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Re: settling of homeFrom: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Foundations and Basements
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 09 Feb 2003
Time: 01:13 AM
CommentsWithout seeing your situation first hand and doing a more comprehensive inspection, we can only speculate on your problem. First, if you're seeing a gap as much as 1/4" between your door and the wall, this is a clear warning sign of some kind of settlement or ground heaving. Depending on your type of foundation, the soils, the groundwater, and freeze-thaw depth, your floor and/or foundation may be experiencing heaving or differential settlement. Improperly compacted soil can also contribute to this condition. Continue to look for other signs of settlement, such as cracks in exterior siding or stucco, cracks or separations on interior drywall or mouldings. Sticking doors are another sign of foundation shifting. If you have clay soil, this is notorious for swelling when wet, and shrinking when dry. Find out if there was a soils report done for your home, as this will indicate a lot more information about the general geotechnical condition of your property. In any case, you shouldn't "settle" for a "settling" home, especially if it's new. If the problem persists, document all your findings in writing and work with the builder. If needed, you may consult with a civil or geotechnical engineering firm who can provide independent analysis of your situation. If the soil is the problem, and your foundation was not engineered to accommodate ground movement, this would be considered a design flaw. Unfortunately, many builders do not go to the added expense of performing soils tests (or measuring the level of compaction prior to pouring the foundation). All of these factors can lead to settlement over the life of the structure. You want to be sure that your situation won't get worse over time. Builders Websource
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