What is House Settling?

House settling is when a home slowly sinks into the ground because the soil beneath it is shifting. Almost all homes settle a bit over time, especially as they get older. Fixing house settling problems is important to keep your home safe and strong.

Why Do Houses Settle?

1. Soil Types: Different soils act in different ways. For example, clay soil can swell up when it’s wet and shrink when it’s dry.
2. Moisture Levels: Changes in water in the soil can make it softer or cause it to shrink, which affects your home’s foundation.
3. Building Mistakes: If the soil wasn’t packed down well when the house was built, it can lead to big settling problems later.

How to Know If Your House Is Settling

• Cracks in walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Doors and windows that get stuck or won’t close right.
• Floors that are not level.
• Gaps around windows and outside doors.

Easy Fixes for Small Settling Problems

Filling Small Cracks

• What You Need: Good quality caulk or concrete patching compound.
• How To Do It: Clean the cracks well before you fill them so it sticks better and lasts longer.

Fixing Stuck Doors and Windows

• Realign: Sometimes, you can fix the problem just by adjusting the door or window frame.
• Sanding: If wooden doors or windows are swollen, sand them down so they fit better.

Leveling Uneven Floors

• Temporary Fix: Use shims (small wooden wedges) to even out small floor problems.

When to Call a Pro

Big or Growing Cracks

If you see large or growing cracks in your walls or foundation, you need a professional. Quick repairs can stop further damage.

Foundation Problems

If you notice gaps between your foundation and the ground, or if it looks like the foundation is sinking, call a pro right away.

Water Damage

If you have ongoing water damage around your foundation, you need professional help to stop the damage and fix the settling.

How Professionals Fix House Settling

Foundation Underpinning

• How It Works: Piers are driven deep into stable soil to strengthen and stabilize the foundation.
• Why It Helps: This technique anchors the foundation beyond the shifting soil, ensuring long-term stability.

Slab Jacking

• How It Works: A grout mixture is pumped under sinking concrete to lift it back into place.
• Why It Helps: This method is effective for repairing sinking concrete slabs.

Fixing Drainage Issues

• How It Works: Installing systems like French drains or sump pumps can help manage water flow and prevent soil erosion.

Stabilizing Soil

• How It Works: Chemicals can be injected into the soil to solidify it and give it more strength.

How to Stop Future Settling

Manage Water Well

• Gutters/Downspouts: Make sure they direct water away from your home to prevent soil erosion.

Take Care of the Soil

• Even Moisture: Keep the soil around your home evenly moist to avoid it expanding and contracting.
• Planting: Plant trees and shrubs away from your foundation to prevent roots from causing problems.

Regular Checks

• Routine Inspections: Look over your home’s structure regularly, especially after big storms.
• Fix Small Problems: Address little issues right away so they don’t turn into big, expensive problems.

How to Pick the Right Contractor

Research and Reviews

• Reviews: Look at online reviews and ask friends or neighbors for recommendations.
• References: Ask for references from past clients to see if the contractor does good work.

Certifications and Experience

• Credentials: Make sure the contractor has the right certifications and licenses.
• Experience: Choose contractors who have lots of experience with house settling and foundation repair.

Quotes and Warranties

• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare prices and services from different contractors.
• Check Warranties: Make sure the work comes with a warranty for peace of mind.

The Importance of Maintenance

• Quick Fixes: Fixing settling issues right away can stop small problems from becoming big repairs.
• Professional Help: Use pros for accurate diagnoses and effective solutions to tough problems.
• Preventative Actions: Regular maintenance and proactive measures can keep your home’s foundation strong for a long time.

By understanding house settling and taking the right steps to fix and prevent it, you can keep your home safe and stable for years to come.