Windows No Longer Open or Close Properly
This can be symptomatic of a variety of things, one of those being an issue with your foundation. If you are only having one window that is difficult to open or close then that may be a simple fix to that window itself, but if you have multiple windows that giving you issues then you may have an issue. If these windows are found on the corners of the home or on multiple levels then this is more than likely an issue with your foundation settling.
Foundation settling is when the support structure holding up your foundation or the soil beneath your foundation (for a slab foundation) is starting to weaken and is no longer capable of supporting the weight of your home. Not only will you start noticing this on your windows, but also with your doors. Your doors may begin not close properly or stay closed.
When living in Mobile Alabama this is a common problem, especially if you are living in one of our beautiful historic homes or in one the beautiful historic neighborhoods. When these home were built the builders had no way of knowing that the home would be standing 100 years later. The builders had no way of knowing that the “ice box” of yesterday would give way to a large (and heavy) refrigerator and/or freezer. The furniture in a historic home has transitioned from being sparce and simplistic to being much more heavily furnished and the furniture has become heavier. All of this “new” weight has taken a toll on our classic home and has put a LOT of stress on these home’s foundations and the structures supporting the foundation. Keep in mind that the environment we live in (the heat, humidity, the rain, the storms, etc…) also takes a heavy toll on our homes and can have significant impacts on the home structures and foundations.
It should be noted that nearly all homes “settle” and there isn’t much anyone can do about that. A homeowner can take steps to minimize the settling by eliminating excessive moisture, bracing support structures beneath the home, and even taking steps to remove sandy or very moist soil. Without taking any steps to protect your home it will begin to settle and damage to your foundation can occur. It’s important to counteract these challenges before the symptoms get worse.
If you are beginning to increasingly find stuck windows and misaligned doors, floors that are no longer level, cracks in your walls then there is a strong chance that you need to have your foundation inspected and repaired. If the problem with your foundation is found early enough, then the potential or additional damage can be stopped and fixed.
Learn more about stuck windows.
Give Coastal Foundation Repair a call today and we can come to your and do a thorough inspection and make a recommendation to what can be done to correct your issues.
