Are you looking for information about sticking windows and doors? If so, stick around because we’re going to cover the causes of sticking windows and doors, how to repair doors and windows that stick, and more.
Sticking Windows and Doors Could Indicate a Foundation Problem
Sometimes sticking windows and doors are caused by a problem with your home’s foundation. The foundation problem might have been caused by various things including, but not limited to:
- Poor drainage around the foundation
- Poor construction
- Ground movement caused by an earthquake or other natural disaster
- Ground movement caused by nearby excavation
All the above can cause a phenomenon called “differential settlement.” Differential settlement is when your home sinks unevenly into the ground, even if it’s just a tiny amount. The graphic below illustrates the difference between uniform settlement – which happens to all structures after being built – and differential settlement. Differential settlement is a leading cause of foundation trouble.
Look For Other Signs of Foundation Problems
If your home has sticking windows and doors, look around for other signs of a foundation problem, including (but not limited to):
- Uneven floors
- Stair step cracks in brick or masonry
- Cracks from the corners of windows and doors toward the ceiling
- Molding that’s cracked or pulling away from the wall
- Drywall cracks
- Ceilings and floors that are no longer in contact with the wall
- Floor cracks that run wall to wall
- Cracked walls, with or without inward bowing
- Torn or wrinkled wallpaper – The wall behind the wallpaper might be cracked
- Porches or chimneys that are leaning away from the house
When in Doubt, Contact a Professional for a Foundation Inspection
After an inspection, a structural engineer or an experienced, licensed foundation repair contractor will let you know if the problem is structural or not. Sometimes windows and doors are hard to open because of humidity.
Remember, even though sticking doors and windows may seem like a small thing, you could have a much larger problem on your hands if you see them in combination with any of the above issues. Ignoring your door and window problems will not make them go away.
Repairing Sticking Doors and Windows Caused by a Foundation Problem
If your problem opening doors and windows is caused by differential settlement, repair solutions include heavy-duty steel push piers and helical piers. These are both minimally invasive repair solutions that will immediately stop foundation settlement.
If you have sticking windows and doors in your home and you’re in our service area in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, or Missouri, contact us today for a free inspection and repair estimate.
