Foundation Sinking or Foundation Settling: The Differences Explained
As a homeowner in Houston, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between foundation settlement and sinking. Failing to do so could result in significant structural damage, leading to a range of issues throughout your home. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of these differences to prevent any potential problems.
In regards to home foundations, it’s worth noting that the verbs “sink” and “settle” hold the same meanings as their general definitions. “Sink” refers to a continuous downward movement below a surface, while “settle” means to fix something in a permanent position. Though it may seem unexpected, these definitions also apply to the foundation of a home.
When a foundation begins to sink, it tends to persist in its downward trajectory underground until specialists in foundation repair intervene. This phenomenon, also known as ongoing settlement, can worsen with time. As a result, constant monitoring is necessary until a skilled professional determines the underlying issue and devises the appropriate solution. Although foundation problems are generally solvable, it’s usually more convenient and cost-effective to tackle them early, ideally before the symptoms escalate.
A foundation undergoes settlement by sinking only a few inches into the ground, which is commonly referred to as immediate or normal settling. This settling usually occurs within the initial few years after construction. Throughout the typical settling process, the foundation typically maintains its level position throughout the entire structure.
There are many signs of a sinking foundation that include:
Differential Settlement
Differential Settlement pertains to an uneven shift of the foundation under a home’s weight, unlike the relatively level movement in normal settling. This shift occurs when the ground beneath the property gets compressed at varying rates, based on the structural loads above. However, differential settlement can result from factors beyond your home’s weight. To experience this kind of shift, the clay soil below your home must go through repeated expansion-contraction cycles, brought on by flooding, droughts, water leaks, poor drainage, improper grading, and freezing temperatures. If there are also bedrock issues or trees with extensive roots planted in close proximity to your home, the likelihood of experiencing differential settlement increases.
Slab Cracking
Slab Cracking is a prevalent issue in many Houston homes, where the concrete slab lies concealed beneath floor coverings. This makes it hard to spot a crack in the slab initially. Nevertheless, it’ll eventually affect the floor covering above, resulting in various aesthetic and/or functional issues. However, it’s essential to note that not all slab cracks indicate a sinking foundation. A slab can shift independently of the foundation, causing damage to the floor covering above without affecting the foundation in any way. Hence, the damage to the floor covering might indicate that the slab itself has settled or detached from the foundation, causing some areas of your home to lift.
Leaning Chimney
Tilting Chimneys are among the most alarming indications of a sinking foundation, with a chimney leaning away or towards your home being particularly concerning. Given the weight of a chimney, even the slightest movement can put it at risk of tilting. Although some chimneys are constructed on separate footings, they may still lean if the foundation sinks.
Bowing Roofs and Cracking Walls
The foundation is a critical element in maintaining the stability of a home, and when it’s affected, different parts of the house, such as upper stories and the roof, are likely to experience problems. In case the foundation sinks and settles unevenly, upper floor walls and ceilings may develop cracks, while the roof may begin to sag, bow, or warp. If any of these problems or other indications of foundation movement become noticeable, it’s advisable to have your foundation inspected by an experienced professional as soon as possible.
Roofs and Upper Stories of a Home
The foundation is a critical element in maintaining the stability of a home, and when it’s affected, different parts of the house, such as upper stories and the roof, are likely to experience problems. In case the foundation sinks and settles unevenly, upper floor walls and ceilings may develop cracks, while the roof may begin to sag, bow, or warp. If any of these problems or other indications of foundation movement become noticeable, it’s advisable to have your foundation inspected by an experienced professional as soon as possible.
How AAA Foundation Service Repairs Foundations
At AAA Foundation Service we utilize concrete piers to repair and stabilize sinking foundations, even in situations where poor supporting soil is the root cause of the issue. The piers are firmly attached to the foundation’s base with steel brackets and extend through unstable soil layers until they reach solid bedrock, allowing them to transfer the weight of the home to more competent load-bearing soil. This process can elevate the foundation and slab back to their initial position. Additionally, the piers keep the foundation in place, preventing it from sinking and shifting any further.
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AAA Foundation Service
If you live in the Houston area and think your home may be sinking, there is only one call to make. Trust the professionals of AAA Foundation Service to provide honest information about your home settlement. Contact us today and we will get you setup with an in-depth inspection, free repair estimate, and a list of solutions.
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