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Both older and new homes can fall victim to foundation settling. Due to environmental, structural and other factors, foundations can begin to sink or settle over time. This may lead to uneven floors, damage to walls and windows and even danger of structural collapse. If you own a home which has begun to show signs of foundation settling, it’s imperative to have the problem resolved before your foundation and home become compromised. 

Causes Of Foundation Settling

It’s common for the foundations of older homes to settle decades after they were built. Still, older homes aren’t the only structures susceptible to settling. Often, time is not the sole culprit; there are several other factors which may be contributing to a sinking or settling foundation. 

• Soil. Homes built on soil with a high clay composition are often in greater danger of sinking or settling than those built upon other soil types. Clay compacts quicker than looser soils, allowing the foundation to sink in certain spots. Clay also poorly disperses water, trapping moisture near the surface which can damage the foundation.
   
• Foundation construction. Some foundations are poorly constructed, making them settle quickly even though they may be only a few years old.
   
• Environmental changes. Earth shifts, heavy precipitation and structural damage from severe storms can all effect a home’s foundation. 

The first signs a foundation is settling are often cracks in the exterior or basement walls, as well as in the foundation slab. The good news is that often, these settling and foundation problems can be fixed or repaired before more damage is done to the structure of the home. If you are concerned that your home is beginning to settle, don’t wait to call an experienced foundation repair expert to assess and repair the damage, preventing further settling and loss of value to your property.

Posted on behalf of Anglins Foundation Repairs