How to Easily Identify a Sinking Foundation

 

sinking foundation

Identifying a sinking foundation is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home safe and sound. Cold temperatures, floods, and droughts can affect the stability of your foundation. If you live in an area where it is common for floods to occur, you need to be able to quickly determine if your home is at risk of a sinking foundation.

Slight Sloping of the Interior Floors

Keeping a close eye on the floors of a home is important. Uneven floors can lead to other problems, such as cracks in drywall or window trim. They can also indicate a foundation issue. If you're unsure whether your home has sloping floors, it's worth checking with a building professional. The best way to find out if your floors are sloping is to have a professional perform a site inspection. A professional can determine the cause of the slope and suggest a plan to fix it.

Sliding floors can be caused by structural issues with the foundation or framing. The National Association of Home Builders recommends that a floor's slope should not exceed 1 and a half inches. However, this does not mean that your floor is safe. If your floors are uneven, it can be a sign of water damage or foundation problems. You might also want to have a professional look at the windows and doors.

Chimney Movement

Whenever you see signs of chimney movement, you should be aware that it could be a sign of more serious foundation problems. This problem can cause significant damage to your home and even lead to injuries. If you don't act quickly, you may not be able to save your property. If you are unsure of what to do, call a foundation repair professional. They can help you assess the damage and determine if you need to have your chimney fixed.


Inspect your chimney for cracks and gaps. This is especially important if you have an old chimney. If the cracks have begun to spread, this could be a sign of a new or old foundation damage. You should also check your chimney for signs of leaning or tilting. If the chimney stack is tilting inward, it will pull away from the house and can cause severe injury and even collapse. Another sign of the chimney leaning is the presence of a gap between the exterior and chimney. This gap can create a warm, damp space that attracts unwanted critters and bugs.

Dirt movement

Having a home with a sinking foundation is no fun. You may have noticed some cracks in your foundation or you may have a floor that has a tendency to sink a bit in the winter months. If you have a home built in the last ten years, you should take a moment to call your builder for a check up.

There are several telltale signs of trouble but the most telling sign is a sagging floor. The main reason is a lack of drainage but you can remedy this issue by installing a downspout or trench drain. This is a small fix but will prevent future problems. The aforementioned mentioned occupants should also be reprimanded for any misbehavior. This will be a worthy cause if you have kids or pets. The next best thing to do is to hire a professional to inspect your home for free. Having a professional come over will give you the peace of mind of knowing your home is safe and secure.

Cold Temperatures, Floods, and Droughts Can Affect the Stability of Your Foundation

During times of drought and cold temperatures, foundation problems can arise. These extreme conditions can cause the soil beneath your home to expand and contract. If this happens repeatedly, it can cause significant stress to your structure. This can result in a shifted foundation or cracks in your basement walls and chimney.

The ground around your home can also become damaged due to changes in moisture levels. This can create a dampness at the ground floor and lead to mold growth. This can cause your home to be vulnerable to leaks and floods. In addition, it can lead to damage to your patio or driveway. Another factor that affects the stability of your foundation is floods and extreme cold temperatures. If your home sits on the banks of a river, for example, you can get flooding if there are broken pipes. This can widen the foundation cracks. It can also cause structural damage if there is no adequate underground support.

Let the Professionals Fix Your Sinking Foundation

If you suspect that you have a sinking foundation located in Boston, get in touch with our professional for a full evaluation of your home as soon as possible. Contact XStructural today to speak with a foundation repair expert about any sinking foundation questions you might have or to seek an evaluation of your property.

REFERENCE URL, https://bit.ly/3uB3UEm
Location: Boston, MA, USA

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