If your home is newly constructed, you’ve probably heard it will settle over time. But what does that mean? And how long does it take for a house to settle?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more. So, let’s get started!
What Is House Settlement?
According to Forensic Engineers Inc., settlement is the downward movement of soil due to the weight of a structure, such as a house, that exceeds the soil’s bearing capacity. House settling is a normal process that all homes go through, especially newly constructed ones.
Although this is a normal phenomenon, it can cause significant problems if it happens unevenly and may require a major foundation repair.
Normal Settlement Vs. Differential Settlement
Normal settlement involves the even sinking of a house as it adapts to the soil layers it sits upon. This type of settlement happens gradually and uniformly across the structure. It typically does not jeopardize the house’s structural integrity. For normal settlement, no immediate action is usually required other than monitoring the home for changes over time. Minor repairs can be made as necessary.
Differential settlement, however, is more problematic and occurs when different parts of the house settle at varying rates, leading to uneven or unpredictable sinking. This uneven settling can lead to substantial structural issues and is often associated with underlying problems such as poor soil compaction, variations in soil moisture, or inadequate drainage.
If your house is experiencing differential settlement, consult a foundation specialist to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Repairs include underpinning, improving drainage systems, or soil stabilization measures.
How Long Does It Take For A House To Settle?
The time it takes for a house to settle can vary, but generally, a new house can take about a year or two. During this time, the house will experience different seasons, changing temperatures, and soil movement.
House settling is not always confined to the first and second years. While primary settling should be complete within the initial few years, homes can continue to settle slightly over time. There is no standard timeline for when a house will ultimately settle and stabilize.
What Causes A House To Settle?
House settling is a common phenomenon as a building adjusts to its environment. Several factors can cause or contribute to a house settling:
Soil Condition
Different soils have different capacities to bear weight. According to the LSU College of Agriculture, gravel and sand have higher bearing capacities, whereas silts and clays typically have lower capacities. So, depending on the soil type in your area, your house may settle more or less than others.
Additionally, if the soil was not adequately compacted before construction, the ground could settle significantly after the house was built.
Weight Of The House
The weight of the house itself, including the building materials and any additions or modifications, exerts pressure on the foundation and the underlying soil. If the soil is not adequately compacted or has lower bearing capacity, it can lead to settling. The weight of furniture, appliances, and occupants also contributes to the overall load on the foundation.
Moisture Content
Variations in the water table or moisture content in the soil can bring about expansion (when wet) or contraction (when dry). This is especially problematic with clay soils. Poor drainage or improper grading around the house can lead to water collection around the foundation, causing the soil to swell or erode.
Seasonal Changes
Different seasons bring different moisture levels. For instance, heavy rains in the spring can cause soil to expand, while dry conditions in the summer can cause it to contract.
Temperature variations can also cause the ground to freeze and thaw. Water expands when frozen and contracts when it is thawed, which can cause the soil or your foundation to move. This is especially problematic in areas with winter seasons.
Construction Methods
Inadequate or improper construction techniques, such as poorly made foundations, can lead to uneven settling. Different foundations respond differently to settling. Properly designed and built foundations are essential for minimizing settling issues.
Tree Roots And Vegetation
Large trees near the house can absorb significant amounts of moisture from the soil, resulting in shrinkage and settling. Roots can also physically displace soil, causing uneven settling. Removing large trees or vegetation can also cause movement or alter the soil’s moisture content.
Earthquakes And Natural Disasters
Seismic activities can cause the ground to shift and settle in earthquake-prone areas. The sudden shifts and vibrations during an earthquake can disturb the soil.
Natural events like floods can also have a considerable impact on soil stability. Floodwaters can saturate the soil, increasing its weight and reducing its ability to support the house. This can lead to soil erosion and washing away of soil layers.
Nearby Construction
Construction activities near your home can cause vibrations, leading to soil displacement and settling. Digging and other ground-altering activities nearby can also change the soil’s structure and stability under your house.
Signs Of House Settlement
So, how do you know if your house is settling? Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Small, thin cracks often appear in walls or ceilings.
- Minor cracks in the foundation may indicate settling.
- Spaces that can appear around windows, doors, or other fittings.
- General cracks can appear in brickwork, drywall, or other structures.
- Spaces may form between structural elements.
- Visible gaps where wood joints are coming apart.
- Spaces between the cabinets and walls.
- Uneven or tilted floors indicate potential foundational issues.
- Moisture or water accumulation in the basement.
- Pipes that have burst due to shifting or settling.
- Potential problems with the roofing, such as sagging or gaps.
How To Repair House Settling
If you think your house is experiencing settlement, what are the ways to fix it?
Let It Be
Sometimes, house settling is minor and does not require immediate action. If no serious structural damage is apparent, monitoring the situation over time may be sufficient. When opting for this approach, you should document any changes by keeping a log of observable changes, such as crack sizes. Additionally, perform routine checks to regularly inspect your home for signs of increased settling, such as new cracks or doors and windows that stick.
If the signs are slowly getting worse, the following methods below can be a good solution.
Steel Push Piers
Steel push piers are long, cylindrical steel rods driven deep into the ground beneath a foundation to reach stable, load-bearing soil or bedrock. They are primarily used to stabilize and lift portions of a building that have settled unevenly due to weaknesses in the underlying soil or other foundation issues. The process involves hydraulically driving steel piers through unstable soil layers until they reach a stable depth that provides the necessary support.
Helical Piers
Helical piers or screw piles are steel shafts with helical (screw-like) plates that are mechanically turned into the ground. Like steel push piers, they are used to stabilize and lift structures. The helical plates help to distribute the load and increase the bearing capacity, making them ideal for stabilizing and lifting structures. Helical piers are particularly helpful in situations where there is limited access to heavy equipment, soils with low bearing capacity, or areas with high water tables.
When To Call A Foundation Professional
Is your home showing signs of settling?
Don’t wait—contact HydroHelp911 if you notice:
- Large and uneven cracks in your foundation or walls.
- Stairs and floors are noticeably sloping.
- Doors and windows have become more challenging to open and close.
- Gaps exist between walls and the ceiling or floor.
- Walls are bowing.
- Countertops have separated from cabinets or walls.
- The chimney is separating from your house.
Act Now!
Are you seeing any of these warning signs? Call HydroHelp911 today for an inspection and a free estimate. We’ll help you determine the best course of action to protect your home from further damage.
