“I can’t get this darn window open!” “Ahh, now it won’t close!”
A stuck window can be very frustrating – “where’s a brick when you need one!” But hold on to that brick, it might not be the windows.
It might be a warning sign there’s something going on underfoot. Not a window problem, but a foundation problem.
A sticking door or stuck window is fairly common, particularly in older buildings. Much of the time it’s nothing to be too concerned about. But it can be a sign of uneven foundation settlement.
Because of how serious this structural damage can be, it’s important to know whether it’s house settling VS a foundation issue.
So, do sticking windows and doors mean foundation problems? Let’s find out.
Identifying Foundation Problems Through Sticking Windows and Doors
If you’re noticing your windows or doors in house sticking, it might be more than a minor annoyance (alright, a real pain in the butt!)
– it could indicate a structural problem with your home’s foundation.
Your home or office building rests on a concrete foundation. If the concrete slab shifts or settles unevenly, it causes the wall framing to shift and twist.
This leads to misaligned (“out-of-square”) door and window rough openings. This causes the window sash or door slab to rub against the frame and “stick.”
It can get so far out of alignment that they won’t open or close at all!
There are other possible causes for stuck windows and doors, which we’ll briefly cover a bit later, but here are some additional signs directly related to doors and windows that suggest it’s your foundation:
- The sticking windows/doors are only along one wall.
- Days of low humidity doesn’t “fix” the problem.
- Interior doors are sticking as well.
- Exterior wall cracks.
- Other common problems occurring along with the stuck windows.
What Causes Foundation Problems?
One big problem in Houston is expansive clay. It makes for uneven foundation settling that throws your house out of alignment. Dry soil is another issue, along with water damage and excessive foundation movement.
For more info on foundation damage, give us a call. 713-714-0015. We will come out and perform a foundation inspection on your Houston property.
Causes of Sticking Windows and Doors Other Than A Foundation Issue
Sticking windows and doors can be a real pain, but it doesn’t always mean you have a foundation problem. Why do doors stick? Here are some other reasons why your windows and doors might be sticking.
- Humidity: Living in Houston’s hot, humid climate can cause wood frames to expand, which can lead to sticking windows and doors. If you notice that your windows and doors only stick during certain seasons, humidity might be the culprit.
- Aging Hardware: Over time, hardware can wear out and become misaligned, causing your windows and doors to stick.
- Poor Installation: If your windows and doors were poorly installed, they might have uneven gaps around their edges right from the start. This can cause them to stick and be difficult to open and close.
- Top of door sticks: Might need a simple adjustment.
When to Seek Professional Help for Foundation Problems
Got stuck windows and doors? Maybe some of the other issues as well? It might be time to call in the professionals:
- Your doors and windows are increasingly difficult to open or close.
- Your doors sticking in house.
- You notice cracks appearing around a door frame and window frame.
- The problem persists even after attempting basic repairs like sanding down edges or adjusting hinges.
- Drywall cracks
- Foundation cracks
- Uneven floor or ceiling cracks
If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to contact A-Best Foundation Repair. Our team specializes in both residential & commercial foundation repair across the greater Houston area, ensuring your property remains safe and structurally sound.
Solutions for Sticking Windows And Doors
Your Houston property might be facing foundation problems. Don’t panic – there are various ways to address these issues. This is a subject requiring its own blog, but here’s an overview:
- Foundation Repair: One common solution is foundation repair. This process involves stabilizing the structure to prevent further movement. Find out more about foundation repair.
- House Leveling: This can correct sloping floors caused by an uneven foundation.
Remember: early detection is key. Identifying any structural issue with your foundation as soon as possible is critical for successful remediation.
Recap Do Sticking Windows And Doors Mean Foundation Problems?
Sticking windows and doors can indicate foundation problems in your home or business property, but it’s important to consider other potential causes as well.
The first step is a complete assessment by a professional foundation repair company with years of experience. If it is caused by foundation issues, there are solutions available such as concrete lifting, repairing cracks, and installing piers.
Addressing foundation issues early on can prevent more serious structural damage later on. Don’t let a minor foundation repair turn into a foundation failure. While not common, this could render your home unsafe to live in.
Let us take a look. Your home is too important to leave this to chance.
Call us today: 713-714-0015
FAQs About Do Sticking Windows and Doors Mean Foundation Problems?
What does it mean when your door sticks?
Sticking doors could be due to humidity changes or warped wood. However, if it’s happening with multiple doors at once, it might indicate foundation problems.
How do I know if I have foundation problems?
All houses settle over time, but significant shifts can cause issues like cracks in walls or floors, which suggest more serious foundation concerns.
What are some signs of foundation shifts?
If your door frames are no longer square or if there is a noticeable slope to your floors, these could be signs of foundational shifts requiring professional attention from companies like A-Best Foundation Repair.
Why do my doors stick?
There are a number of reasons why your doors stick. If the top of door sticks, it probably isn’t a foundation issue. If doors and windows are sticking, it might be a more serious problem.
Why are the doors in my house suddenly sticking?
Did the humidity rise recently? It might be as simple as that. If they stop sticking after the humidity drops, it’s probably caused by the wood swelling.
