Common Causes of Vertical Settlement
Foundation settling is a serious problem that every homeowner should address right away. The proper foundation repair methods vary depending on the type of foundation settlement your home is experiencing. One of the most common residential foundation problems found in the Nashville area is vertical settlement, which occurs when the foundation begins sinking vertically into the ground. Here’s a look at some of the most common causes of vertical settlement.
Unstable Soils
The most common cause of vertical settling among residential foundations is unstable soil composition. Many residential properties in the Nashville area contain high amounts of silt, clay, fine sand, and organic material, which are all extremely unstable and expansive. As the moisture content of these soils change, your foundation is more likely to settle and fail.
Uneven Soil Distribution
In some cases, new soils are introduced to the foundation site at the time of construction. If the soils are incompatible, different parts of the soil around your home will expand and contract with temperature and moisture changes at different rates. If this occurs below the foundation, then vertical foundation settling is a likely problem.
Poor Foundation Design
Another problem that homeowners may run into is a foundation that is not properly designed to stay firmly in the soil. For example, inadequate footings, or no footings at all, will make it difficult for a residential foundation to “grip” the soil below it, leading to settling.
Poor Foundation Construction
Finally, even if a foundation is designed properly, poor construction can make the foundation weak or unusually sensitive to changes in the soil. For example, foundations that are cured too quickly are less stable than those that are slow-cured, and can be more susceptible to cracking and settling.
To learn more about the causes of vertical settling, contact Nashville’s foundation repair experts at United Structural Systems. Call (615) 800-2058 for more information on our foundation repair services.
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