What Foundation Movement Means For Tennessee And Alabama Homes
Your home’s foundation is one of the most critical parts of its structural integrity. When shifting happens, it can cause serious issues — some you can see and some that may remain hidden until severe damage is done. Understanding the difference between vertical and horizontal movement is key to catching problems early and preserving your property. The Crack Guys are here to break it down, helping you stay ahead of major foundation repairs.
Types Of Foundation Movement
Generally speaking, structural movement falls into two main categories: vertical and horizontal. Each type can tell you something important about what’s going on beneath your home.
Vertical movement typically happens when the soil shifts unevenly under your home, causing parts of the foundation to settle. Horizontal movement often results from pressure against the sides of your foundation, leading to wall cracks or bowing walls. Understanding the direction and cause of the movement can help you address the right problem with the right solution.
Vertical Foundation Movement: What It Means
Vertical movement involves the sinking or rising of a section of the understructure. This occurs when the ground beneath your home becomes unstable due to factors like droughts, heavy rains or poor soil compaction.
Over time, vertical shifts can cause parts of your home to sink or tilt, leading to additional pressure on walls, flooring and structural supports. Although vertical movement often starts slowly, it should never be ignored. The longer you wait, the more extensive repairs can become.
Horizontal Foundation Movement And Its Dangers
Horizontal movement typically impacts basement and crawl space walls. It’s usually caused by exterior forces pressing inward on your foundation. Factors like soil expansion during heavy rains or poor exterior drainage can put tremendous lateral pressure on your walls.
If you see long, horizontal cracks or bowing walls in your basement, it’s a sign of horizontal structural stress. Horizontal movement can weaken your structure quickly, putting your home at risk of a partial collapse if left unaddressed.
What To Know About Basement Slab Movement
If you have a basement, you might encounter basement slab movement. This type of shifting can happen when the soil beneath your basement slab loses stability, often due to poor drainage, changes in moisture levels or improper soil compaction during construction.
Signs of basement slab movement include:
— Visible cracks running across the basement floor
— Uneven or sloping basement floors
— Gaps forming between the floor and walls
— Difficulty closing basement doors properly
When untreated, this slab movement can lead to bigger problems like water intrusion and structural instability. Catching these early signs helps protect the long-term safety of your home.
Warning Signs Of Foundation Movement
Watch out for these common symptoms of types of structural movement:
— Cracks in interior walls, especially above door frames
— Cracks along exterior brick and siding
— Doors and windows that stick or won’t latch properly
— Noticeable dips in flooring
— Bowed or leaning basement walls
How To Respond To Foundation Issues
If you suspect you’re dealing with understructure shifting, you shouldn’t wait. First, schedule an inspection with a licensed expert from our team to assess the damage. Temporary fixes like patching cracks with caulk won’t stop the underlying movement.
Instead, structural solutions like pier systems or wall reinforcements may be necessary, depending on whether you’re dealing with vertical or horizontal foundation movement.
The sooner you act, the less invasive (and less costly) your repairs are likely to be. At The Crack Guys, we offer expert assessments and practical, long-term repair solutions for homes dealing with structural problems.
Trust The Crack Guys To Fix Foundation Movement
If you’ve noticed cracking, sloping or bowing anywhere around your home, it could be a sign of deeper problems. Don’t ignore the warning signs — trust the team at The Crack Guys to tackle movement issues with a commitment to lasting results!
Whether you’re dealing with early-stage basement slab movement or serious structural concerns, we’re here to help keep your home standing strong. Contact us today for a free estimate and find out why homeowners across Alabama and Tennessee trust The Crack Guys!
