overview shot of sinking house and foundations

Is Your House Sinking

December 19th, 2020

Buying a home is a huge decision and one that most people don’t take lightly. After all, it is a significant investment that they will probably be paying off for the next 30 years or so. There are a lot of factors that go into the process. For instance, folks make sure the place is located in a safe neighborhood where they can raise a family. They have to choose between one and two stories. Plus, they must select either a pier and beam or slab foundation.

Each option offers its own unique pros and cons, but eventually, the structure on a slab usually wins out in the end. For one, according to Investopedia, home buyers can save as much as $10,000 when the house is built on a slab instead of a crawl space, which is a substantial amount. Also, going with a concrete slab can protect the home from termites and other insects. They won’t have access to wooden joists or supports that they can destroy.

Not everything is peaches and cream when it comes to owning a slab, though. For example, a drain line could break beneath the foundation. The plumber will have to get to it in one of two ways. Either he or she can tunnel underneath or break concrete with a jackhammer. Both methods usually come with a pretty price tag. Another issue with slabs is that they can crack, leaving a portion of the house sinking into the ground.

What Causes Cracks To Form?

Many different culprits can be responsible for slab cracking. Roots from a nearby tree could put pressure on a certain area, causing the concrete to split. If a person lives in an area that regularly gets earthquakes, the violent shaking of the ground is sometimes to blame. Then again, soil displacement can happen from a sewer line breaking and create the issue too. Many times, the crack can even be the fault of frozen ground. Hence, as anyone can see, the list can go on and on and on.

Foundation Cracks Pose A Threat To The Rest Of Your Home

Nothing is the worst thing that a homeowner can do when their foundation cracks. The problem will not magically get better. Rather, if left as-is, the issues will only worsen. Drywall may begin to crack, doors and windows will likely be hard to shut, and walls could even start to bow. The last thing any homeowner wants is to watch their house sinking or crumble to the ground. So, if your foundation is in less than perfect condition, take action now to avoid the headaches later.

Our Organization Can Help

Each and every member of our team members receive training on building codes and state structural regulations. As such, they are able to adhere to those guidelines and make your home structurally sound again. The technicians analyze the situation, take measurements, and install a foundation system that will fix and reverse the specific problem. Hence, persons shouldn’t delay any longer. Instead, they should give us a call to get the assistance that they need and deserve.

Is your foundation cracked and in need of repair? If so, contact Meridian Foundation Repair and Waterproofing to schedule a consultation today.