5 Types of Foundation Problems and their causes.

1. Settling. Settling occurs when the soil underneath the foundation is not properly compacted. This leads to the foundation sinking or settling unevenly. This can cause cracks, shifting, and lead to structural damage if the foundation issues are not addressed. 
2. Heaving. Heaving occurs when the soil expands due to increase in moisture or heavy rainfall. This can cause the foundation to rise in an uneven manner, leading to cracking and shifting. This is caused by improper drainage or a high water table.
3. Cracking. 
4. Bowing / Buckling
5. Sinking

There are different types of foundation problems and signs to look out for. Foundation problems can cause structural damage to the home if left unaddressed. By understanding the different types of foundation problems, this can help homeowners identify the issue and address the problems promptly with a licensed professional. However, if you believe you have foundation issues, you should always call a licensed professional to have these issues looked into. 

One common type of foundation problem is settling. Settling occurs when the soil underneath the foundation is not properly compacted. This leads to the foundation sinking or settling unevenly. This can cause cracks, shifting, and lead to structural damage if the foundation issues are not addressed. Signs of a foundation with settling include cracks in the foundation, doors that stick or won’t close properly, and uneven floors.

Another type of foundation problem is heaving. Heaving occurs when the soil under the home expands. This is usually caused by an increase in moisture content caused by rain. Heaving can cause the foundation to rise unevenly which causes cracks and shifting in the foundation. Heaving occurs due to poor drainage from the home when there is a high water table. Signs of heaving include: cracks in the foundation or walls, doors that stick or are hard to close, and uneven floors. Heaving is more common with concrete slabs than foundations. 

Another type of foundation problem is cracking. Foundation cracking can occur when there is settling, heaving, or both. Cracks can be small, hairline cracks or larger. A licensed professional is trained to analyze smaller cracks in the foundation, as not all cracks are a sign of foundation problems. However, if cracks are accompanied by other signs of foundation issues, it’s important to get these inspected by a professional. 

Another type of foundation problem is bowing or bucking walls. This bowing is a symptom of foundation problems. Bowing walls look like they are out of place, and are visible to the eye. This is caused when the walls are pushed inward due to pressure on the foundation from the soil or water drainage issues. Signs of this include: warped or bowed walls, doors and windows that are difficult to open or close, and walls that appear to be leaning or bowing. This is a sign of weakening walls. This is a very serious sign of structural issues and should be addressed immediately by a professional in order to analyze and fix this problem. 

Another type of foundation problem is sinking. A sinking foundation is due to the movement of a foundation. Sinking can cause vertical and diagonal cracks in the walls due to the shifting of the foundation. Sinking foundations can be caused by poor construction, or when the foundation was installed on ground that is not solid. Signs of sinking foundations include cracks in the walls, floors, or foundation, doors that stick or won’t close properly, and uneven or sloping floors.

In conclusion, foundation problems can have a variety of causes and can manifest in different ways. It’s important for homeowners to be aware of the signs of foundation problems and to address them promptly in order to prevent serious structural damage. If you suspect you have a foundation problem, it is always best to consult with a professional to properly diagnose and repair the issue. If you have any of these signs of foundation problems, call us today and our professional engineers will conduct a thorough examination of your foundation.