How to Spot a Sinking Foundation
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How to Spot a Sinking Foundation

There's a reason "lay a strong foundation" has become a metaphor...the foundation is easily one of the most structurally important elements of your home. When built on a solid foundation, the rest of the house has the support it needs to maintain structural integrity and stand strong for ages to come. When built on a weak, shaky foundation? Well...you get the idea.

Signs Your Foundation Might Be Sinking

A house tipping to one side like the Tower of Pisa is an obvious red flag (can't miss that one), but there are a few less obvious symptoms of foundation problems you should be aware of. For example:

  • Windows and doors becoming jammed or misaligned

  • Cracks in basement concrete slabs

  • Separating counters and kitchen cabinets

  • Doors sticking or slowly closing like they are on uneven hinges

  • Cracking walls inside your home

  • Water puddles forming around the base of your home

  • Upheaval of floors

  • Floors becoming sloped

You're at greater risk for foundation problems if you live in an area known to have unstable soils, overwatering due to unpredictable heavy rains and tree root invasion. These contributing factors can cause soil to expand, putting pressure on the foundation and damaging concrete. Residents of Colorado and Wyoming: be aware!

What To Do if You Discover Foundation Problems

If you suspect you have any of the above foundation problems, you need to get the issue treated immediately. This isn't a "wait and see" situation. Calling a home inspector should be your first step. They'll be able to diagnose the problem and make specific recommendations.

Most foundation issues can be solved through polyjacking, a concrete repair option that involves lifting a sunken slab into place by filling the void underneath with a high-density foam called polyurethane.

Keep Reading: What is Polyjacking?

Scheduling a free inspection with Ward Insulation & Concrete Lifting is the first step toward a permanent fix for your home's foundation. We'll send a consultant to your home to inspect the problem, take careful measurements, inspect load bearing components and observe other factors that will influence how we approach lifting your foundation. After that, it's just a matter of scheduling the job and completing the work.

Looking for a price? You can get a no-cost, no-obligation free estimate here. Just complete this online form or send us a message via email or the chat box on our website. We look forward to speaking with you!

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