3 signs your home may be sinking
Owning
a home can involve problems that prove costly or even affect your family’s health. One
such problem is a sunken house, also called subsidence, or house settling. The
ground below and around a house can shift, causing the foundation to sink. Here
are three things to watch out for in order to identify the problem immediately,
should it arise.
Cracks in interior walls
When a home begins to sink, it can happen more quickly in certain areas. Uneven sinking puts a great deal of pressure on walls and door frames, causing cracks to appear in the walls. If you see cracks in your interior walls, it could be a sign of subsidence. Keep an eye on cracks and if they deepen, consult a professional to determine the cause.
Cracks in exterior walls
A sinking foundation can also cause external cracks. You may see them in the foundation, brickwork or window frames. Take a moment every season to carefully inspect the building’s exterior. If you’re concerned about cracks, seek out a professional to prevent the problem from getting worse and address it in time to save your home.
Uneven floors
When foundations sink, your home may start to collapse in one area while others appear unaffected. Subtle, uneven settling is less obvious than a big crack in the wall, but it always indicates a sunken foundation.
For more signs of house subsidence, see: https://renoquotes.com/en/blog/house-subsidence.
What to do about a sunken house?
A professional inspection of your foundation is the best way forward if you suspect a problem.
Recommended repairs might include piles, steel posts driven into the ground around the home and attached to the foundation. Piles hold the foundation in place so it doesn’t sink. Piles can also help raise the foundation to its original position.
It’s a good idea to waterproof the foundation to ward off future problems.
Does your insurance cover a sunken home?
The details of your insurance contract and the circumstances that led to the problem will determine insurance compensation. Check out this article on foundation cracks if you suspect your house is sinking: https://foundation-crack-expert.com/foundation-cracks-home-insurance/.
It’s crucial to take action at the very first sign of subsidence. Better safe than sorry! Contact a specialist as soon as you can.
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See also:
What should the humidity be in a house
5 signs of inadequate home insulation
Does your home need a humidifier?