Exterior or interior indications of foundation problems can be caused by settlement or upheaval. Settlement means a portion of the foundation structure has dropped below the original elevation. This occurs from loss of soil bearing capacity caused by compaction of fill, loss of moisture in supporting soil, or the erosion of supporting soil. In most instances, settlement originates and is more pronounced at outside of the slab, since the slab perimeter is the most susceptible to differential moisture conditions and to loss of moisture.

Upheaval means the slab has risen above the original foundation elevation. This typically happens due to moisture under the foundation. The most frequent cause of this moisture is a plumbing leak under the slab. The most common leak is on the drain side of the plumbing system. Some damage is strictly cosmetic and does not interfere with the foundation’s load-bearing capacity. These cosmetic issues could be cracks in floor tiles, cracks in sheet rock, etc. A local licensed foundation repair contractor in Canton can help you determine if the problems are cosmetic or require repair.