Sinking Foundation
Find out what causes a sinking foundation, what you should do next, and how Groundworks fixes this issue.
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When the layers of soil can no longer support the weight of your home, your foundation starts to sink. This issue impacts floors, drywall, cabinets, plumbing, and almost every other area of the home. Quickly addressing your sinking foundation is crucial to prevent further deterioration.
Relying on DIY fixes like patching could make things worse. Instead, you need a professional foundation repair solution that tackles the root cause of your problem—soil movement beneath your property.
Groundworks installs various pier options under your foundation, creating a safer living environment. Foundation piers stabilize and elevate your home by redistributing its weight away from compromised soils.
Is your foundation in need of repair?
Book your appointment today.
What Is a Sinking Foundation?
All homes settle over time. However, foundation sinking, also known as differential settlement, occurs when your home settles unevenly into the earth. While a foundation expert is required for repairs, homeowners in Alberta can often spot signs of a sinking foundation on their own.
Common red flags of a sinking foundation include:
- Slopping floors
- Floor cracks
- Sticking windows and doors
- Cracked bricks
- A tilting, unstable, or cracked chimney
Ignoring the signs will result in severe structural problems, so you’ll want to resolve a sinking foundation as soon as you can.
Causes of a Sinking Foundation
Different factors can make a foundation sink, including:
- Fluctuation In Soil Moisture: Rainwater forces soil to expand, dry, and shrink, leading to gaps around your foundation.
- Drainage Issues: Insufficient drainage also encourages soil movement, compromising your foundation’s stability.
- Inadequate Soil Compaction: When poorly compacted soil caves in, it can’t support your foundation.
- Clay Soils: Clay expands and contracts frequently, straining your foundation and causing it to sink.
- Proximity to Trees: Tree roots often release moisture into soils, resulting in soil contraction and foundation issues.
Can You Fix a Sinking Foundation?
Yes, but DIY solutions won’t cut it. For example, patching only provides a temporary fix for a sinking foundation and can make the problem worse.
The key to repairing a sinking foundation is having a professional secure and strengthen this structure with piers, which bear your home’s weight to prevent further movement.
Foundation Repair Solutions
How to Repair a Sinking Foundation
Groundworks uses foundation piers that extend deep into stable soil or bedrock, restoring your property to its original level. By redistributing your home’s weight, you avoid the dangers of an unevenly settled foundation.
Our pier options for elevating sinking foundations include:
- Push piers are mechanically driven into the earth by heavy machinery.
- Helical piers screw into the ground to support your home.
- Slab piers attach underneath sinking concrete slabs.
Why Fix Your Sinking Foundation Now?
Avoid exacerbating the issue by resolving it quickly. Acting swiftly will:
- Prevent more expensive structural damage
- Restore your home’s structural integrity and safety
- Avoid larger cracks and further uneven settling
- Stop issues with sticking doors and windows
- Preserve your home’s property value
Contact Groundworks for a Sinking Foundation Solution in Alberta
Your home is only as good as your foundation, so contact a professional when you first notice sinking. Our piers stabilize and elevate your foundation, safeguarding the rest of your property.
Schedule your free inspection and estimate with Groundworks in Alberta today.
Sinking Foundation FAQs
Foundations sink for various reasons, including expansive soils, inadequate drainage, and growing tree roots. During our free inspection, we’ll identify the cause of your problem and recommend the best solution.
While DIY repairs might save you money, they could cause additional foundational damage and compromise your home’s entire structure. To be safe, hire a professional with years of experience.
Common symptoms include cracks, sloping floors, and sticking doors and windows. Your Groundworks expert will diagnose whether you have a sinking foundation and determine its cause.
Do you see any of these signs? Book an appointment now!
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