Welcome to the first part of our May Foundation Repair series! Throughout this series, we’ll explore common issues with home stability and how structural engineering can help. Today, let’s talk about settlement movement and foundation heaving—two big problems that can affect your home. Understanding these issues is important for keeping your home safe and stable. Let’s get started.

Settlement Movement: When Your House Sinks

Foundation settlement happens when the ground under your house slowly sinks down. This can be caused by things like the soil not being packed well during construction or the soil naturally getting squished over time. In places with clay soil, changes in how wet the ground gets can make settlement worse.

Signs of Foundation Settlement

Cracks in Your Foundation

Watch out for cracks in your foundation, especially ones that are diagonal or go up and down like stairs.

Uneven Floors

If your floors are uneven or sloped, it could be a sign that your foundation is settling.

Example of Foundation Settlement

Picture finding a big crack in your basement wall and noticing that your living room floor is slanted. These are signs that your foundation might be settling, and you need to do something about it.

Foundation Settlement Repair

Fixing foundation settlement usually needs help from a structural engineer. They can figure out how bad the problem is and how to fix it. Solutions might include installing piers or underpinning to support the foundation. The cost of fixing foundation settlement can vary depending on how bad it is and what needs to be done, but it could range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

Foundation Heaving: When the Ground Pushes Up

Foundation heaving is when the ground under your house pushes up instead of sinking down. This often happens when the ground gets wet and expands, like when water freezes and thaws. This can lift your foundation up.

Signs of Foundation Heaving

Walls Bulging Out

If your walls are bulging outward, it might mean the ground is pushing them.

Nails or Screws Popping Out

If you see nails or screws sticking out, it could be because the ground underneath is moving.

Foundation Heave Repair

Fixing foundation heaving is tricky and needs help from experts like structural engineers. Solutions might involve addressing drainage issues around your home or using specialized techniques to stabilize the foundation.

Repairing foundation heaving can involve various solutions tailored to the specific circumstances of your home. The cost of fixing foundation heaving varies depending on factors such as the severity of the problem and the chosen repair method. Like a settlement repair, the cost could also range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

Structural engineers might recommend addressing drainage issues around your home to prevent water accumulation near the foundation, installing a perimeter drain system, or using specialized techniques such as helical piers or slab jacking to stabilize the foundation and mitigate further heaving. Consulting with a structural engineer is crucial for accurately assessing the extent of the issue and determining the most cost-effective and long-lasting solutions for your home.

Working with Structural Engineers for Foundation Repair

Whether you’re dealing with settlement movement or foundation heaving, it’s important to get help from a structural engineer. They can help you figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it. By watching out for warning signs and getting help early, you can keep your home safe and stable for years to come. Stay tuned for more tips in our Foundation Repair series!