Does Trim or Molding Pulling Away From the ceiling Equal Foundation Problems?

misaligned trim and molding in Nebraska If the trim or molding in your home has begun to pull away from the ceiling, it may appear to be a cosmetic issue. Too often, however, this seemingly simple problem can be a harbinger of larger foundation problems.

That's not to say that crown molding pulling away from the ceiling always indicates foundation problems, but it does often enough to warrant a closer inspection.

What to Watch for With Misaligned Trim and Molding

1. Is the Problem Seasonal?

Humidity and moisture changes can cause wood to expand or contract. If the problem only crops up in summer or winter and remains relatively minor, humidity might be the cause.

2. Does It Suffer from Poor Installation

This is usually the first thing to check. If the trim work or molding was poorly constructed, or the materials have degraded over time, that can cause the pieces to begin to pull away from the ceiling.

3. Does Your Home Exhibit Other Signs of Foundation Failure?

Here are a few other signs of foundation problems to look for:

These signs, accompanied by misaligned trim and molding, usually indicate foundation settlement, and serious foundation settlement indicates foundation issues. Never overlook these problems because they can indicate much larger foundation issues.

Why Foundation Problems Can Lead to Misaligned Trim & Molding

So what causes misaligned trim and molding? These issues are a result of settlement, which can be caused by the following:

Soil weakness and fluctuating moisture content
Soil erosion
Soil saturation caused by poor drainage

As a house settles, it rarely settles evenly. Because of this, anything more than minor settlement will begin to shift portions of the house out of alignment. This can cause doors and windows to stick, floors to slant and, at times, trim and molding to pull away from the ceiling.

Misaligned Trim and Molding Solutions in NE

misaligned trim and molding solutions in nebraska To repair misaligned trim, our experts will first locate the root of the problem. If the foundation is causing the issues, the best solution will likely be to install either helical piers or steel push piers. Steel piers are driven deep into the soil below the foundation to stabilize the structure. Once stabilized, the foundation can raised and leveled.

Helical piers are also used to stabilize, support, and raise the foundation. The piers are screwed into the soil and the threads on the shaft of the piers add extra support for the foundation.

Which is better to use is often a matter of your home's particular situation, including the soil composition and bedrock depth beneath your home. Regardless, however, the function of the piers is the same. They provide the stable base for your home that the soil beneath it couldn't. The home will also be hydraulically lifted back to level. Once this happens, it should allow for the cosmetic side of the misaligned trim or molding to be fixed without worrying that the problem is just going to pop up again because you didn't solve the root issue.