FOUNDATION SETTLEMENT IN CHARLESTON
A settling or sinking foundation can cause numerous foundation issues like sticking windows and doors, breaking walls or uneven floors. As the dirt underneath your home in Charleston changes and loses the capacity to endure the weight of your foundation, it makes your foundation settle and sink.
Give our specialists at CNT Foundations a chance to come to your home and examine your foundation. Our experts will give a free, no-commitment assessment to repair your sinking foundation. We are pleased to serve families in Charleston and help take care of their foundation issues.
WHAT CAUSES FOUNDATION SETTLEMENT?
Almost all sinking foundations can be traced back to issues with the soil the home was built on. Homes all across the country have foundations that settle over time due to the way the soil reacts to water.
Soil Conditions that Cause Sinking Foundations
Expansive soils are a major contributor to foundation settlement issues. Essentially, water permeates the soil around and beneath your foundation and causes it to expand and therefore weaken. Poorly compacted soil can have the same effect. Moisture changes due to rainfall or even the roots of trees and bushes cause soil issues that will lead to a sinking foundation.
Sinking Foundations in Charleston
Due to the location of Charleston, water has a major effect on our soils. The proximity to the coast has left the region with “young,” sandy soil. The good news is that sandy-dominated soils are actually excellent for building on as the water tends to pass through rather than building up around your foundation. However, soil consolidation is still a concern for homes in the region as is the substantial amount of rainfall over the area. Soil consolidation is when the weight of your home presses down on the soil, compressing and shrinking it which causes your foundation to sink. In terms of rainfall, Charleston gets nearly 50 inches of rain in an average year - compared to about 30 inches for the US average.
Foundation settlement isn't always apparent. There are unmistakable signs to search for in the event that you think your foundation is sinking.
FOUNDATION SETTLEMENT SIGNS
How might you tell if your foundation is sinking if it's underground? Look out for some reasonable signs:
- Water in your crawl space
- Cracking concrete floors
- Indoor wall cracks
- Outside foundation cracks
- Tilting or cracked chimney
- Sticking doors and windows
FIXING A SETTLING FOUNDATION
The best way to find out why your foundation is sinking and to get the repair solution that best fits your unique needs is to call us for an expert assessment.
CALL US TODAY!
If you suspect foundation settlement around your house, CNT Foundations can help. We have foundation repair solutions for every home. Call our foundation experts at 877-852-5753 today to schedule a free estimate.