Beware of Doors Not Closing
Why Are Doors Not Closing?
Where Should I Start?
In order to determine if you have a foundation problem, you will need to be on the lookout for a few key indicators within your house. Looking for horizontal cracks in the actual foundation is the obvious first step. A horizontal crack is a sign of hydrostatic pressure, or too much water pressure building up behind the foundation. This is one of the most obvious ways to look for foundation issues, but it isn’t the only sign.
Beware of Doors Not Closing
It isn’t always a bad idea to repair cracks in drywall and realign windows and doors. On the other hand, if you’re fixing the same “settlement” problems every few years, you are wasting your time and money. In addition, you’re ignoring a potentially serious problem with your home investment.
The problem is that the issue could be much more serious if your foundation has been compromised. If you have doors or windows that consistently stick for no apparent reason, it is important to inspect the outside of the frames for cracks. Cracks near or along the frame can indicate foundation shifts that have bent or twisted door and window frames. Further signs may be sloping or warped areas in the floor, bent or leaking pipes, and cracking in stone or brick facades.
Why Are Doors Not Closing?
Doors not closing properly can be an indication of foundation problems caused by settlement or upheaval.
Settlement occurs when a portion of the home’s foundation has dropped below the original elevation of the foundation. This is likely due to the decrease of soil bearing capacity caused by compaction of fill, loss of moisture in the supporting soil or the erosion of the supporting soil. In many cases, settlement originates and is more pronounced at the perimeter of the slab. This is often the case because the slab perimeter is the most susceptible to loss of moisture and differential moisture conditions.
Upheaval occurs when the slab has risen above the original elevation of the foundation. This often takes place due to the introduction of moisture underneath the foundation. Usually the cause of upheaval is a plumbing leak underneath the house.
Once you see one of the signs of foundation failure, it is ideal to look around your home for some of the other signs such as cracks in brick or gaps in windows. If you see signs of foundation failure, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional before the foundation of your home is further compromised.