What Causes a Foundation to Sink?

Foundation settlement usually happens because the soil beneath your home can no longer support its weight. Common causes include:

• Poor soil compaction during construction

• Erosion from water and drainage problems

• Expanding and shrinking clay soils

• High groundwater levels

• Freeze-thaw cycles common in Maine

Over time, this leads to uneven sinking and structural damage.

Signs of a Sinking Foundation

Watch for:

• Stair-step cracks in brick or block

• Horizontal or widening foundation cracks

• Doors and windows that stick

• Sloping or sagging floors

• Leaning basement walls

• Gaps around windows or doors

These aren’t cosmetic problems — they’re structural warnings.

How Sinking Foundation Repair Works

At Basement Improvements, LLC, sinking foundation repair starts with a full structural inspection. We assess:

• Soil conditions

• Foundation movement

• Moisture sources

• Load distribution

Then we design a targeted solution.

Pier Systems

The most effective solution for sinking foundations is usually pier support systems, such as:

• Steel push piers

• Helical piers

• Concrete pilings

These are driven deep into stable soil or bedrock and then attached to your foundation to:

• Stop settlement

• Lift the structure when possible

• Permanently stabilize the home

Local Case Example (Southern Maine)

In Wells, Maine, a homeowner noticed:

• Cracking basement walls

• Uneven floors

• Doors that wouldn’t close

Our inspection found soil erosion beneath part of the foundation. We installed steel piers, stabilized the structure, and corrected the settlement – restoring both safety and property value.

Why Drainage Matters

Many sinking foundations are caused or worsened by water problems. That’s why we often combine foundation repair with:

• Exterior drainage improvements

• Basement waterproofing

• Interior drainage systems

• Sump pump installation

Fixing settlement without fixing water is a short-term solution.

Sinking Foundation Repair in Maine

If your home is sinking or settling, early action saves money and prevents major damage.

Basement Improvements, LLC provides:

• Expert foundation inspections

• Permanent pier systems

• Moisture and drainage correction

• Long-term warranties

Contact us today to schedule your sinking foundation repair evaluation in Maine.

FAQs – Sinking Foundation Repair in Maine

1. What causes a foundation to sink in Maine?
Foundations sink due to poor soil compaction, erosion, high groundwater levels, clay soil movement, freeze-thaw cycles, and drainage issues.

2. Can a sinking foundation be fixed permanently?
Yes. Pier systems such as steel push piers or helical piers provide permanent stabilization by transferring the home’s weight to stable soil or bedrock.

3. How do I know if my foundation is sinking?
Common signs include sloping floors, stair-step cracks, sticking doors, leaning walls, and widening foundation cracks.

4. Does sinking foundation repair lift the house?
In many cases, pier systems can partially lift the foundation back to its original position, but the primary goal is to prevent further settlement.

5. How long does sinking foundation repair take?
Most pier installations take 2–5 days, depending on the size of the foundation, soil conditions, and the number of piers required.