Why are my doors and windows sticking?

Dealing with sticking windows and doors can be a frustrating problem for homeowners. These issues not only impact energy efficiency but also invite pests. Usually, such problems indicate foundation damage or failure.

Sticking windows or doors are often caused by an uneven frame, signaling foundation settling and an imbalance in the house’s level or squareness. Additionally, large cracks in drywall starting from window or door corners and sagging or uneven floors further indicate foundation problems.

While various structural issues can cause these problems, foundation-related issues are commonly at the root. Fixing window and door issues without addressing the underlying foundation concerns is merely a temporary solution.

Several common foundation problems can lead to sticking doors and windows, including:

Erosion and improper drainage causing soil washout and voids beneath the foundation.
Soil expansion and contraction due to excess groundwater, exerting pressure on the foundation and leading to settlement or cracking.
Tree roots and vegetation exerting pressure on the foundation and causing moisture imbalance in the surrounding soil.
Inadequate soil compaction during construction, making the foundation more susceptible to settling.
To resolve sticking doors and windows effectively, it’s essential to address the underlying foundation issues. Consult a professional foundation repair company like G.L Hunt to tackle these problems and ensure a lasting solution. Visit https://glhunt.com/foundation-repair/ for more information.

How to Repair Common Foundation Problems

If you notice that any of your doors or windows are starting to stick, it is important that you have your foundation inspected as soon as possible. Virtually all foundation problems are fixable. However, the problems are generally much easier and less costly to fix if they are caught immediately.

Many settlement problems can be solved through the use of foundation piers. These piers are attached to the foundation and extend out some distance to more solid, stable soil in order to fully anchor the building into the ground and prevent it from further settling. In many cases, these piers can even be used to help jack the home back up should the settling be severe enough to warrant it.

In addition, the settlement problems could be caused by an improperly designed or built crawlspace. Many older homes suffer from issues with rotting floor joists or beams, which can easily cause the floor and home to sink in certain places and thus throw the doors and windows out of alignment. Alternatively, it could be that your crawlspace simply doesn’t have enough supports in place.

Most foundation problems aren’t all that difficult to fix. However, it is still important that you take action as soon as you notice the problem. Otherwise, you could quickly find your home facing even more serious structural issues. The best thing to do is let professional foundation repair experts handle the situation. If you are in the San Antonio, Dallas, or Fort Worth  area and have sticking windows or doors, contact GL Hunt today for a free estimate.