It’s probably not a question you want to face. The thought of foundation problems with your home is a scary one. But if your house is having issues, you need to find out if it’s settling or if there is a serious problem that requires foundation settlement repair to prevent further structural damage.
How do I know if my house is settling?
If you are noticing changes in your house in the first few years after it is built, those are probably caused by the house settling.
Your house will continue to settle as it ages. It happens with all buildings over time. It’s natural and you can control this process with proper care.
What are the signs my house is settling?
These are the signs you should pay attention to if you’re unsure if your house is settling.
- Basement seepage
- Walls not aligned with framing
- If you have a cement block home, there could be bulging or bowing in the center of the blocks
- Leaning chimneys, along with visible cracks or separation from the main structure of the building.
- Cracks in cement walls in basement
- Doors and windows could be sticking
- Gaps in windows and doors
- Windows are stuck
- Trim or molding falling off the walls
Any of these problems could be signs that your house is settling.
What if it’s a foundation problem?
Foundation problems are much more severe. If you have a foundation problem, it can mean that your home is not structurally sound.
If your home has a foundation that uses bricks, those bricks can tend to expand over time. And moisture in the ground can speed up the foundation problems.
If you have:
- Visible cracks in the foundation
- Horizontal cracks in your foundation
- Wall cracks inside your home
- Roof cracks in the structure
- Windows and doors are sticking
- Basement seepage
- Need to have a pier and beam leveling
Then you have a serious problem with your foundation, and you need to address it. That’s where turning to BDB Foundation Repair can help you solve your foundation problems.
How do I prevent foundation problems?
Maybe you don’t have a problem now, but there could be an issue in the long run with your house. So, what should you do?
Where the water drains outside your home can play a big role in whether you have foundation damage. While moisture in the ground isn’t bad, standing water is. The latter can cause foundation damage. The solution is to make sure your property has proper grading and consider professional foundation repair services to address any existing issues and prevent future damage
Keeping trees and shrubs a good distance away from your home can also help. Trees can pull out all the moisture from the ground, which can cause issues to your foundation over time.
Adding mulch and soil around the foundation can help with the foundation during the dry periods of the year.
The difference between foundation problems and your house settling
It can be hard to determine if your house has a serious problem with the foundation or if it’s just settling.
The only way you’ll know is if you get it checked out. That’s why going with a seasoned pro like BDB Foundation Repair can help you. If you’re having trouble determining whether your home is settling or has foundation problems, then we’ll help you figure it out. It’s what we’re here to help with.
We’re here to help solve your potential foundation problems.
Do you have a problem with your foundation?
Contact BDB Foundation Repair if you have an issue with your foundation. Give us a call at 402-779-3165 or use the contact form on our website. We’re here to fix your problems. Contact us today to get started on your estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common signs of a foundation problem?
Common signs include wall cracks, uneven floors, sticking doors or windows, basement moisture, and gaps around walls. These issues may point to settling or shifting foundations.
Can small foundation cracks become serious over time?
Yes, even small cracks can expand and allow moisture inside your home. Over time, they may lead to structural damage, basement leaks, and costly foundation repairs if ignored.
Why do doors and windows stop closing properly?
Doors and windows that stick or fail to close correctly can signal foundation settlement. Soil movement beneath the home may shift the structure and affect alignment.
Can uneven or sagging floors indicate foundation issues?
Yes, sagging or sloping floors often indicate weakening supports, moisture damage, or foundation settlement. Early inspection helps prevent more serious structural problems later.
Should I worry about moisture or water in my basement?
Basement moisture, mold, damp odors, or standing water can signal waterproofing or foundation issues. Addressing water problems early helps protect your home’s structure.
I own a foundation repair company in Macon Ga and I really appreciate this article. They did a great job explaining some of the signs of foundation issues. I would like to use this as a reference to better educate my clients. One thing that is very interesting about Georgia is that high humidity also causes settling issues. The hot summer months dry out the moist soil and can cause soil erosion.