One of the first questions many people have when they find out their house is sinking or settling, is “Why?” Why is it sinking and why now? Many people assume that it is simply age, that over time a house will settle. Yet, many newer homes can have a sinking foundation. Here’s why foundations sink or settle and what can be done to fix them.
Changes in the Soil
Soil is what supports your foundation – if your foundation is sinking, it is usually due to problem with the soil beneath it. For older homes, that soil may have been solid for many decades, but something changed the composition. This can be erosion from water (floods, water leaks, etc.), excessive tree roots and weather conditions. Soil with heavy amounts of clay are more prone to problems because clay swells with water and shrinks when dry, causing shifts in a foundation.
For newer homes with sinking foundations, it is often due to a poorly filled lot. If the soil is not properly compacted, the house can settle and sink, causing possible structural problems if the issue is not resolved. Unexpected water erosion can also be to blame, from natural disasters, plumbing leaks or localized flooding.
At the first signs that a foundation is sinking or settling, it is important to begin sinking foundation repairs right away. Settling can cause extensive damage to the house’s structure. However, if a foundation expert can begin work quickly, the damage can be minimized. Lifting and stabilizing the foundation can give the house the support it needs to protect it from further settling and structure damage. The important factor is having a foundation expert quickly assess the problem and begin repairing the issue before it gets worse.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
Bay windows add light and beauty to your home, but they can also be one of the first structural areas to become unstable. These heavy windows need a solid structure to support their weight. If there is any settling in the foundation or other structural issues in your home, your bay windows may be the first area to alert you to a problem. Here are some signs that your bay windows, and possibly your foundation, may need repair.
Bay windows often are installed without the necessary support, leading to structural issues. They can also become unstable or unlevel due to problems with your home’s foundation. If you notice any of these signs, call a foundation contractor that also offers bay window repairs. They can inspect your bay windows and home’s foundation to determine where the problem is and suggest the best repair option to protect your home.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
If you need a repair on your home’s foundation, you want to ensure you have the best contractor for the job. The foundation of your home is one of the most important elements in protecting your investment, so you want to ensure that is repaired using the highest quality materials and most advanced techniques. Here are three questions to ask any foundation repair company you are considering for work on your home’s foundation.
Doing a little research and asking a few questions can make a big difference in the quality of foundation repair you receive. While price is important, a quality foundation repair contractor can offer you both good value and quality with their service.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
If your home has a basement, it relies on the stability of the basement foundation as part of the structural integrity. Over time, your basement walls and underlying foundation can become damaged, putting your entire structure at risk. Be aware of the signs that your basement foundation may need repair to avoid costly damage to the rest of your home.
Any foundation issue should be taken seriously and undergo immediate repair. Even a small change in the foundation can affect the entire structure of your home, putting excessive pressure on joints and beams that keep your home in place. If you notice any of these signs, call a local masonry expert that specializes in foundation repairs to protect the large investment you have in your home.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
Brick is beautiful and can last for many decades, with many brick homes lasting centuries. However, time and the elements can take their toll, even on the most well-built brick home. Settling in the foundation and other issues can lead to bricks separating, causing the tell-tale staircase gap that you see on many older brick buildings. So what can you do when you begin having these issues on your home?
Brick repair is not as simple as just filling in the gaps between your bricks with mortar. First, the underlying cause must be addressed. Just repairing the bricks is like putting a bandage on a bullet wound. The problem will just reappear and continue to get worse if not repaired at the foundation or structural level of your home.
For brick home repair, you need a qualified masonry company that can not only fix the gaps in your brick, but repair the underlying cause. In many cases, the foundation is to blame. A settling or sinking foundation can create the staircase gap in brick walls, as well as put the structural integrity of your home at risk. An experienced masonry company that specializes in foundation repair can fix both the base problem and the cosmetic issue of your separating brick, protecting your investment into your home.
