Homebuyers often discover that their house foundation is slowly but surely sinking. This is a very gradual process that typically occurs in one section of a house before the other. While there are various things that cause settling, there are two main contributing factors.
The Two Main Reasons Why Foundations Sink:
Soil and weather are the main causes of this foundation issue. Over time soils move back and forth, and up and down, as the weather and seasons change. In certain areas, such as Dallas-Fort Worth, expansive clay soils are particularly problematic. That’s because they swell when they absorb moisture, and then contract when it’s very hot and dry. House foundations in other parts of the county can be affected by snow or prolonged periods of -32 degree weather. Foundations can settle 1” or they can sink more than 4-5″ if not repaired.
Large volumes of water can weaken foundations and cause them to sink, too. An abundance of water around your foundation can lead to problems and even result in foundation heaving. When foundations heave, they are forced upwards. For this reason drainage system installations are often required to resolve foundation issues. While a homeowner can’t generally control the type of soil their house is built on, they can control the amount of water that is allowed to penetrate the soil beneath their structure. In some situations French drains, surface drains, or sump pumps may be needed to stop problems that affect concrete slabs and pier and beam foundations.
How A Sinking Foundation Is Repaired:
It is fixed by installing foundation piers beneath the house foundation. These piers are pushed into the ground to the point of refusal or else all the way down to bedrock. Once they’re in place, the foundation rests on top of them. Some pier and beam houses are repaired using block and base supports. If you think your structure may be sinking, contact a foundation repair contractor or a structural engineer. They can tell you what is required to make your house level again. Whether you have a slab or pier and beam foundation, it’s important to prevent the issue from getting worse and increasingly costly to repair. If you live in the Dallas, Fort Worth area, contact HD Foundations for assistance. We provide no-cost evaluations to homeowners.