Foundation Settlement

Have you noticed cracks appearing in your home’s walls or floors? Do doors and windows stick or fail to close properly?  

These are telltale signs of a settling foundation. While some settlement is normal for any home, excessive foundation movement indicates a serious problem. Left unchecked, ongoing settlement and sinking can cause extensive damage.  

Basement Authority of West Virginia specializes in diagnosing and repairing foundation settlement issues throughout West Virginia. We understand how our rainy, humid climate and expansive clay soils impact foundations, leading to settlement. 

This page explains what settlement is, what causes it, and how Basement Authority’s customized foundation repair solutions permanently stabilize settling homes. 

What is Foundation Settlement? 

What Causes Foundation Settlement? 

Several common factors lead to foundation settlement and sinking problems, including: 

• Soil Erosion: Heavy rains wash away soil surrounding the foundation. Without supporting soil, foundations sink into voids beneath them. Our humid climate and summer downpours speed erosion. 
• Compacted Soil: Insufficient soil compaction during construction leaves air pockets that collapse under the foundation’s weight. 
• Tree Roots: Rapid-growing tree roots expanding next to foundations lift and crack slabs. 
• Drought Conditions: Parched soil becomes compressed and shrinks away from the foundation, enabling sinking. 
• Expansive Clay Soils: Clay absorbs moisture and expands, exerting pressure on walls and floors. As soils shrink and swell, foundations rise and fall unevenly. 

Can You Fix a Settling Foundation? 

Yes, a sinking, settled foundation can be repaired and potentially lifted back into the proper position. However, do-it-yourself fixes rarely offer permanent solutions and can further destabilize foundations. 

Instead, trust the foundation repair experts at Basement Authority of West Virginia. After a thorough inspection, we determine which of our proprietary foundation repair solutions suits your home best.  

Don’t wait until it’s too late; minor settlement can quickly become major disasters. Call us at the first signs of foundation problems for swift repairs. 

How We Stabilize Settling Foundations 

Our comprehensive approach permanently stabilizes and can possibly lift sinking foundations. We customize solutions based on inspection findings, home design, soil conditions and settlement severity. Common foundation pier options include: 

• Helical Piers: Screw-like piers are hydraulically driven deep beneath the foundation, gripping onto more stable soil. 
• Push Piers: Durable resistance piers are pushed into the soil for permanent foundation stabilization. 
• Slab Piers: These piers are designed specifically for homes with concrete slab foundations, reinforcing the floor once stable load-bearing strata is reached. 

Our array of steel foundation piers offers a permanent solution to stabilize your home, with the potential to lift areas that have settled. Additionally, we can address and repair any cosmetic damage resulting from the settling process. 

Why Address Settlement Issues Now 

Don’t ignore early warnings like small cracks or slightly unleveled floors. Such signs indicate soil problems that will only worsen over time. 
Addressing foundation settlement issues promptly is crucial for several reasons: 

• Halt Further Deterioration: Settlement tends to worsen if left unaddressed, resulting in extensive and costly repairs. 
• Eliminate Safety Risks: Significant sinking can lead to uneven floors and unstable walls, posing a risk to occupants. 
• Safeguard Your Investment: Foundation settlement can significantly reduce your home’s value. Effective foundation repair can help in restoring and even enhancing your property’s worth. 
• Ensure Long-Term Stability: Our durable solutions are designed to provide lasting stability and safety for your home, offering you peace of mind. 

Basement Authority of West Virginia offers specialized foundation repair products and the expertise of seasoned technicians to comprehensively tackle your foundation settlement concerns. 

Contact Basement Authority of West Virginia for Expert Foundation Repairs 

Has your home’s foundation sunk unevenly? Are cracks appearing and structural damage worsening? As local foundation repair specialists serving West Virginia for 20 years, Basement Authority of West Virginia has seen it all. Let our experts inspect your foundation and determine the personalized solutions your home needs.  

Our proven methods halt foundation settlement and can lift sunken areas. All our work is backed by transferable warranties, too. Invest in your home’s future stability, safety and value with Basement Authority of West Virginia. Contact us today to schedule your free foundation inspection.