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Sinking Foundation

Find out what causes a sinking foundation, what you should do next, and how Groundworks fixes this issue.

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Cracked brick indicating sinking foundation in need of foundation repair
Close up drywall of home cracking because of foundation sinking issues

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:

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.

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.

Groundworks CFI using large machinery repairing a 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.
Groundwork graphic image explaining merger between Polylevel and Groundworks

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

Groundworks workers working on the exterior of a home.

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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Canada trusts Groundworks for reliable crawl space, basement waterproofing and foundation repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!  

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Excellent service! Really professional, knows his technology, works efficiently. Obviously enjoys his work. Thanks Feiross!

Brian Keating

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Cory came to my house, thoroughly evaluated the situation, explained the options to me, and patiently answered all of my questions. He is amazing. There was a crack in my basement wall that needed to be repaired. Paul (I think) did a good and clean Job. The repair was scheduled and completed exactly as was described to me. Great team! I’d definitely recommend this company to others.

Kavan Motazedi

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An amazing company with outstanding service. Incredibly impressed with both the work and the care. We did full waterproofing and a new sump system and we are thrilled. Sanity is restored after crisis flooding! From the initial consult to the final job the excellency is there. Would tell anyone and everyone to use this company.

Bek MacIntosh

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The service provided was excellent. From the start when we installed the tester to the end when we got the mitigation system installed. The installers came on time, cleaned up, and was super friendly. Definitely will contact them again for our next house!

Mabel Ma

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Excellent service. Sales was pleasant and quote was thorough enough to proceed. The crew that came out to excavate, and install the interior and exterior basement systems was absolutely top notch – their work was neat and tidy, they showed up on time, and worked hard. To top it off, they (and all the folks involved) have to be the most pleasant contractors I’ve ever dealt with – and this is house #5 for us over the years! Thank you, Basement Authority. Highly recommend.

Laura Chutny

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Yesterday we had our sump pump service by Ben and was very pleased with the work. He was knowledgeable and took care in his work. He was very friendly and explained what he was going to do. Very good at his job and we’ll ask for him if we need any work done in the future.

Wayne Bateman

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Fantastic service from start to end. Professional sales call, follow up, and terrific work crew on site. Did an amazing job of raising and leveling my driveway. The crew took great pride and were even excited with the outcome. I HIGHLY recommend their work.

Craig