Foundation settlement causes doors to stick
When your foundation is experiencing settlement, it can sometimes cause issues with your doors and windows. This homeowner in Kentucky just wanted to be able to use the back door of their single-story ranch again. It had been unusable for years due to foundation shifting.
Anytime you have any foundation or structural issues you should first consult a licensed structural engineer. Look for signs like cracking, bowing of walls, water intrusion and sagging of floors. Or, like this homeowner discovered; doors and windows sticking.
This homeowner reached out to Schwartz Engineering, who concluded that the foundation below the back door had settled. This was likely caused by shrinking of the clay soils supporting the rear concrete wall footing. A common problem in our area.
So, what is the solution?
As is shown in this video, helical piers are a great option when foundation settlement occurs. Helical piers are round shaft steel piers that are drilled into the ground until they reach stable soil. Once they reach specific torque settings, they have a high load capacity and are ready to support your structure immediately.
This repair required three new helical piers to be installed below the back door. In addition to the piers, this homeowner wanted to add a concrete patio so they could enjoy their newly accessible door. They also added a 6′ wide sidewalk along the back wall to further protect the foundation and access the yard.
The pier installation went flawlessly. The Tru-Lift Bracket system allows us to gently and slowly lift the home to a position that would unstick the door. Typically, we would stabilize rather than lift, as lifting can sometimes cause too much stress on the structure. But in this case, it was necessary to lift the home slightly to regain use of the door.
The last time we spoke to this client they were outside enjoying their new patio during some unseasonably warm February weather.
Are you experiencing any symptoms of foundation movement? Are any of your doors or windows sticking, or are you seeing any cracks? Contact us to ask about next steps.
