Jammed doors and windows are a common sign of foundation settling. Foundation settling occurs when the soil layer under the foundation erodes and becomes uneven. Differential settling is the name given to foundation settlement that causes stuck doors and windows. When differential settling occurs, a house is settling sideways, and part of the foundation is breaking off from the rest of the house. Because the home is at an angle, door frames and window frames become warped and cause jammed doors and windows.
Sometimes this tilt lifts a home’s floor. If the floor is uneven and one part of it is raised enough to graze the bottom of your home’s doorframes, it can make doors difficult to open. Jammed doors and windows are a huge indicator that the settling has been going on for a while. Consider contacting Alpha Foundations for immediate foundation repair solutions.
Our team recommends helical and push piers that are installed deep underground in sturdy soils. The piers are also attached to the foundation so that they can transfer the weight of your home to these deep soils. Plus, the rods are made of galvanized steel to prevent corrosion. Both pier systems are permanent solutions to foundation settling, so they don’t require replacing every few years. Your doors and windows will be functional immediately and stay that way forever.