Have you ever seen uneven flooring, wall cracks, or doors that won’t close all the way? All of these indicate differential settlement, a prevalent problem in which certain areas of a house sink more than others. But why do some homes experience this while others do not? Let’s dissect it and examine some ways to keep your house safe.
Typical Reasons for Unequal Home Settlement
Moisture Content and Soil Composition
Different soil types respond differently to variations in moisture content. Clay soils cause movement beneath your foundation because they expand when wet and contract when dry. Conversely, loamy or sandy soils offer greater stability and drainage. Your foundation may eventually shift due to unstable soil conditions caused by excessive rain, inadequate drainage, or plumbing leaks.
Inadequate Foundation Design
Over time, a home’s foundation may settle unevenly if it wasn’t constructed on adequately compacted soil. Compared to homes with deeper footings or piers, homes with lighter constructions or slabs that are not as well fortified are more likely to shift.
Excavation or Construction Nearby
Foundation movement may result from significant excavation or construction activities close to your house that change the stability of the soil. Large industrial vibrations have the potential to accelerate settlement by loosening the earth beneath your house.
Tree Roots and Vegetation
Trees placed too close to your house have the potential to drain moisture from the ground, drying it up and making it shrink. Over time, this may cause the foundation to move. A removed tree’s decaying roots may cause soil voids that eventually cause settlement.
Cycles of Freeze-Thaw
The freeze-thaw cycle can cause serious damage to foundations in areas with variable winter temperatures, like New Hampshire. Frost heaving occurs when soil moisture expands and pushes up on the foundation when it freezes. The earth shrinks when it thaws, creating settling and cracks.
How to Avoid Uneven Settlement of Foundations
✅ Assure Appropriate Drainage: To avoid water buildup near the foundation, grade the soil away from your house, install downspout extensions, and maintain clean gutters.
✅ Make an Investment in Foundation Waterproofing: Methods such as vapor barriers, sump pumps, and French drains assist keep moisture levels steady.
✅ Plant Trees at a Safe Distance: Depending on the species, keep trees at least 15 to 20 feet from your foundation.
✅ Keep an eye out and fix cracks quickly: Early detection of small cracks can help avoid expensive repairs as they may indicate early foundation displacement.
✅ Speak with a Foundation Expert: If you see indications of settlement, a specialist can determine if slab lifts, piers, or underpinning are required.
If foundation settlement is ignored, expensive structural damage may result. Solid Base Foundation Repair is able to assist you if you believe your house is moving. For an inspection, get in touch with us by calling (603) 207-8553.
