House Foundation Issues: What to Look for and How to Fix Them
If you’ve noticed cracks in walls, uneven floors or doors that won’t close properly, your home’s foundation could be the culprit. In the UK, soil movement, subsidence and poor construction are the main culprits. The good news? Most problems can be spotted early and dealt with before they become expensive disasters.
Spotting the Red Flags
First, walk around the outside of your house. Look for vertical cracks in the brickwork that are wider than 1 mm, especially near doors or windows. Inside, check plaster for hairline fissures that grow over time. If your floor feels bouncy or you hear creaking when you walk, that’s another sign the base is shifting.
Don’t ignore water. Persistent damp patches, especially on the ground floor, can erode the soil and weaken the foundation. In areas with high clay content – think much of the Midlands – the soil expands in winter and shrinks in summer, putting extra stress on the base.
When to Call a Professional
Minor cracks can often be sealed with a flexible filler, but once a crack exceeds 3 mm or you see horizontal cracks, bring in a structural engineer. They’ll assess the load‑bearing walls, take measurements and recommend the right repair method – be it underpinning, resin injection or slab jacking.
Underpinning is the most common UK solution. It involves digging beneath the existing footing and filling the void with concrete or steel supports. The process can take a few weeks, but it stops further movement and gives your home a solid base for decades.
If the issue is caused by soil movement, a chemical grout injection might be enough. A high‑pressure pump pushes a cement‑based mixture into the ground, filling voids and stabilising the soil. This method is quicker and less invasive, but it works best on shallow problems.
While you’re waiting for repairs, protect your home by keeping the garden level and ensuring gutters drain away from the foundation. A simple 5‑cm clearance can prevent water pooling that accelerates settlement.
Finally, check your insurance. Many policies exclude foundation damage unless it’s caused by an insured event, like a burst pipe. Knowing what’s covered can save you surprise costs later.
Dealing with house foundation issues doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Spot the signs early, act fast, and choose the right repair method for your situation. With a little vigilance, your home will stay solid for years to come.
