Homeownership comes with its fair share of challenges, including dealing with the shifting of your house. Shifting can cause various issues, from minor cosmetic changes to significant structural problems.
In this article, we’ll help you understand what it means when your house shifts, the signs, and the causes to help you address these issues effectively.
What Does It Mean When Your House Is Shifting?
When your house shifts, it means that its foundation is moving. According to Britannica, a foundation supports and anchors a building’s superstructure, transmitting its loads directly to the ground. Movements in the foundation can directly affect the whole house because it is the base of your home. So, when you notice your house shifting, it often signals potential foundation issues.
House shifting can manifest in various ways, including cracks in the walls, ceiling, or floors, doors and windows that no longer open or close properly, and even uneven floors. House or foundation movement is normal. All homes experience it, especially the newly constructed ones. However, uneven movement or excessive shifting can indicate serious foundation problems.
So, how do you know which house movement is normal and which is not?
Uniform Settlement
Uniform settlement refers to the evenly distributed sinking or settling of a building into the ground. It is indicated by minor cracks, level floors, and maintained structural integrity. Uniform settlement is generally less concerning since it doesn’t typically lead to severe structural problems. However, it’s still worth monitoring for any ongoing changes.
Differential Settlement
Differential settlement, on the other hand, is uneven and can result in significant structural issues. This type of settlement occurs when different foundation parts settle at different rates. Differential settlement is a more serious concern and may require professional intervention to correct and stabilize the foundation.
How Much Movement In A Foundation Is Normal?
The amount of movement in a house foundation considered “normal” can vary, but some level of settling is generally expected. Typically, minor movement within 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch over a few years is not a cause for concern. This slight adjustment can occur due to factors like soil compaction and changes in moisture levels. However, persistent or worsening symptoms, such as significant cracks or uneven floors – engineering standard is no more than 1/2″ over a 20′ span – may indicate a problem.
Causes Of House Shifting: Why Is My House Shifting?
So, what causes a house to shift?
Many factors can contribute to the foundation movement, including:
- Structure’s Weight: The weight of the house itself can lead to gradual settling. Over time, the foundation may shift due to the pressure exerted by the structure.
- Soil Compaction: Inadequately compacted soil can settle over time, causing the foundation to move. Proper soil compaction is crucial during the initial construction phase.
- Expansive Soil: Certain soil types, such as clay, can expand and contract when dry, leading to significant foundation movement. The soil type under your home can significantly influence stability.
- Weather: Extreme weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and drought, can affect soil moisture levels and contribute to foundation issues. Seasonal changes can lead to cyclic soil expansion and contraction.
- Poor Drainage: Insufficient and damaged drainage systems can cause water to accumulate around the foundation, softening the soil and leading to settlement. Proper drainage is essential to maintain a stable foundation.
- Nearby Excavation: Near the foundation, extensive digging or excavation can destabilize the surrounding soil, causing the foundation to shift. Safe distance practices must be followed when digging.
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, and landslides can cause sudden and significant shifts in the foundation. These natural disasters can lead to instant damage that might require immediate and extensive foundation repairs.
- Soil Creep: Slow and gradual downhill movement of soil, known as soil creep, can lead to foundation movement over time, especially on slopes.
- Soil Erosion: Areas prone to erosion can see the gradual removal of supporting soil, causing instability in the foundation.
- Poor Construction Practices: Improper building techniques, such as inadequate soil compaction, poor foundation design, or using substandard materials, can result in long-term foundation problems.
- Leaky Pipes: Water leakage from plumbing can saturate the soil around the foundation, causing it to weaken and leading to foundation issues. Plumbing should be regularly inspected for leaks.
- Moisture Levels: Fluctuating moisture levels around the foundation can lead to instability. Excessive moisture can soften the soil, weakening its ability to support the foundation, while lack of moisture can cause the soil to shrink and settle unevenly.
- Tree Roots: Roots from large trees planted near the house can grow beneath the foundation, upheaving the soil and affecting the foundation’s stability. As the roots expand, they displace the soil and exert pressure on the foundation.
What Are The Signs That Your House Is Shifting?
There are several signs that your house is shifting. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to reach out to a professional foundation repair company as soon as possible.
- Doors and windows that are difficult to open or close.
- Noticeable gaps between walls and ceilings or floors.
- Floors that slope or have noticeable dips and rises.
- Cracks appear in the drywall, plaster, or flooring materials.
- Walls that bulge or curve inward or outward.
- Cracks form a stair-step pattern in brickwork.
- Visible gaps between the house and the chimney or porch.
- Molding and baseboards that are separated from their attachment points.
- Cracks that run diagonally across walls, often from corners of windows and doors.
- Water leaks or plumbing issues due to pipe damage.
- Water seepage or leaks in the basement or crawlspace.
- Cracks in your foundation.
Can An Old House Still Shift?
Yes, an old house can still shift. Shifting can occur due to various factors such as soil movement, changes in moisture levels, natural settling, and even seismic activity. As the foundation and structural components age, they may become more susceptible to these influences.
How To Prevent House Shifting
While house movement is normal, there are ways to prevent it from becoming problematic.
Here are some prevention tips:
- Adjust yard slopes to divert water away from the foundation.
- Maintain a safe space between trees and the foundation.
- Regularly check and maintain your drainage systems to ensure efficiency.
- Manage soil moisture levels consistently.
- Keep plants with extensive root systems, such as shrubs and bushes, at a distance from the house.
- Fix any leaks in the plumbing systems promptly.
- Ensure the basement and crawl space are adequately waterproofed.
What To Do If Your House Is Shifting
If you suspect that your house is shifting, do not panic. In most cases, you can let it be. House movement is normal—it happens in all homes.
However, it is time to take action if the movement is extreme or if you notice any of the above signs. Do not try to DIY your way out of this kind of situation. Instead, call in a foundation professional. They can inspect your foundation and check for telltale signs of house movement.
After the inspection, the foundation experts may recommend the following repair methods:
- Push Piers: Push piers are steel piers that are hydraulically driven through the soil to bedrock or a stable soil layer. They help lift and stabilize the foundation by transferring the weight of the house to more stable ground.
- Helical Piers: Helical piers, or screw piles, are steel shafts with helical plates that are mechanically screwed into the ground. They can support new and existing structures and offer a versatile solution for foundation stabilization.
- Slab Piers: Slab piers are specifically designed to support the weight of concrete slab foundations. These piers are installed through the slab and into the soil beneath, helping to lift and stabilize the slab foundation.
- Drilled Concrete Piers: Drilled concrete piers, also known as caissons or bored piles, are constructed by drilling holes into the soil and filling them with concrete. Steel reinforcement is often added to increase the strength of the piers. This method is suitable for deep foundation stabilization.
Contact Us Today
At Dalinghaus Construction, we are the foundation repair experts in Southern California, Arizona, and parts of Nevada. We have the experience and knowledge to handle any foundation problem, from minor cracks to major structural issues.
If your house shows signs of shifting, don’t hesitate to call us. We offer free evaluations for all of our services.
