Sticking Doors & Windows
Sticking Doors & Windows: What It Means for Your Foundation
When doors and windows begin sticking, won’t close properly, or show gaps around the frames, it may be more than a simple hardware issue—it can be an early sign of foundation settlement. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services provides expert diagnosis and repair for misaligned doors and windows caused by shifting or sinking foundations. Addressing the root cause ensures your home remains safe, stable, and functional.
Understanding the Causes of Sticking Doors & Windows
Sticking doors or windows are often caused by movement in the foundation beneath your home. Common causes include:
- Foundation settlement, which shifts the structure and causes frames to become misaligned
- Gaps around door or window frames, indicating movement in surrounding walls
- Wall cracks near doors and windows, caused by structural stress
- Foundation cracks below or near affected openings, pointing to shifting soils
- Uneven or sinking sections of the home, which place pressure on frames and cause sticking
- Soil movement from moisture changes, creating expansion or shrinkage under the foundation
These issues may seem minor at first, but they often signal deeper structural problems that require professional attention.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Many homeowners try to fix sticking doors and windows by adjusting the frame or hardware. While this may offer temporary relief, it does not address the underlying foundation problem. Leveling and stabilizing the foundation is typically the only long-term solution.
If you notice gaps, sticking doors, misaligned windows, or cracks around frames, contact Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services right away. We’ll identify the root cause and provide a permanent repair solution so the issue doesn’t return.
Solutions for Sticking or Misaligned Windows
Foundation Underpinning to Re-Level the Home
Sticking, hard-to-open, or misaligned windows are often signs of foundation settlement. Matthews Wall Anchor & Waterproofing Services installs ECP steel push piers and helical piers to stabilize and lift the settling portions of your home. Underpinning helps to:
- Re-level the home and restore proper window alignment
- Reduce stress on window frames and sashes
- Prevent continued shifting that leads to further interior damage
- Provide long-term structural stability
Wall Anchors for Structural Movement
If the window misalignment is caused by bowing or shifting foundation walls, Matthews Wall Anchor installs wall anchors to stabilize and straighten the affected walls. These reinforcement systems:
- Counteract lateral soil pressure
- Straighten bowing or leaning walls
- Protect window openings from continued movement
- Strengthen the surrounding structure
Comprehensive Foundation Evaluation
Before recommending any repairs, Matthews Wall Anchor performs a full foundation inspection to identify the cause of the window issues. Since window misalignment is often tied to settlement or shifting walls, diagnosing the root problem is essential for long-term results. Our evaluation identifies:
- Foundation settlement patterns
- Wall movement or bowing
- Structural separation
- Areas needing underpinning or anchoring
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.
Request a Free Estimate
Get a free, no-obligation inspection from Matthews Wall Anchor—trusted specialists in foundation repair, waterproofing, and structural stability.
