, water can seep into your crawl space. It's time to call a specialist from a foundation repair company when this happens, or if you see moisture on the walls. With excess moisture on your basement or in your crawling areas, mold and mildew will not only grow, but can also lead to weakening of floor joists and beams.

Apart from waterproofing, you will want to repair your foundation in several other instances. The way, width and location of the cracks can tell us a lot about what's going on under and around your foundation. The determination of the cause of the cracks helps our contractors to choose the best way to repair these cracks. Usually, vertical and diagonal cracks are settlement marks. In many cases, the foundation is stabilized and lifted with stainless steel piers. Call Ramjack by American Leveling for help.

Foundation Repair OKCGuest Userfoundation repair okc, foundation settlement