Soil quality can vary greatly, which can make installing a foundation difficult. Because of the differences in soil quality, foundation settlement is never the same across homes or businesses. Uneven foundation settling can is the leading cause of foundation or concrete slab cracking and shifting.

When a foundation or slab experiences uneven settlement and cracking, the wood frame that supports the structures above tend to bend and skew. This leads to window and door frames that warp and are difficult to open or close. It also caused dipping in floors.

Another side effect of foundation settling is drywall damage. Drywall is attached to wooden studs inside of the wall, and is not flexible enough to withstand the shifting of the wood. Thus, cracking begins. You will notice cracks appear most readily around the corners of your home, windows, or doors. If your home has a brick exterior, foundation settling will cause your brick or stone to crack as well.