A sinking foundation demands immediate professional attention, and foundation repair is the proven way to stop movement, restore stability, and protect your home’s structure.
At Olson Foundation Repair, our team identifies settlement points, reinforces weak areas, and installs durable systems that permanently stabilize and strengthen the foundation.
Signs of a Sinking Foundation
The main warning signs of a sinking foundation begin with cracks. Vertical cracks are often the first indicator of settling, showing that one section of the foundation is dropping lower than the rest. Inside the home, sheetrock cracks may appear above doorways, windows, or ceilings. These openings signal that the structure is shifting as the foundation moves.
When looking around the home, you may also notice daylight coming through cracks or see gaps between the sill plate and the foundation. Framing often stays in place while the foundation separates, leaving visible spaces where the two no longer meet.
Key Takeaway: Cracks and gaps are the first visual evidence of movement. Once these appear, it’s time for a professional inspection to confirm how far the foundation has settled.
Foundation Types and Warning Patterns
Stone Foundations
Stone foundations tend to pull apart or fall out when settlement occurs. Stair-step breaks are common as the stones separate and lose their original bond. These fractures can spread throughout the area, showing where the foundation has shifted or where repair may be required.
Cinder Block Foundations
Cinder block walls show damage through crumbling, falling, or splitting blocks. The lines between blocks may widen, or portions of the wall may begin to bow or lean. These symptoms are all signs that the foundation is reacting to movement or uneven pressure below.
Pro Tip: Whether it’s stone or cinder block, stair-step patterns are a consistent sign that the foundation has begun to move. Always check for these along basement or crawl space walls.
Need expert help with foundation repair? Contact Olson Foundation Repair for a free consultation. Our team specializes in identifying settlement problems and restoring structural stability.
Sinking Foundation Repair Methods
Underpinning with Steel Piers
The most effective way to fix a settling foundation is by installing steel piers. Our team drives steel pipe sections down to bedrock beneath the affected area, then connects them to the foundation footing. The structure is then supported by these piers, essentially steel stilts that stabilize and lift the home back into position.
This process strengthens the foundation at every point where movement has occurred. Each pier is installed directly under load-bearing sections, ensuring even weight distribution across stable ground.
Alternative Lifting Methods
In smaller cases, lifting can also be completed through polyjacking. This method is often used on basement slab floors where the foundation is stable, but the interior floors have dropped. Slab piers can also be added beneath sections of flooring that need direct support.
Dealing with Decks and Sunrooms
Decks, patios, and sunrooms that are attached but not supported by traditional foundation walls can still settle over time. In these situations, concrete footings are poured to reestablish proper bearing strength. This ensures that lightweight or lower structures stay level and safe.
Why Professional Repair Matters
Foundation movement rarely corrects itself. The separation between framing, gaps along the sill plate, or stair-step cracks will continue to worsen without proper stabilization. Repairing a sinking foundation with steel piers or other lifting methods ensures long-term stability and prevents further structural loss.
A foundation inspection can confirm where the movement began and what system will restore the home’s original alignment. Taking action early helps protect property value and ensures safety for years to come.
Ready to restore your home’s foundation? Contact Olson Foundation Repair today to schedule your inspection and learn more about professional repair options tailored to your home’s needs.
