What are the signs of foundation settlement that require underpinning?

Foundation settlement occurs when the soil beneath your footing can no longer support the weight of the structure above. In New Jersey, the most common causes are expansive clay soils that shrink and swell with moisture, organic fill that was placed during original construction and has since decomposed, and water erosion from poor drainage or high water tables.

Signs that settlement may be occurring include diagonal cracks running from window and door corners, stair-step cracks in masonry or block foundation walls, floors that slope noticeably and have worsened over the past one to two years, visible gaps at the top of the foundation wall where it meets the first floor framing, and doors or windows that suddenly began sticking without an obvious weather-related cause.

Active settlement, meaning cracks or slopes that are getting worse over time, is a condition that warrants prompt evaluation. Scaldino Basement Solutions will assess whether underpinning, helical piers, or another stabilization method is appropriate for your specific situation. Contact us to schedule a free assessment.