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What Causes Settling Walls? Southwest Marietta, GA
Two workers on ladders are inspecting a two-story brick house with a gabled roof under a blue sky.

Settling walls can be a significant concern for homeowners, as they often indicate underlying issues with a property’s structural integrity. Understanding the causes of settling walls is crucial for identifying the right repairs and ensuring the longevity of your home. Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs explores some common factors that contribute to this phenomenon in North Georgia homes.

Soil Settlement

One of the primary reasons for wall settling is soil settlement. This occurs when the soil beneath a foundation is compressed over time due to structural loads, moisture changes or natural settlement. Georgia is well known for its red clay soil. Different types of soil behave differently under pressure; for instance, clay soils can expand when wet and shrink when dry, leading to an uneven foundation.

Poor Drainage

Inadequate drainage around a home can cause water to accumulate near the foundation, leading to soil erosion or saturation. When soil gets overly saturated, it can lose its stability and create voids, causing the foundation and walls to settle. Installing proper drainage systems, such as gutters, downspouts and drainage tiles, can help manage water flow away from the property.

Tree Roots

Trees and large shrubs can also affect the integrity of a home’s foundation. As roots grow, they can disturb the surrounding soil, leading to displacement. Additionally, if trees are removed, the soil can become destabilized as the roots decompose, leading to further settling.

Frost Heave

Northern Georgia can experience colder winter temperatures, so frost heave can be a significant factor. During winter months, moisture in the soil can freeze, expand and then contract when temperatures rise. This cycle can exert pressure on a foundation, leading to cracks and settling as the soil shifts and pockets are created.

Construction Factors

Sometimes, settling walls can result from poor construction practices. If a foundation is not built in accordance with local building codes or lacks proper reinforcements, it may not withstand the loads placed upon it. Additionally, improper backfilling or inadequate compaction of soil during construction can also lead to future settling issues.

Signs of Settling Walls

Homeowners should be vigilant for signs of settling walls, which may include:

  • Cracks in the walls, particularly near doors and windows
  • Doors or windows that stick or do not close properly
  • Gaps between walls and ceilings or floors
  • Uneven floors or visible sloping

Exterior walls may also show visible signs, such as cracks along mortar lines in brick walls and uneven settling that causes them to shift or lean outward from the structure.

Atlanta Masonry Repair

Walls falling or settling may require pinning or anchoring to shore them up and prevent further structural damage. Your Atlanta home’s foundation may also need repairs before exterior masonry repair. Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs can inspect your home and determine the underlying cause of leaning, shifting or cracked walls and propose a solution to preserve your home’s structural integrity. Call us today at (770) 422-2924 or contact us online to request a free quote.

Posted on behalf of John Anglin, Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs

Call us (770) 422-2924 Contact Us

Our Client Reviews

Anglin's Foundation & Masonry Repairs

4.8 / 5.0

Based on 55 reviews

Tammy S.

From start to finish, everyone at Anglin's was amazing! Gus was responsive, always answered his phone, knowledgeable, professional, honest and fair. He went above and beyond to make a stressful situation less stressful. Scheduling was a breeze and the crew that arrived on the job (on time, I might add) were courteous, respectful and efficient. They allowed me to watch and take pictures, and explained the process step-by-step, as well as what results were to be expected. Iggy was so knowledgeable, professional and amazing. He was able to pin point a problem that 2 other competing companies couldn't explain or relay in layman's terms what needed to be done and why. He was an absolute superstar in easing the mind of the buyers purchasing the house. His 27 years experience was so valuable. Shelly was quick to send paid invoices and warranty information. Everyone did an amazing job and I would recommend them highly.

Penelope Greensmith

I cannot say enough good things about GUS at Anglin’s Foundation and Masonry! GUS, was fast and gave a free estimate on raising, reattaching and fixing my brick stairs. I will be sure to post before and after photos! Thank you GUS for your no nonsense, straight forward approach! Thank you for listening to me! The Greensmith’s

Regina Renee Kalasz

Today was a install of a 2nd beam for our house... first one was easy, 2nd one gave them a run for their money. But they stuck it out and got it done! Awesome work! I'd throw a + behind my 5 stars if I could. Sorry I held your crew up, but they were determined to get it done with no issues. So shout out to your team Chris, Leo and Dan!

Scott Lapin

The team that lifted our chimney was prompt, courteous and efficient. Other then the repair, you simply could not tell they were even there despite the fact they had to remove part of our deck to do the work. I would HIGHLY recommend them.

Melissa Reed

Diagnosis and estimate from a picture, arrived as scheduled, done in just a couple hours and results were absolutely amazing. Price, workmanship, clean up - everything was absolutely 5 star!! Highly recommend these folks!!! I must add, 2 other well known and much advertised companies came out and estimated 6x the work and price, claiming we had more issues than what was actually going on. These guys call it like it is - honesty and integrity are hard to find in construction.

Dana Brennan

This crew is top notch. Worked with the office and mainly with Gus on site who was great. Showed up early, super knowledgeable, tons of experience. We really felt served in the way he recommended only what needed to be done and at a great price. Had another company wanting to add in other extras and unnecessary work. HIGHLY recommend Anglin!!

Aaron Gray

Quick to call back and totally honest. I wasn't sure if I had a foundation issue or a flooring issue but after a few questions, Nathan helped to figure out that it thankfully wasn't a foundation issue. Insteand of trying to sell me a job, Nathan helped me to make a good decision. I hope I never have foundation issues but if I do, this is the company I'm hiring.

Jake Herman

Another masonry contractor referred us to Anglin because we had a concern about the structural integrity of our chimneys. We were told that they were the best people to talk to. I called them and they actually came by to assess my house within two hours. Although I was fully prepared to spend a lot of money to stabilize my chimneys, he did a full assessment and very honestly told me that my chimneys were fine and just needed some caulking where the mortar met the brick. I greatly respect his expertise and honesty and would recommend him without reservation.

A Proven Value
Since 1930

John Anglin

John Anglin "I Fix It For Life
the First Time"

Anglin's Foundation & Masonry Repairs 1027 Oregon Trail Southwest Marietta GA, 30008
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Financing available through Regions Bank. Must be approved to Qualify. Call Anglin’s for Details: (770) 422-2924