Worried my foundation is sinking

[Anonymous]

Floors are sloped and there are gaps between the doorframes and floor upstairs. House is draft in the corner seams. But, it’s 80 years old. Is this old house settlement or something worse and who will tell me for sure without being also a salesman?

[Anonymous]

Contact a structural engineer not affiliated with a contractor.

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/foundations/reviews/structural-engineer-foundation-inspection

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Contact a structural engineer not affiliated with a contractor.

This, and specifically one who is a licensed PE in your state.

[Anonymous]

We had the same concerns and brought in two separate structural engineers for assessments. Neither was concerned. For peace of mind it might be worth spending the money.

[Anonymous]

NP, agree I'd get a structural engineer. Just want to add that we got one once and it was less $ than I would have thought. I think it was a few hundred - this was about 10-15 years ago so I'm sure it's more now though.

[Anonymous]

I was about to suggest that you use a primer before applying foundation, then realized this wasn't the beauty forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had the same concerns and brought in two separate structural engineers for assessments. Neither was concerned. For peace of mind it might be worth spending the money.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Agree, just bring someone in.

Those that I know with true foundation issues are those that have put on additions to their homes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was about to suggest that you use a primer before applying foundation, then realized this wasn't the beauty forum.

Ha! Lol

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was about to suggest that you use a primer before applying foundation, then realized this wasn't the beauty forum.

If it's a basement it has to be a vapor barrier primer.

[Anonymous]

I hired an engineer and also had a guy from JES Foundation Repair come out and do a free inspection. I didn't tell the JES guy I already had an engineer's report along with his suggestions for repair but he came to the same conclusions and was very professional. He showed me the laser measurements and walked me through what was going on and how they planned to fix it. I held off at that time but ended up hiring them about 6 months later and the price didn't even go up! All in all, although there were a few communication issues with their permit schedulers, I was very happy with the work they did.

[Anonymous]

It could have settled long ago. As long as it’s not new or getting worse it should not be dangerous. Are these new gaps? If so I’d call both an engineer and repair company to get it looked at soon.

[Anonymous]

My home is 104 years old and I have the same thing and it’s normal old settlement. It’s not moving anymore and some of it is from old termite damage. Call a structural engineer and get a report written up. Don’t call the foundation people first they will try to scare the crap out of you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hired an engineer and also had a guy from JES Foundation Repair come out and do a free inspection. I didn't tell the JES guy I already had an engineer's report along with his suggestions for repair but he came to the same conclusions and was very professional. He showed me the laser measurements and walked me through what was going on and how they planned to fix it. I held off at that time but ended up hiring them about 6 months later and the price didn't even go up! All in all, although there were a few communication issues with their permit schedulers, I was very happy with the work they did.

Good.