Windows Not Opening or Closing Properly? ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing Can Help!

When a foundation experiences uneven sinking, it affects not just your foundation but other parts of your home. Windows getting jammed is just one symptom of uneven settlement and it can indicate a range of problems. If your windows are not opening or closing properly, ask yourself these three questions…

1. How many windows are having this problem? If it’s just one window, perhaps the window is off track, and a simple adjustment can be made. Or it could be a sign of a problem with the foundation.
2. If more than one window is not opening or closing properly, where are the windows? Are they on one side or corner of the house? Are they above/below each other? Are they all on one level, or some upstairs and some downstairs? If all the windows are on one side or corner of the home, it could be an indication of a problem with the home’s foundation, such as uneven settling.
3. Does the problem get better/worse with changes in weather? If so, it’s important to remember that heat and humidity can make things expand, and cold could create a freezing effect on the window.

If you’re getting more answers that indicate a foundation problem, there are a few facts worth knowing…

What Is Happening With My Foundation and Home?

First, all homes, really all structures, settle. But uneven settling can lead to foundation damage. Soil saturation levels, the impact of excavating virgin soil, and the types of soil under the foundation are just a few factors that can affect home settlement. It is important to counteract these challenges before the symptoms get worse.

Beyond sticking windows, doors can become stuck or misaligned from door jambs, floors can slope or even drop, walls can get stair-step shaped cracks in them (generally near doorways), and the list goes on. But the good news is fixing the problem early will stop the progression of the symptoms and help fix the symptoms already displayed, such as windows not opening or closing correctly.

How Can I Protect My Foundation Against Uneven Sinking?

If your foundation is already experiencing uneven sinking, it may require stabilization with the help of a foundation repair expert. This can be done with products such as helical piers, which can help stop your foundation from further movement and allow for any other repairs that are needed.

Taking Water Into Account

But to address what created the conditions for your sinking foundation: there’s a good chance that water in the soil had a role in it. Above, we had mentioned soil saturation levels as a factor. Whenever it rains, water that meets your foundation can cause soil erosion. Soil can become displaced or impacted, creating voids that allow for uneven sinking of the foundation. As also mentioned earlier, the types of soil around your foundation can also have an impact as water interacts with them. But again, the common element is water. How do you control all that water so that it doesn’t affect the land around your foundation as much?

Consider Waterproofing as Part of Your Solution

’58 Foundations & Waterproofing offers a customizable waterproofing system for basements and crawlspaces. Our interior waterproofing system not only helps reduce the strain on your foundation caused by hydrostatic pressure, but it’s designed to take that water and relocate it away from your foundation. This means less water in the soil around your foundation, which in turn reduces impact on the soil and your foundation’s settling.

Keep Your Windows Working and Your Home Healthy with ’58!

If you are noticing your windows jamming, or any of the other symptoms that were mentioned above, it’s a good idea to have your foundation looked at by an expert. ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing offers over 64 years of experience in foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawlspace encapsulation, and even mold removal. Our foundation repair experts use only quality products and honest methods to achieve the best outcomes for your home. With solutions like our ’58 Strong Helical Piers, ’58 can restore your foundation’s stability and your peace of mind.

’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has local offices all through the Eastern Seaboard. Whether you live near Chattanooga, TN, York, PA, or Woodstock, GA, you can count on ’58 to be there when you need us! Contact us today to schedule for a free inspection and a detailed estimate. We’ll be happy to answer any questions!