1. Why Is One Corner of My House Sinking?

If you notice that one corner of your home appears to be lower than the rest, don’t ignore it.

A sinking corner can have several possible causes, including soil settlement, inadequate footing support, drainage problems, erosion, or movement of the existing foundation. In older homes, the original foundation may also no longer be providing the support the structure needs.

Signs that may indicate a foundation problem include:

• Floors that feel noticeably uneven
• Doors or windows that suddenly stick
• Cracks around doors and windows
• Cracks in foundation walls
• Cracks that appear to be getting larger
• Gaps where walls, ceilings, or floors meet
• A visible change in the level of the house

Not every crack or uneven area means your home needs a new foundation. But if you notice movement or a change that is getting worse, it is worth having the situation evaluated.

The earlier you identify the cause, the more options you may have for addressing it.

2. How Do I Know If a Crack in My Foundation Is Serious?

Foundation cracks are not all the same.

Some small cracks can occur as concrete cures or as a home naturally settles over time. Others may indicate movement, water pressure, soil problems, or structural concerns.

Pay particular attention to cracks that:

• Continue to grow or change
• Are wider at one end
• Run diagonally through the wall
• Appear alongside doors or windows
• Allow water into the basement
• Are accompanied by bowing or leaning walls
• Appear along with other signs of settlement

The location, size, direction, and progression of a crack all matter.

Don’t judge a foundation problem by the crack alone. Look at what the foundation and the rest of the house are doing around it.

If you’re unsure whether a crack is cosmetic or something that needs attention, having it evaluated can help you understand what you’re actually dealing with before you spend money on a repair.

3. Can You Add an Addition to an Older House?

Yes, but an addition is more than simply building new walls onto the side of your house.

The new addition needs a proper foundation and footing system designed for the structure, soil conditions, and connection to the existing home.

Older homes can present additional challenges. The existing foundation may be shallower, constructed differently, or in a condition that needs to be addressed before the addition can be built.

Before starting an addition, it is important to consider:

• The condition of the existing foundation
• How the new foundation will connect to the existing structure
• Soil and drainage conditions
• Required footing depth
• How the new structure will be supported
• Local building requirements

A new addition is a significant investment. The foundation underneath it deserves just as much attention as the finished space above it.

4. What Happens If My Old House Needs a New Foundation?

Sometimes an older home reaches a point where repairing the existing foundation is no longer the best option.

Replacing a foundation is a major project, but it can provide an opportunity to correct long-standing structural, drainage, and foundation problems while creating a new, stable foundation for the home.

Depending on the home and the existing conditions, foundation replacement can involve carefully supporting or lifting the structure, excavating around and beneath the existing foundation, removing the failed foundation, preparing the site, installing new footings, and constructing the new foundation.

This type of work requires careful planning and coordination because you’re working beneath an existing structure.

A house doesn’t have to be new to have a new foundation. Older homes can sometimes be given a completely new structural base while preserving the home above it.

Iserman Contracting & Excavating is currently working on a home more than 100 years old that requires a new foundation, giving our team hands-on experience with the unique challenges involved in this type of project.

5. What Is an ICF Foundation and Why Would I Choose One?

ICF stands for Insulated Concrete Forms. With an ICF foundation, insulated forms are assembled to create the foundation walls, and the forms are then filled with reinforced concrete.

The result is a foundation wall that combines concrete strength with continuous insulation.

For homeowners building a new home or addition, ICF foundations can offer several advantages, including:

• Strong reinforced concrete walls
• Continuous insulation
• Improved energy efficiency
• Reduced thermal bridging
• A durable foundation system
• A finished wall system that can be used for basements and other below-grade spaces

ICF construction is one of the foundation systems offered by Iserman Contracting & Excavating for new construction and applicable projects.

As with any foundation system, the right choice depends on the design, site conditions, project requirements, and applicable building codes.