Common Causes Of Residential Foundation Damage
Have you ever noticed a strange dip or slope in your flooring? At first, it might seem like a cosmetic issue, but sloping floors can be a sign of deeper problems with your home’s foundation. Left unaddressed, these issues could lead to structural damage and costly repairs.
If you’re wondering, “What causes sloping floors in my home?” you’re in the right place. Several factors can contribute to uneven flooring, and our team at The Crack Guys has outlined the most common causes below:
- Excess moisture
- Ground settlement
- Soil contraction and expansion
- Broken structural support
- Poor design or craftsmanship
- Tree root growth
Let’s dive into each of these causes and learn how they affect your home’s foundation.
The Risks Of Excess Moisture
One of the leading causes of sloping floors is excess moisture. This is because moisture causes soil erosion, which in turn makes the foundation shift, leading to uneven floors.
Whether it’s from leaking pipes, roof damage or drainage issues, too much water can compromise your foundation’s stability. That’s why you should watch out for these problems:
- Leaking pipes in the walls or under the floor
- Broken shingles allowing water to enter your home
- Faulty gutters or downspouts directing water toward the foundation
If left untreated, excess moisture can lead to mold growth, pest infestations and major foundation issues.
Understanding Ground Settlement
Ground settlement naturally occurs over time, but it can wreak havoc on your foundation. As the soil beneath your home shifts, it can cause differential settlement — where one part of your home sinks more than another. This uneven sinking leads to noticeable floor sloping and misaligned doors and windows.
Even homes built on concrete slab foundations are vulnerable to ground shifting, especially if the soil wasn’t properly compacted during construction. If left unaddressed, this can cause serious issues over time.
The Impact Of Soil Contraction And Expansion
In regions with dry climates, soil contraction and expansion are common culprits behind uneven floors. During droughts or extreme heat, the soil beneath your home dries out, weakens and contracts. When it eventually rains, the soil absorbs water and expands again, creating instability.
Clay-rich soil is particularly problematic since it acts like a sponge, expanding and contracting significantly with moisture changes. This ongoing cycle puts pressure on your foundation, contributing to sloping floors, wall cracks, and even foundation failure.
Watch Out For Broken Structural Support
Your home’s foundation provides essential structural support. If that support is compromised — whether from shifting soil, poor design or material failure — it can lead to uneven floors and other noticeable issues throughout the house.
Certain factors are riskier for some foundation types than others, which we’ve outlined below:
- Basement foundations — Improper concrete pouring or ignoring flood risks during construction can weaken the foundation.
- Concrete slab foundations — Temperature changes and soil movement can cause slabs to crack and shift.
- Pier-and-beam foundations — Poor weight distribution or improper installation can lead to foundation instability.
If you have questions about your specific needs, get in touch with The Crack Guys. Our experts are happy to share their expertise with Alabama and Tennessee residents.
Poor Structural Design: A Major Cause of Sloping Floors
Sloping floors aren’t always caused by natural factors. In many cases, poor structural design or construction can lead to foundation issues. Warping, bowing, cracks or bouncy floors may appear much sooner than expected if the foundation wasn’t built with the necessary support or the soil wasn’t properly prepared.
While foundations naturally weaken over time, if your home wasn’t made with sufficient detail to begin with, then you’re already at a disadvantage. Be sure to keep an eye on your gutters, roof, crawlspace and other areas where moisture can seep in. When you notice a problem, call a team you can count on — reach out to The Crack Guys!
How Tree Roots Can Disrupt Your Home’s Foundation
Tree roots might seem harmless, but as they spread apart in various directions, they can absorb moisture from the soil and cause the ground to contract. This can lead to differential settlement and foundation shifting.
Over time, the expanding roots can create significant pressure on your foundation, causing cracks and sloping floors. To avoid this, a good landscaping rule is to plant trees as far away as possible. This reduces the risk of tree roots disturbing your foundation.
Fix Your Sloping Floors with The Crack Guys
While sloped floors may seem like a cosmetic issue, there may be a larger problem you’re not aware of. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Reach out to our team at The Crack Guys when you’re faced with foundation troubles.
We offer expert foundation repair services to correct issues before they worsen. From crawlspace waterproofing and floor joist repair to poly-rise slab lifting technology and more, we offer the solutions needed to stabilize your home’s foundation.
