Month: December 2019

Seven Possible Causes of Home Foundation Cracks

If you’re wondering why cracks have appeared in your home’s foundation, there are many potential reasons. The causes range from natural disasters to soil settlement:

Seven Possible Causes of Home Foundation Cracks

1. Both minor and major earthquakes can inflict this kind of damage. A powerful tremor could even detach your home from its foundation, thus harming a wide range of building materials and equipment.

2. Fast-growing roots may cause or exacerbate cracking. Certain tree species are prone to damaging the underpinnings of homes. Examples include elm, aspen, sycamore, boxelder, ash, poplar and oak trees.

3. Fissures can appear when the ground underneath your home settles. This may occur as a result of poor construction practices or an unsuitable soil composition. High clay content promotes cracking.

4. If a piece of heavy equipment or a particularly large vehicle travels near your cellar wall, it could inflict damage. A crane or cement truck might cause this type of harm.

5. A nearby river, lake or ocean could overflow its banks, allowing the water to reach your home. This liquid could exert enough pressure to crack your foundation or damage it more severely.

6. Flooding doesn’t only have natural causes. An abandoned swimming pool could leak water and harm your home’s basement. Roof runoff and water main leaks can trigger similar problems.

7. Falling or windblown objects may hit the part of your foundation that’s visible above the ground. It’s also possible for a car accident to damage this section.

Indications

Your house might require repairs when you see cracks in door frames, floors, walls or the ceiling. Diagonal or wide fissures generally pose a greater threat. Previously flat surfaces may develop slopes.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your foundation, turn to our well-versed repair professionals. We’ll promptly inspect your home and inform you about any serious problems. Please contact us today.

3 Signs That You May Need House Leveling

Taking care of your home is essential to ensuring that it stays safe and functional for many years to come. One part of your home that must be kept in excellent condition is your foundation. When your foundation is initially put in, you likely won’t have any problems, however, issues can arise over the years for a variety of reasons. Your foundation may not have been put in properly initially, the ground may have shifted, or there may be too much moisture in the soil. In any of these cases, foundation repair is necessary and house leveling must be completed. House leveling involves lifting your home back into the original position that it was in and is very effective at solving your foundation problems. If you are worried that your house may be in need of house leveling, here are three signs to look out for.

3 Signs That You May Need House Leveling

Visually Un-Level

If you go outside and stand in front of your home and notice that it slants to one side of the other, this is a very obvious sign that something is wrong with your foundation. In this situation, house leveling can restore your home to even ground and make it functional for you once more.

Cracks In Your Walls

If you see that there are cracks starting to form down your walls, this is also a sign that you may need to have your house leveled. As the foundation shifts, this can cause your walls to pull in opposing directions, thus creating cracks in them as they shift to try and accommodate this movement.

Shifting Door Frames

If you notice that your doors are sticking or are unable to shut, this may be a sign that your door frames are beginning to shift to accommodate changes in your home’s structure. This is especially worrisome if multiple doors in one area of your home are sticking or won’t close and should be something that you watch closely for.

To see if your home is in need of house leveling or other forms of foundation repair, visit us at Steady House Foundation Repair.