Foundation Settlement
Solutions for Foundation Settlement in Louisville & Lexington, KY
Case Foundation Systems is a locally owned and operated foundation services company. We specialize in foundation repair, providing safe, effective, and long-term solutions for foundation settlement in Louisville and Lexington, KY, and the surrounding areas. We conduct thorough inspections and diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of settling and develop a customized, high-quality structural solution that improves the safety and longevity of your home or business. Call now to schedule a foundation inspection.
What Is Foundation Settlement?
Foundation sinking or settling is the process of your home or business’ foundation sinking into the ground. Minor settling is normal; however, ongoing, rapid, or uneven settling indicates an underlying structural problem. Some of the most common causes of foundation settlement are:
- Weak soil, like clay or peat, underneath the foundation that can’t support the weight of the property
- Loose or poorly compacted soil from the construction process
- Poor drainage and water management issues that erode soil
- Periods of drought that cause clay soil to shrink, leaving gaps under the foundation
- Large trees or other vegetation planted too close to the foundation, causing root infiltration or rapid moisture removal
Signs of Foundation Settlement
It’s a good idea to assess your property’s exterior and foundation regularly to look for signs of problems. Some of the warning signs of foundation problems, like settlement or sinking, are:
- Diagonal cracks in interior drywall that extend from the corners of doors and windows
- Stair-step cracks in exterior brick or block walls
- Large cracks or vertical cracks in concrete foundation walls
- Sticking doors or windows
- Misaligned doors or windows
- Uneven or sloping flooring
- Bouncy or uneven floors
- Separation between the walls and ceilings or the wall and floor
- Gaps around window and door frames
- Cabinets that pull away from the wall
- Gaps in exterior brickwork or cladding
- Bowing walls in basements or crawl spaces
- Water pooling around the foundation
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foundation Settlement Cracks
Cracks in your foundation are a warning sign of a larger problem. Ignoring them allows them to get bigger and more dangerous, and increases the risk of severe structural damage. This can lead to expensive issues that threaten the safety and value of your home and the health of those in it, such as:
- Water intrusion, moisture issues, and flooding
- Mold and mildew growth
- Poor insulation, decreased energy efficiency, and higher energy bills
- Pest and rodent problems
- Poor indoor air quality
- Structural degradation leading to wall or ceiling collapse, or flooring cave-ins
- Electrical problems resulting from moisture and structural damage
Types of Foundation Settlement
There are a few different types of foundation settlement. We will conduct a comprehensive foundation inspection to determine which one your home or business is suffering from:
The entire structure is sinking at the same rate.
Different parts of the foundation are sinking at different rates.
One side of the property is sinking, causing the building to tip to one side or rotate.
How Foundation Settlement Is Diagnosed
Our experts diagnose foundation problems through a thorough, detailed, and documented process that conforms with industry standards, building codes, and other regulations. The process includes:
- Comprehensive visual inspection of property interior and exterior
- In-depth analysis of structural interior and exterior materials
- Precise measurement of the angle, depth, and levels of walls, ceilings, and flooring using laser and transit levels
- Inspection and documentation of issues like cracks, sloping, gaps, leaning chimneys, exposed foundation, and sticking or jamming windows and doors
- Use of gauges to monitor and track movement over time
Our Methods for Foundation Settlement Repair
We repair and restore foundations using robust steel piers built to provide lasting stability and support. Here’s how they work:
- Helical Piers – These piers comprise steel shafts that reach under foundations and attach to deep soil layers.
- Push Piers – We anchor push piers underneath foundations and ensure they stay firmly in place with brackets.
- Slab Piers – If your foundation’s supportive concrete slabs have settled, we’ll install slab piers to lift them back up.
Why Choose Case Foundation Systems
Case Foundation Systems has been providing expert, reliable foundation services to residential and commercial customers since 1944. We prioritize transparency in communication and honesty in pricing so that you will always know exactly what to expect and can make an informed decision about the services you need. Our long-term, high-quality foundation repair solutions include underpinning, wall anchors, drainage repair, and waterproofing using ICC-certified products.
Call Now to Schedule an On-Site Foundation Inspection
Don’t ignore the signs of foundation sinking or settling. Call us now or reach out to us online to schedule an on-site inspection and diagnosis. Our team of experts can identify the problems and offer solutions that prevent further safety issues and structural damage.
FAQs About Foundation Sinking or Settling
Yes, if not addressed, it can cause structural damage, electrical and plumbing issues, pest problems, mold growth, and other dangerous conditions.
Yes, we have decades of experience handling large-scale commercial foundation repair projects.
It depends on the extent and underlying cause of the issue. Simple jobs may take a day or two, while major structural repairs can take one to three weeks or longer.