Don’t ignore the signs of a foundation issue in your home. If you have noticed cracks forming in your walls or gaps appearing around your bricks, call your local masonry experts for an inspection. They can find the root cause and have it repaired before it causes any more damage to your home.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924
Foundation and structural damage rarely happen overnight. Unless caused by a natural disaster, most changes in the structural integrity happen slowly over time. When you see your home day in and day out, year after year, you may not notice the small signs that your structure may be beginning to have problems. The quicker you address structural issues, the less expensive they tend to be, making it easier on your budget. A quick inspection of your home a few times per year can help you catch these small issues and have them repaired before they cause major and expensive damage to your home. Here are some signs to look for inside and outside your home:
Keeping an eye out for these small changes in your home can alert you to issues before they become a major expense. At the first sign, contact a reputable contractor that specializes in structural and foundation repair to have a professional inspection.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924
Is there a noticeable slope or sagging in one or more rooms in your home? This is especially common in homes that are built with a crawl space underneath the home. Over time, the floor boards can begin to sag due to a lack of support. This type of issue should never be ignored. The problem will only proceed to worsen, causing safety issues and can also impact the value of your home. Often the problem can be repaired with some added support to the foundation of the home.
Most sagging floors are on homes without the steel beams under the main level flooring that are usually in place for homes with a basement. This lack of additional support allows the floor boards to sag over time. Sagging floors can also be a sign of more crucial structural damage and are an indication that the home needs foundation repair.
In many cases a sagging floor can be repaired with the addition of steel support beams under the flooring. Contractors may use floor hydraulic jacks to bring the floor back to a level position, then add steel beams and/or solid footers to support the home. This creates a solid foundation that is lacking in homes with only a crawl space underneath instead of a solid foundation or structurally sound basement that adds extra support.
Don’t live with sagging floors. Call your local foundation contractor to get an estimate on repairing your home’s support system. Not only can it improve the look of your home by leveling sagging floors, it can extend the life and increase the value of your most important asset.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924
Even the most carefully built homes can become victim to foundation settling. A house can remain level for decades and suddenly beginning sinking on one end of the building, causing walls to crack, putting the integrity of the home in jeopardy. Sometimes it is soil erosion from excess water or a natural disaster that cause the foundation to slip and move; often, it is just time taking its toll. But all is not lost. If you recognize the signs of a sinking or shifting foundation, you can have it repaired before it causes irreparable damage to your home.
Signs Your Foundation Is Sinking
A foundation that has already sunk is easy to recognize. Often you can feel it when you walk into a room with exterior walls at one end of the house. Rooms with hard floors may even be tilted enough to allow a pencil or ball to roll toward the outer wall. However, when the house’s foundation first begins to shift, the signs are more subtle. Some signs to watch for include:
Once the process has begun, it will only get worse until it is repaired. If ignored, the sinking foundation could cause major structural damage to any masonry, plus cause the walls and roof to become unstable. It is crucial at the first sign of settling or sinking of the foundation to call a foundation repair specialist. Often repairs can be made to stop any further damage and to extend the life of the house for decades to come.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924
The foundation of a home is what protects the entire structure and keeps everything aligned and in place. When the foundation begins to sink due to soil erosion or other issues, the entire house is at risk of damage and even collapse. The good news is that a foundation that is sinking can be repaired and structural damage avoided if it is caught and repaired quickly. Often there are subtle signs that a foundation is sinking that can help alert homeowners to the problem before it cause substantial damage to the home.
A sinking foundation will only get worse and should never be ignored. The quicker the issue is addressed and repaired, the better chance you have of preventing further damage to the structure. In most cases, the longer you wait, the more expensive it will be to repair. At the first sign of a sinking foundation, call your local foundation repair professional to begin discussing repair solutions.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924
Your home’s foundation is the core structure that holds everything else in place. If it begins to shift, crack, sink or have other issues, it can endanger your entire home to sustaining major damage. However, most foundation problems can be repaired before major damage occurs to the home if you know the signs. Here are some of the top signs that your home may have foundation damage or problems:
At the first sign of possible foundation issues, call your local foundation repair contractor. They can inspect your home and foundation, then offer repair solutions to protect your home from further damage.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924
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