Foundation Settling?

1. Misaligned doors and windows
2. Cracks in sheetrock
3. Doors and windows that stick
4. Sloping of the floor
5. Cracks in the floor or tile

1. Cracks in the brick
2. Gaps arond the doors and windows
3. Cracks in the foundation
4. Fascia board pulling away

Signs in the garage that indicate foundation problems include:

1. Seperation from door
2. Wall rotating our
3. Cracked brick

Signs in the basement that indicate foundation problems include:

1. Walls leaning in or out
2. Cracks in the wall
3. Water intrusion

Causes of Foundation Failure

Evaporation

Hot dry wind and intense heat will often cause the soil to shrink beneath the foundation. This settlement may cause cracks to appear throughout the structure.

Transpiration

Tree roots may desiccate the soil beneath a home causing the soil to shrink and the home to settle.

Plumbing Leaks

Water from plumbing leaks is often a cause of foundation problems.

Drainage

Improper drainage is a leading cause of foundation failure. Excess moisture will erode or consolidate soils and cause settlement.

Poor Soil Conditions

Por soil and its expansion and/or contraction contribute to foundation failure.

Insufficient steel and inferior concrete will contribute to movement in the slab.

Inferior Ground Preparation

Soft, low density soils and/or improperly compacted soil beneath a home is the leading cause of foundation failure. Cut and fill situations should be properly prepared before the soil is rady to support a structure.