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Foundation Settling: How Much is too Much?

Whether you are the owner of a newly constructed home or have lived in your home for several years, it is likely you've heard or even said the phrase, “The house is just settling.” Whenever you hear a creak or bump when the house is all quiet at night, the common response is always “the house is just settling.” While this is a valid explanation, one might begin to wonder, “how much settling is too much?” It is true that all homes settle over time. It’s simply gravity coming into play. But there is a certain point when your foundation can begin settling too much, and it starts to cause structural issues.

How Much is too Much?


The biggest culprits in foundation settlement are time and weather. Over time, the weight of the house is going to compress the soil beneath and slightly sink into the ground. Depending on soil quality, temperature, and moisture, every house will sink a few inches. This is not a cause for concern if the sinking is uniform.


However, once the house sinks further than a few inches or is sinking unevenly, that is when foundation issues occur. Due to rising and falling temperatures, the soil around your home may expand and shrink, which can cause more foundation movement than normal. Heavy rain and flooding can also put pressure on your foundation, causing common problems like cracks and uneven floors.


Signs of Foundation Settling

Most of the time, normal settling will not be noticeable by the homeowner. However, small signs may appear as the house settles:

  • Wall cracks that are smaller than ⅛ of an inch wide.
  • Wall crack that do not change over time


If you see these types of cracks in your home, it is usually not a big concern. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t grow or change too drastically.


Signs of Problematic Foundation Settling

Settling due to a foundation issue will be easier to spot, as there are several signs to look for:

  • Large wall cracks (wider than ⅛ of an inch)
  • Cracks that run at 45 degree angles or in a stair step pattern
  • Sticking windows and doors
  • Uneven Floors
  • Wet Basement


How long do Foundations Settle?

For the most part a house will finish settling after about two years. Homes can continue to ‘settle’ after two years but it may be for different reasons than the initial two years. If your home was built atop soil that was not correctly compacted before the foundation was laid. This soil settlement issue can allow the home to settle and shift unevenly and can lead to more serious foundation issues. Different temperatures can also affect how a homes foundation settles.


Let IWP help with your Foundation Settlement Issues

If you have noticed any of the symptoms above, it is time to seek help from a professional. IWP has the experience and reliability to determine the foundation issue and find the best solution. The sooner your foundation is leveled and properly supported, the less damage you can expect in the future. Contact us for a free inspection today!


To learn more about the IWP team, our services, and more, visit our Facebook Page, or check out our Youtube channel.







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