How to fix structural problems in a house. Fact: A home can be a brand new build, or over 50 years old and still develop structural issues. 

Being a homeowner comes with many responsibilities. Wanting to maximize your home’s value and protecting your investment are typically top priority. Ensuring that your home is structurally sound and stabilized is one of the best ways to accomplish just that. 

Whether it’s the craftsmanship of the home, the soils the home was built on, natural disasters, or years of wear and tear, your home could develop structural damage any time. The good thing is, typically, there will be early signs of structural problems before the issue needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, not everyone can recognize signs of structural problems in their house until it’s too late. 

True Level strata piering

Here is everything you need to know about these 5 signs of settlement and how to fix structural problems in a house.

Cracks 

If you’re seeing cracks appearing, this is a very common sign of settlement in a home. The most common cracks that indicate signs of structural damage are: 

  • Cracks in your interior drywall – especially coming from corners of door frames and window frames 
  • Cracked stucco 
  • Cracks in your concrete slabs 
  • Cracks in your foundation 

Vertical hairline cracks are not always a cause for concern. However, when you’re noticing that cracks are growing, expanding, or are large and noticeable, this could be indicating settlement. To determine if this is a sign of structural damage, it is best to have it looked at by a professional.  

cracked wall inside home

Sagging or Sloping floors

An obvious sign that you might be experiencing structural problems in your home is the floors. If your floors are sloping or sagging, it could be that your home’s structure is sinking. When concrete slabs settle, they pose more than cosmetic problems. Once a floor is cracked or sinking, the problem will continue to progress. 

Basement slab lifting - Floor

Sticking Doors and windows 

Are your doors and/or windows are sticking, jamming, or the locks are no longer working? This could be a telltale sign of settlement. While there are many issues that can lead to sticking windows and doors, the most common cause is foundation settlement. 

Chimney separation 

Chimneys are built on a separate foundation to the rest of the home, making it more at risk of settlement. When you see that your home’s chimney is pulling away from the structure, it’s obvious sign of structural issues. 

Foundation damage 

Foundation cracks are extremely normal and found in most homes due to settlement. If you have a cracked foundation and it’s a hairline crack, no need to panic. You can tell when a foundation crack is indicating issues because it will either be wider at the top or at the bottom.

Foundation crack compared to measuring tape from a distance - True Level Concrete

How to fix structural problems in a house 

First and foremost, if you are noticing some or many of the signs of structural issues above, it is best to consult a professional to diagnose the damage. 

Our team of specialists at True Level Concrete are experts at determining the cause of damage. When you book a True Level Concrete specialist to meet you at your home, they will provide insight to your issue. They also provide you with a detailed repair plan and a full quote on the spot. 

Next, you need to undergo foundation repair. There’s never a right time or wrong time to repair your foundation. However, best practice is to repair your foundation as early as possible once you notice signs of settlement. This way, you will be saving money in the long run and preventing the issue from getting worse over time. 

True Level Concrete is BC’s leading team of foundation repair experts. Vancouver and the surrounding Lower Mainland are notorious for shifting soils. Therefore, our team has ample experience in dealing with, and solving these issues for thousands of homeowners in the area. 

Getting your foundation repaired (sooner than later) ensures:

  • You are preventing the issue from worsening over time
  • Permanently solving the issue at hand
  • Maximizing the value of your home
  • Ensuring a safe home for you and your loved ones

So, get in touch for your free no-obligation estimate and let’s fix your foundation.