While it is normal for a home to settle into its foundation and the surrounding land after being built, sometimes older homes continue to exhibit similar noises. These sounds can mean that doors are not hung square, or that water damage has warped wood trim and other aspects of a home.
Other things that can happen due to the weight of a home are small cracks and gaps in the foundation walls. While these are below ground, they can still move. One thing to consider is that it is not only the weight of the house that presses down on these walls, but the soil outside of the home continually presses inward.
The soil around your home is extraordinarily dense and weighs a great deal more than many people realize. While only a square foot of dry soil weighs about 40 pounds, a square yard of dry soil weighs nearly a ton. When rains saturate the ground, this adds about 50 to the weight. Not only is wet soil much heavier than when it is dry, but it also moves more easily and can push on things like your foundation walls.
You can assume that there are hairline cracks in the exterior portion of the foundation wall it starts showing signs of water leaking through it after heavy rainfall. Finding a company that performs exterior foundation repair can save your foundation from continued destruction.
Sealing visible cracks on the interior side of your foundation can worsen the situation. Once seals are in place, intrusive water no longer has an exit. Because it is now forced to sit inside of your wall, it can cause water damage and foster microbial growth. The problem’s solution is to focus your efforts on the source of the damage. The exterior needs repairs made to it before you repair cosmetic flaws. Afterward, the sealing of cracks and crevices on the interior side can safely take place.