If you own a home in Vancouver or the surrounding Metro Vancouver area, you may have noticed signs of foundation issues—uneven floors, cracks in the walls, or doors that won’t close properly. These problems often stem from one major culprit: your home foundation is sinking!
Why Home Foundations in Vancouver Are Prone to Sinking
Vancouver is known for its heavy rainfall, particularly in the fall and winter months. While this lush, rainy weather keeps our views green, it can also wreak havoc on home foundations and cause structural issues. Here’s why:
Soil Erosion from Heavy Rain
- Vancouver’s rain weather leads to over-saturation of the soil surrounding a home’s foundation. Over time, this water washes away or shifts soils, leaving empty spaces or weak points under your home.
- Without solid, compacted soil to support it, the house can start to settle unevenly, leading to structural damage like cracks in your drywall.
Expansive Clay Soils
- Many areas in Metro Vancouver have clay-based soils, which absorb and retain a large amount of water like a sponge.
- When wet, clay expands, and when it dries, it shrinks—leaving less support for your home to stand on. This constant cycle puts stress on your home’s foundation, causing movement and cracks.
Poor Drainage Around Homes
- Improper drainage around your home can worsen foundation problems. If your gutters or downspouts aren’t directing water away from your home, excessive moisture will pool around the foundation, softening the soil and accelerating settling.
- Check out this post for some landscaping tips to protect your home foundation.
Signs That Your Home Foundation Is Sinking
If you notice any of the following signs, your home may be experiencing settlement issues:
- Stair-step cracks in brick or concrete surfaces
- Cracks in interior or exterior walls
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Gaps between walls and ceilings
- Sticking doors or windows
How to Protect Your Home Foundation
While Vancouver’s wet climate is unavoidable, there are steps you can take to protect your foundation from settling and sinking:
- Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water at least 6 feet away from your home.
- Install a French Drain or Sump Pump: These systems help control excess water around your foundation.
- Use Polyurethane Foam Injection: If your concrete foundation has already started to settle, a professional foundation repair service can lift and stabilize it using polyurethane foam injection, a non-invasive and long-lasting solution.
- Schedule a Foundation Inspection: A professional assessment can catch minor issues before they become costly structural problems.
Need Expert Help? Contact True Level Concrete
If you’re dealing with a sinking foundation, True Level Concrete offers industry-leading solutions to stabilize and restore your home’s foundation. With over 25 years of experience serving Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, we specialize in foundation repairs that withstand the region’s challenging climate.
Don’t wait until small cracks turn into major problems—contact us today for a free foundation assessment!