Must-Know Sinking Foundation Signs

front of a sunken house

Knowing the most common sinking foundation signs and what to do about them helps you protect your home from unnecessary damage. There are several common types of damage that occur when the foundation of a home is sinking. These signs include cracks in the foundation and wall cracks. Doors and windows that stick and floors that aren’t level are other signs of a foundation that’s sinking.

Foundation Cracks And How We Can Help

Cracks in the foundation are an easily spotted sign of a foundation that’s sinking. The cracks may run diagonally across the basement wall, or they may be horizontal cracks. Some foundation cracks are normal, while others require immediate attention to avoid damage to your home.

The best way to be certain about the risk of damage that basement cracks present to the structural integrity of your home is to call a qualified basement repair service, like Premier Wall Anchor and Waterproofing in Stow. The professionals from a basement repair service can assess the damage, inform you of repair options and properly fix your foundation.

Wall Cracks And What To Do About Them

When the foundation sinks and a home shifts, the shifting motion can cause cracks that run up the walls. Common locations for these structural damage cracks include the narrow strip of wall space above window frames and door jambs. These cracks may occur where sections of drywall meet, or they can form anywhere there’s a twisting motion as the house settles. 

While drywall repair work is required to restore the walls to their former appearance, it’s imperative that you have the foundation damage repaired first. Otherwise, the wall will form new cracks as soon as the foundation begins to sink again.

Sticking Doors And Windows

When a foundation sinks, door jambs and window frames may begin to twist slightly. This twisting motion causes doors and windows to stick when you try to open or close them. If you notice your doors are sticking when you try to use them, consider calling us to discuss the problem.

One of our professional team members will gladly evaluate the condition of your foundation and tell you about the best way to fix it. This may include a service like our Premier Wall Anchor or Piertech Helical Piers to stabilize your foundation and prevent further sinking.

Lopsided Floors

If walking across the room feels like walking on a fun house floor with a permanent slope, it can be a sign of a sinking foundation. The lopsided sensation may not be that intense if the foundational sinking is only slight, but it’s still likely to be noticeable. 

One way to test if your floor is uneven is to place a roller skate or ball on the floor to see if the item rolls. If the floor is level, the round item should stay where you put it. If the floor is uneven, the foundation on the building may be sinking or a foundation wall may be bowing inward. If this is the case, an anchoring system may be needed to fix the issue.

Call Us If You Notice Any Sinking Foundation Signs

If you notice any of these common signs of a sinking foundation, you need to take action right away to prevent further damage. Premier Wall Anchor and Waterproofing is here to help. Call us today at (800) 573-7170 to schedule an evaluation and learn how our services can help restore the foundation of your home. You’re also welcome to fill out our online contact form and one of our friendly team members will get back with you as quickly as possible.