Shifting Foundation

Foundation Shifting & Foundation Settlement

Foundation shifting or movement is a serious structural issue that requires immediate professional attention. When the foundation moves, so does the rest of your home—leading to wall cracks, sticking windows and doors, uneven floors, bowing walls, and widespread structural stress. If you notice signs of shifting or settlement, Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services can assess the damage and determine the right repair solution for your home in the Pittsburgh, PA area.

Understanding the Causes of Foundation Shifting

Shifting or moving foundations can occur for several reasons. The most common causes include:

Inconsistent moisture levels in the soil — Excess moisture increases hydrostatic pressure, pushing against the foundation and causing movement.
Poor soil compaction — Homes built on inadequately compacted soil may experience settling and shifting as the ground compresses over time.
Maturing tree roots — Large trees or shrubs planted too close to the foundation can damage walls and alter soil moisture, causing cracking and movement.
Aging homes — As concrete deteriorates over time, the foundation can weaken and become more susceptible to shifting.
Leaky plumbing — Broken or leaking pipes can saturate and expand the soil, increasing lateral pressure against the foundation walls.
Poor drainage — Improper grading, flower beds, or landscaping without adequate drainage can cause water to pool near the foundation and contribute to soil movement.

These conditions can lead to significant structural problems if not addressed promptly.

If you notice any signs of foundation damage, contact Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services. Our experts will identify the cause of your shifting or moving foundation and recommend the best foundation repair solution for your home’s needs.

Solutions for Shifting & Moving Foundations

Foundation Underpinning with Steel Piers

Shifting or moving foundations often require deep structural support to restore stability. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services installs ECP steel push piers to lift and support settled areas of your home. Steel piers help:

Stabilize foundations experiencing movement or sinking
Lift the structure back toward its original level
Transfer weight to stable, load-bearing soils
Prevent future foundation movement
Deliver long-term structural reliability

Helical Piers for Deep Soil Stability

Helical piers are another effective solution for homes affected by soil movement. These screw-like steel anchors are ideal for areas with weak or unstable soils and can be installed cleanly with minimal disturbance. Helical piers help:

Related Services

Foundation Repair

Moisture problems in a crawl space can signal deeper foundation issues such as settlement, sagging floors, or wall movement. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services provides professional foundation stabilization using helical piers, push piers, wall anchors, and structural supports to protect your home from long-term damage.

Crawl Space Repair

From sagging floors and rotted joists to failing support posts and moisture-damaged structures, our crawl space repair solutions address the underlying problems that contribute to mold growth. We reinforce, stabilize, and restore your crawl space to ensure structural integrity and a healthier environment throughout your home.

Waterproofing Solutions

Excess moisture is the root cause of most crawl space mold and mildew. Our interior and exterior waterproofing systems, sump pumps, drainage solutions, and vapor barriers work together to redirect water away from your home, reduce humidity, and create a dry, healthy environment under your house.

Hydroblox Residential Drainage Systems

Hydroblox panels provide high-efficiency drainage without the clogging issues of traditional pipe systems. Installed around crawl spaces or problem moisture areas, Hydroblox moves water quickly and consistently—helping keep your crawl space dry and preventing mold and mildew from returning.