Is My House Sinking?

Being a homeowner can mean challenges that are scary and costly, and one of those issues could be your home sinking into the ground. Sometimes the ground under and around a home can shift which can cause a house to sink over time. There will be signs if your home is sinking, but some homeowners might feel it’s not obvious until it’s too late. If you’re worried that your home might be sinking, here are a few signs to look for so you can address the issue sooner rather than later.

Cracks in the walls

When your home sinks, it is going to sink in some spots more quickly than others. If this happens, there will be an immense amount of pressure put on the walls and doorframes of your home. Eventually, cracks will surface on your walls. If you see random cracks in your paint and drywall around the house, it could mean your home is sinking. It’s important to keep an eye on the cracks and determine if they’re expanding over time. If the cracks are getting bigger, it’s worth it to consult a professional and determine the cause.

Exterior Cracks

Interior cracks on the walls might be a little more obvious, but there can be exterior cracks that form due to the unevenness of a sinking foundation. Exterior cracks can develop in the foundation, bricks or window frames when a home is sinking. It is important to take some time every season and walk around your house to see if there are any visible cracks on the outside of your home. If you find any areas of concern, calling in a professional to consult can help to stop the problem from getting bigger, and you might be able to fix the problem before it affects your whole home.

Uneven Floors

Do you ever feel like your home is slanting? Or have you put a pen on the floor and noticed it rolls away one direction? You might see this happens in one room but not another, and that is very common. When the foundation is sinking, your home could sink in one area while other areas are still in perfect condition. This sign of a sinking house may be harder to notice early on as it’s not as obvious as a big crack in the wall, but it is still a sign of a sinking foundation.

Knowing your home is sinking can feel scary and you might be feeling overwhelmed with thinking of everything involved in fixing the foundation, but like many repairs, the earlier you find and address the problem, the more straightforward and less costly the solution is likely to be.

If you are noticing any of these telltale signs that your home may be sinking, the best course of action is to consult with a professional right away. The team at Conterra Foundation have expertise in correcting sinking foundations. Give us a call today if you have any concerns.