An uneven foundation is the primary contributor to cracks in walls and ceilings, plumbing problems resulting in slow drainage, and sticking door jams. These issues can be resolved by propping up the home and leveling the foundation beneath it. For that, you’ll need qualified house leveling contractors that you trust to do the job right. After all, this is your home, your family, your life. It needs to be done properly to ensure future stability of the home and protection of the structure.

All house foundations settle through the years. This isn’t unusual. However, sometimes other factors can compound the situation, such as:

• Improperly backfilled soil: When the soil underneath your foundation isn’t backfilled properly, your house can show signs of cracks when that soil starts to shift.
• Expansive soils: Certain soil types can expand and shrink depending on weather conditions, which can lead to shifting and unwanted movement to the foundation.
• Tree roots: Tree roots located close to your home suck up all the water in the soil beneath the foundation, causing it to shift or sink.

Check out these signs that your house needs leveling.

1.        Gapes in Mortar Joints

Expansion joints are the vertical gaps present between bricks or concrete blocks. When the mortar that fills those joints starts to display gaps, cracks or expansion, this is a red flag that the foundation is settling.

2.        Cracks Along the Exterior and Interior of Your Home

Visible cracking along the interior or exterior of your home is also a tell-tale sign. Look for cracks in the mortar between the bricks, as well as vertical cracks that grow wider over time. Inside, be on the lookout for cracks in drywall, plaster, fireplace veneers, wood paneling, ceilings and floors.

3.        Several Previous Repairs

If you are not the original owner of the home, look into the history of past repair work. Find out if there has been evidence of crack patching, latch replacement or framework moving.

4.        Sticking Windows and Doors

If you can’t easily open and close your windows and doors, this could signal foundation issues. This often happens on one side of the house, causing an angle on which your windows and doors can catch. It could be that your house is no longer level.

5.        Uneven Floors

Use a tape measure or level to inspect for slants in your floors, or place a marble at one end and see if it rolls downhill.

6.        Unstable Chimney

Is your chimney leaning or cracking? Foundational issues could be to blame, especially if your chimney shares a foundation with the rest of the house.

Hire a Pro

When you hire house leveling contractors to come in and do an inspection, they will:

• Check for sagging floors and window cracks.
• Analyze the problem.
• Describe the situation in detail to you so you can make an informed decision.
• Develop a plan of action suitable for your specific needs and budget.
• Give you an estimate for repair.

With the right materials and experience, house leveling is a non-invasive process that can be done with minimal disruption to your home life. That said, the process could take up to several weeks depending on the extent of the damage and the solution used. Here at CXC Contracting, we have many years of experience leveling houses properly without causing more damage. From foundation repair and soil compaction to waterproofing and steel columns, there are several ways we can level your foundation so it’s even once again.

Contact CXC Contracting

If you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact CXC Contracting today at 805-300-8899 to learn more about what our house leveling contractors can do for you.