Query: Why Are My Doors Sticking?
Context: Sticking windows and doors are primarily caused by instability and shifting in the structure of a property. Foundation damage is usually what leads to that.
Subsidence and Settlement
Subsidence and settlement are two of the most concerning and serious foundation problems that can develop in any property. When they take root, every part of a property is affected, even the doors and windows. Doors and windows that begin to jam in a subsiding property, or a property undergoing settlement, do so because the frames are being deformed as the structure tilts.
This process of tilting, shifting, or sinking can be caused by many different issues, but it generally comes down to the stability and strength of the soil under your home. Soil that is overly expansive, loose, weak, or saturated will inevitably shift underneath a property when put under stress. Poor foundation drainage is just one possible contributing factor.
Poor Foundation Drainage
Foundation drainage is something that most people don’t think about until it becomes an issue, but it is incredibly important to every aspect of a property’s health and well-being. For example, a property with poor foundation drainage is more likely to start sinking, face bowing walls, and deal with persistent dampness and pest-related issues.
This is partly because of how poor foundation drainage contributes to perimeter saturation, but also because of how bad interior drainage will increase the relative humidity in a home. Poor foundation drainage can occur because of clogs, blockages, damage, and drainage systems that have an inadequate capacity for water.