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How to Fix a Shifting House Foundation

Written By

Carmen

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Are you noticing cracks in your walls or uneven floors? Is your house foundation shifting? Are you worried that the different levels and changes in floors, door frames, or walls indicate a serious problem with your home’s foundation? If you are, the cause could be your house foundation shifting. When it comes to maintaining the integrity of our homes, preventing damage to the structure is vital.

How to Fix a Shifting House Foundation

Foundation shifts can range from minor to severe, and they’re caused by water infiltration, tree root growth, soil erosion, or improper compaction when it was first installed. In this blog post we’ll take a look at the signs and causes of a shifting foundation and explain what steps on how to fix a shifting house foundation need to be taken to repair it and prevent similar problems to ensuring that your house stays safe, secure, and stable for years to come.

What Causes Shifting House Foundation?

1. Improper Compaction

The most common causes of shifting house foundations are improper compaction of soil during construction, water infiltration from rain or sprinklers, and poor drainage around the foundation.

2. Tree Root

Additionally, some foundations can be vulnerable to tree root growth. Trees growing near your home draw moisture away from the soil and cause it to shrink. This shrinkage can lead to a weakened foundation, and eventually, the foundation will shift.

3. Poor Drainage

Lastly, if the soil around the foundation is not properly drained, it will eventually become saturated with water and start to expand. This expansion can push against your foundation and cause it to shift over time.

Signs of a Shifting House Foundation

1. Unevenness

Uneven floors cracked walls, and door frames that won’t stay closed are all signs that your house foundation is shifting. Other signs may include windows that stick when you try to open them, gaps between walls/floors and ceilings/doors, and water pooling around the foundation.

2. Cracks

You may also notice hairline cracks on the walls or floors of your home. These cracks are a sign that the foundation is slipping out from under the house and can eventually lead to serious structural damage if left unchecked.

Cracks in the Walls

3. Bowing Walls

If you have a basement, you may notice that the walls are bowing or bulging. This is caused by the walls being pushed outwards due to pressure from the shifting house foundation and can lead to serious damage if not addressed quickly.

Required Items for Fixing a Shifting House Foundation

1. Jacks

If the foundation is shifting, you’ll need to use jacks to lift the house back into proper alignment. Be sure to choose jacks that are rated for your home’s weight and place them at supporting points around the foundation.

2. Shims

Once you’ve jacked the house up, you’ll need to use shims to level it back out. Shims are thin pieces of wood that are inserted into gaps between the foundation and walls or floors.

3. Screws

Once the house is level, screws need to be used to secure the shims in place and keep them from shifting. Be sure to use long screws that are rated for your home’s weight and install them at least 18 inches apart.

4. Concrete

After the jacks, shims, and screws have been installed, you’ll need to fill in any gaps with concrete and allow it to dry before continuing work on the foundation repair.

10 Ways How to Fix a Shifting House Foundation

1. Lift the House

Once you have all of the necessary tools and materials, the first step is to lift the house back into its original position. This can be done by placing jacks at supporting points around the foundation and slowly raising them until the house is level again.

2. Level the House

Once the house is lifted, use shims to level it out and make sure that all of its components are in line with each other. It’s important to be precise with this step in order to ensure that the foundation is stable and secure when finished.

3. Secure the Shims

After you have the house leveled, use long screws to secure all of the shims in place. This will help keep them from shifting and provide extra stability for the foundation. The shims should be screwed in at least 18 inches apart to ensure that they are secure.

Use Heavy-duty Screws

4. Fill Gaps with Concrete

Once the shims have been secured, fill any gaps between walls and floors with concrete and let it dry before continuing work on the foundation repair. This will help keep moisture out of your home while also providing additional support for the foundation.

5. Check for Moisture

Check around the foundation to make sure that there is no seeping moisture. If there is, you’ll need to install a French drain or sump pump system to keep it from accumulating and potentially damaging your home’s foundation in the future.

6. Replace Weakened Supports

Sometimes, the supports of your foundation may become weakened over time due to wear and tear. If this is the case, it’s important to replace any damaged support beams or joists with new ones that are rated for your home’s weight.

Check the Walls for Any Signs of Bowing

7. Reinforce Walls

If you have a basement, check the walls for any signs of bowing or bulging. If they are, you may need to reinforce them by adding additional support beams or joists in order to prevent any further foundation shifting.

8. Install Vents

Installing vents in the basement and around the foundation can help keep moisture out of your home while also providing proper air circulation. This is especially important if there is a high water table around your home.

9. Check for Leveling Routinely

Once you have completed all of the necessary repairs, it’s important to check for foundation shifting at least once a year in order to make sure that everything remains level and stable.

10. Consult a Professional

If you’re not confident in your ability to repair the foundation, it’s best to consult with a professional before attempting any work. They can provide advice and assistance on the best way to proceed with your project while also ensuring that the job is done correctly.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully fix a shifting house foundation. Remember to take all necessary precautions when working with large tools, always wear protective gear, and consult with a professional if needed. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure that your foundation remains in its original position for years to come.

8 Tips to Prevent Shifting House Foundation

Installing a French Drain
  1. Make sure the soil around your house is properly graded. The ground around your home should slope away from it so that water runoff will not cause excess moisture and erosion. The soil should be no closer than six inches from the foundation.
  2. Check your gutters and downspouts regularly to make sure they are working properly, and ensure they are not carrying water toward your home or pooling near the foundation.
  3. Make sure the soil surrounding your house is dry by installing a French drain if necessary. A French drain is a trench filled with gravel that directs surface water and excess moisture away from your home’s foundation.
  4. Check the soil for any signs of shifting or settling, especially near the corners and doors of your house. If you find any signs of shifting, call a professional to assess the damage and recommend steps to fix it.
  5. Make sure that your house is properly waterproofed with a sealant or other waterproofing system to prevent water from seeping into your home’s foundation.
  6. Install downspout extenders if you have gutters and downspouts connected to your home. This will direct the water away from your house so that it does not pool around the foundation.
  7. Check for any signs of cracks in your driveway or other concrete surfaces near your home’s foundation, as these can lead to further shifting if left unchecked.
  8. If you have any large trees or plants near your home’s foundation, make sure they are properly pruned and maintained. The roots of these can cause foundation shifting if not taken care of. Taking the time to inspect and maintain these areas can help prevent shifting in your house foundation.

Following these tips can help prevent the need for costly repairs and ensure that your house’s foundation stays stable for years to come. Make sure to keep an eye on these areas around your home and take the necessary steps, if needed, to prevent shifting of your house foundation.

Conclusion

To fix a shifting house foundation, it’s important to take proper and decisive action as soon as you notice signs of movement. It takes a commitment of both resources and time to truly rectify the problem; careful consideration of the scope and cost must be taken into account prior to moving forward.

Follow this post on how to fix a shifting house foundation for better understanding. The safest bet for any homeowner dealing with an unstable foundation is to hire a professional who understands the complexity of these issues.

An experienced contractor can assess the damage and create an action plan for the best result. By maintaining vigilance in watching for signs, proper prevention methods can save you from costly repairs or, worse, from reliable structures becoming unsafe living spaces. Taking care of your house foundation is worth investing in as it protects other elements of your home and keeps your family safe.

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