When it comes to protecting your home, nothing is more important than a stable foundation. Yet many Utah homeowners miss the early warning signs that their foundation needs immediate stabilization. With the immense amount of building, Utah has one of the lowest average age of single family homes at only 33 years! That ranks Utah as one of the youngest homes in the nation. With all this recent construction, its not atypical for foundations cracks spread, floors slope, and doors stop closing properly. Foundation issues worsen over time, and what starts as a small concern can quickly turn into a major structural problem.
At Utah Screw Pile, we’ve seen firsthand how Utah’s challenging soils and recent construction along the seismically active Wasatch Front and the collapsible silts of central Utah can wreak havoc on these newer foundations. Recognizing the signs early can save you thousands of dollars and prevent irreversible damage. Here are five telltale indicators that your foundation needs immediate stabilization.
1. Cracks in Walls, Floors, or Ceilings
Hairline cracks are common as a house settles slightly after construction and from temperature barriers like doors and window sills. But when cracks widen or appear in stair-step patterns along brick and concrete block, it’s a red flag. A very blatant sign of settling are diagonal cracks that begin and end opposite of each other through window frames. These cracks indicate uneven settlement and are a clear sign that your foundation needs immediate stabilization.
In Utah’s clay-rich soils, moisture changes between dry summers and snowy winters cause constant expansion and contraction. This movement pushes against your foundation, creating stress points that result in visible cracks. If you can insert a coin into a wall crack, it’s time to call a professional.
2. Uneven or Sloping Floors
A floor that feels uneven underfoot or visibly slopes toward one corner often points to deeper structural issues. You might notice separating tile or doors resting open. Though these can indicate many things, it’s further evidence that your foundation is settling unevenly.
Utah Screw Pile frequently performs floor elevation surveys using precision equipment. These measurements reveal exactly how much a floor has sunk, helping set your mind at ease or allowing us design a solution that restores it to level and prevents further movement.
For more information about this service reach out to us and mention the floor elevation service. Most surveys take no longer than an hr or two.
3. Doors and Windows That Stick or Jam
When a home settles unevenly, the frame openings for doors and windows can go out of square. If you’re struggling to close a door completely or notice windows sticking, it’s a strong indicator that your foundation needs immediate stabilization. This includes interior doors as well as exterior doors.
Homeowners in areas like Draper, Lehi, and Bountiful often experience this issue due to the combination of high clay content and variable frost depths. As the ground freezes and thaws, pressure builds against the foundation, distorting the structure over time.
4. Gaps Around Exterior Framing or Chimneys
Take a walk around your home’s perimeter. Do you notice gaps between your siding and brickwork? Is your chimney pulling away from the main structure? These gaps are visible evidence of differential settlement. In Utah’s mixed soil profiles, where one area might have dense gravel while another has soft clay, different sections of your foundation can move at different rates.
Installing helical piers beneath the affected areas will stabilize the structure and transfers the load to deeper, more stable soils away from the temperature variances. Learn how we do it in our article on Helical Underpinning for Sinking Foundations.
5. Water Intrusion or Basement Leaks
Water intrusion in your basement or crawlspace can be a symptom, not the cause, of foundation problems. When a foundation settles, it opens cracks and creates paths for water to seep in. In Utah’s high water table areas, such as near Utah Lake or the Ogden Valley, this can be especially damaging.
A stable foundation prevents these pathways from forming. Once helical piers are installed and the structure is lifted, sealing and waterproofing become more effective long-term solutions. If left unchecked, water intrusion can accelerate soil erosion and lead to further instability. Though we don’t perform waterproofing, we can refer you to a number of reliable contractors capable of quality work.
Why Acting Now Matters
Foundation problems don’t fix themselves; in fact, they often worsen over time. Ignoring early warning signs could mean facing costly structural repairs or replacement down the road. Stabilizing your foundation with helical piers is a permanent solution that transfers your home’s weight to competent load-bearing strata, preventing further movement and protecting your families safety.
According to our partnered supplier, CHANCE® Foundation Solutions, properly installed helical piles can support both new construction and remedial foundation repairs, offering a proven and engineering-backed solution for unpredictable soils.
Call Utah Screw Pile for a Free Assessment
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your home, don’t wait until the damage spreads. Utah Screw Pile specializes in deep foundation systems built for Utah’s toughest soils. Our licensed experts provide on-site evaluations, verified installations, and peace of mind that your foundation is secure.
Call Utah Screw Pile today or visit utahscrewpile.com to schedule your free foundation assessment and learn if your foundation needs immediate stabilization.