Ways To Prevent Your Home’s Foundation From Shifting

It’s no secret that owning a home is a significant investment, and maintaining its structural integrity is crucial for ensuring its long-term value. One of the most critical aspects of this maintenance is safeguarding your home’s foundation.

One of the main problems you can run into is the foundation shifting, which can lead to a cascade of issues. By understanding what causes the problem, you can enforce the ways to prevent your home’s foundation from shifting, effectively protecting your home and avoiding costly repairs. This guide will provide you with practical advice on how to keep your home’s foundation stable.

What Can Cause a Foundation Shift?

Understanding the root causes of foundation shifting is the first step in prevention. If you can’t determine what’s causing the issue, you’ll never be able to fix it and prevent it from happening again. Here are some common factors that can lead to this problem.

Wet Soil

Excess moisture in the soil around your home is a primary culprit of foundation shifts. When soil becomes saturated with water, it can expand and create pressure against the foundation. This pressure can lead to movement and instability. Factors contributing to wet soil include poor drainage, excessive rainfall, and leaky plumbing.

Compacted Soil

Just like wet soil can cause problems, overly compacted soil can also lead to foundation issues. When soil is too densely packed, it lacks the flexibility to absorb movement, exerting stress on your home’s foundation. This issue usually occurs during the initial building of a home when construction companies compact the soil to provide a solid base. However, if not done correctly, this compaction can lead to future shifts.

Wrong Soil Type

The type of soil your home sits on impacts its stability. Certain soil types, like clay, are more prone to expansion and contraction with changes in moisture levels. This can lead to foundation shifts over time. Some homeowners prefer to use sandy soils since they drain well and are less likely to expand.

Plants Close To Your Home

While landscaping can enhance your home’s curb appeal, planting trees or large shrubs too close to your home can be detrimental to your foundation. Fortunately, smaller plants are okay, but the roots of larger ones can grow and expand under your foundation, causing soil displacement and movement. Furthermore, trees and shrubs can absorb significant amounts of water, potentially leading to dry conditions that exacerbate soil shrinkage and foundation movement.

Earth Shifts

While not as common, natural earth movements, such as earthquakes or minor geological shifts, can also impact your foundation. These factors are beyond a homeowner’s control. However, if you live in an area prone to seismic activity, then understanding the risks will help you be more aware of potential signs of shifting after one of these natural events.

How Can You Tell Your Foundation Shifted?

Now that you know how foundation shifts can happen, you need to be aware of the signs that your home is already experiencing issues. You can’t really tell by looking at the ground around your home, so you’ll need to check the house itself to see if there are any major concerns. Doing so early on can prevent more serious issues down the line. Here are some indicators to watch out for.

Uneven Floors and Bowed Walls

One of the first signs of a foundation shift is uneven flooring. If you notice that your floors are sloping or have become uneven, this could indicate that your foundation has moved. Similarly, walls that bow or lean inward are a red flag. While these symptoms might start small and be hard to notice, they suggest that your home’s structure is no longer stable, so they’re the most important to look for.

Floor and Wall Cracks

If the uneven floors and bowed walls become worse, cracks can develop in these surfaces. These are some of the most prominent signs of foundation issues. While small hairline cracks can occur simply when a home settles, larger or growing cracks could indicate a more severe problem. Pay particular attention to cracks that appear around doorways and windows, as these areas are often more vulnerable to structural shifts. However, cracks you find in the foundation of your home are the most serious and require immediate attention.

Doors and Windows Sticking

If doors or windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, this could be a symptom of a shifting foundation. When the foundation moves, it alters the alignment of the frame, causing these fixtures to stick or jam. Paying close attention to the ease of operation of your doors and windows can help you catch foundation issues early.

Chimney and Porch Separations

Another sign of a shifting foundation is a separation between your chimney and the rest of the house or between your porch and the main structure. These separations indicate that the foundation beneath these areas is moving independently from the rest of the home, a clear signal that professional evaluation is necessary.

What Can You Do To Prevent Shifts?

Hopefully, your home never gets to the point where these issues from shifts occur. The best way to ensure this happens is to take preventative steps. Here are some proactive ways to prevent your home’s foundation from shifting in the first place.

Control Soil Moisture

Managing the moisture levels in the soil around your home is crucial for preventing foundation shifts. During dry periods, water the foundation to prevent soil shrinkage. Conversely, during wet periods, make sure to clear your gutters and downspouts and direct water away from your home to avoid oversaturation.

Remove Large Plants Near Your Home

Maintaining a safe distance between large plants and your home is vital. Consider removing trees and shrubs that are too close to the foundation. If you prefer to keep certain plants, consider root barriers to prevent the roots from encroaching on your foundation.

Waterproof Your Basement

Waterproofing your basement is an effective way to prevent water-related foundation shifts. This process involves hiring concrete repair services to seal up any cracks and make your basement impermeable to water ingress. With proper waterproofing, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage and the resulting foundation movement.

Fix Problems as Soon as They Appear

Most importantly, the sooner you address potential foundation issues, the better. If you notice any signs of shifting, such as cracks or uneven floors, consult with a professional immediately. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major, costly repairs.