A building can start sinking for several different reasons. But one thing is certain, if you think this might be happening to your property, you must act fast.
Inclement weather, the freeze and thaw cycle, periods of drought, expanding urban development, large trees growing near your home and even the vibrations generated by passing traffic can, over time, lead to sinking.
There are clear warning signs! Is your residence starting to collapse?
Uneven Floors
Slanting floors may be a hint that your house is starting to sink in specific areas due notably to a foundation issue. To confirm that you aren’t imagining it, do the marble test: if it rolls around from one corner of the room to the other it means your floors are crooked!
The solution: call on the services of a professional to determine how far down your property has sunk. You may have to have piles installed at the base of the foundation to prevent it from sinking further.
Cracks Appearing on the Interior Walls
Have you discovered cracks along your residence’s interior walls? They are usually the result of the walls and door frames being subjected to a lot of stress as the house sinks.
Keep an eye on the fissures and if they continue to grow, contact a company that specializes in stabilizing sinking building. Don’t delay or else you may be faced with nasty surprises and a worsening problem (as well as a steep repair bill).
Cracks Appearing on the Exterior Walls
The same applies to unexplained fissures up and down the exterior walls. They may be warning you that your foundation in sinking! You will most likely also see cracks in the foundation, bricks, stones, and window frames.
If you notice this, contact a professional immediately before the structure degrades further. The more building materials deteriorate, the more expensive it will be to remedy the situation.
Additional Indications of Sinking
There are other sinking cues you can look out for. Just keep your eyes peeled. For example:
- Your house’s doors are difficult to close despite all adjustment.
- The windows are hard to open and close.
- The roof appears distorted.
- Water is leaking in.
If you think you have a sinking building on your hands, don’t hesitate to consult several different contractors. Moreover, make sure the one you hire is experienced in dealing with this type of problem.
By tackling the issue as soon as you detect it and not ignoring it, you can avoid a much higher bill. Indeed, a sinking house may get worse week after week, eventually preventing you from making full use of your property (in addition to seeing its market value go up in smoke).