Sinking Foundation Causes & Repair

Even though it may not seem like it, the earth beneath us is always moving. This is the same for the ground beneath your Niagara area home. Of course, the soil usually shifts so slowly that it can be years before you notice any changes in your home’s foundation. Nevertheless, when soil moves, it can cause your home’s foundation to sink or become unbalanced, and the result can be serious damage to the structural integrity of your home.

In this article, we will look at why this happens and what you can do to address this issue and protect your Niagara home.

Foundation Soil

The composition of rock and soil in the area where you live and how well the soil was compacted when your home was built are the main factors in whether or not you have a risk of your foundation sinking. Sinking foundations are especially common in areas that have expansive clay (like many places in the Niagara Region do). Other soil types like rock, sand and gravel do not have the same tendency to shift over time as clay does. Fortunately, even if you live in an area of concern, there are steps that you can take to address the issue.

What can you do to stop a sinking foundation? 

If you have noticed that your foundation is beginning to sink, your first priority is to get your home back in the right place. This starts by having a foundation expert assess the extent of any damage already done and inspecting the foundation for flaws.

Typically you will have two repair options: a slab foundation repair or a pier and beam foundation repair. The option you choose will be determined by your home’s structure. In most cases, you will only require foundation work on one or two sides, as this will be sufficient to stop the sinking. Sinking can be reversed by adding more material which will help disperse the weight across a larger area.

Call in a professional foundation repair expert

Determining the best course of action to repair a sinking foundation requires a professional's expertise. Correcting a sunken foundation requires considerable thought and planning. Foundation experts will take into account the angle of the sinking foundation and the ideal position required to protect the home’s structural integrity. This will need to be determined before any foundation repair work can begin.

And like many home repairs, the sooner you get the issue addressed, the easier and less costly the repair will be. If you suspect foundation issues, don’t wait – contact a foundation repair specialist right away.

Contact Foundation Fix

Do you require foundation inspection or repair for your Niagara home? Contact Foundation Fix today to speak to a member of our team.