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Home >> Foundation Repair >> Is my foundation actually settling?

Is my foundation actually settling or could it be something else?

There are a some conditions in which your foundation could appear to be settling or failing, when in actuality the symptoms may have another cause altogether. We service many calls that reveal causes other than foundation failure.

Shrinkage
One possibility is wood shrinkage. If wood trim pulls away from walls, ceilings, or floors, shrinkage is a likely cause. When a tree is chopped down in the forest, it needs time to dry because the wood still has high moisture content from the sap. A local engineer employed as a wood specialist explained that shrinkage after delivery from the lumber supplier can be as high as five to ten percent! Further he stated that wood shrinks perpendicular to the grain (width and thickness) but not parallel to the grain (along its' length).

For example, if a gap appears between kitchen counter cabinet tops and wall tile, wood shrinkage is probably the chief cause. Cabinet framing is usually plywood which has alternating grain direction, and thus shrinks both directions as it dries, or it expands and contracts with seasonal humidity changes.

Termite Damage
A seal plate is a wooden plate between the foundation and the house. Due to termite damage or dry rot, it is possible that this wooden plate deteriorates, therefore creating the appearance that the foundation is settling.

If you have questions regarding this information, please contact us and we will make sure you have the right information.

Give us a call today at 816.358.3300 (local) or 888.477.8821 (toll-free) for a free estimate, we want to help you!