Sticking Windows and Doors
Sticking Windows and Doors Often Indicate Foundation Problems
As your home's foundation begins to settle, the most obvious signs are cracked bricks and wall cracks. However, if your windows and doors are sticking, out of square, or difficult to open and shut, it may be an indicator of serious foundation problems.
Foundation settlement causes real problems with your house when there's what is commonly referred to as "differential settlement". If the entire house settled at the exact same rate, there wouldn't be an issue. However, houses built on expansive soils or with other less-than-optimal conditions, experience settlement at a different rate than other portions of the house.
When foundation settlement occurs on a portion of your home where windows or doors are, they're often affected quickly. You may notice difficulty opening or shutting doors and windows, and in some extreme cases our foundation contractors have seen doors that won't open at all. This creates a fire hazard and should be immediately addressed before the problem becomes that severe.
Doors or Windows Out of Square: Separation in Caulk
Sometimes doors and windows may not stick or have any difficulty opening and shutting, but other signs point to foundation problems.
If you notice separation at the caulk line where the door or window meets the walls of your home, this too is often an indicator that you need foundation repair. Simply re-caulking may help with cosmetic issues or help prevent water from entering at these seams. However, if the root problem isn't merely cosmetic and your foundation is sinking, the problem will continue to reappear.
If your doors or windows are sticking, don't hesitate to contact a Drive Rite foundation contractor for a free foundation repair estimate.
