Foundation movement or just humidity?
A door that suddenly won't latch or a window that binds can be one of the first signs of foundation movement. It can also just be summer humidity. Here's how to tell.
Likely humidity
- Wood doors swell slightly in humid months and work fine in winter
- The door rubs evenly along the top or side
- Several doors behave the same way at once
Likely foundation movement
- Gaps at the top of the door are wedge-shaped (wider on one side)
- The strike plate no longer lines up with the latch
- Problems cluster on one side of the house, near cracks or sloping floors
- Doors that had been fine for years change suddenly after a drought or very wet season
What to do
Note which doors and windows are affected and mark them on a simple floor plan. Pair that with crack locations. A pro can compare it to elevation readings and pinpoint the area that's moving. Adjusting hinges or planing a door is fine as a stopgap, but if the foundation is moving it will come back.
Related Foundation Repair Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will doors work again after foundation repair?
Often, after a lift many doors and windows operate better. Some may still need adjustment afterward.
Can a slab leak cause sticking doors?
Yes. A leak can swell clay under part of the slab and push it up, distorting door frames above it.
Ready for a straight answer? Tell us about your project and we'll connect you with a licensed, insured local pro for a written quote.
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