The severity of misdiagnosis of these foundations are taught in classes throughout the world. There is a gap between engineering, Structural Engineering, Geo surveying, and the regular concrete contractor. This huge gap is where concrete-repairman has identified the missing link to answer the unknown questions that has only been speculation until now, proven, by James Belville

Which Way Is It Moving?

Guidelines for Diagnosing Heave, Subsidence and Settlement

Ron Kelm, P.E. | Nicole Wylie, P.E. | Forensic Engineers Inc. | Houston TX | www.forensicengineersinc.com

ABSTRACT

Heave, subsidence, and settlement describe soil movement that commonly affects residential and other lightly loaded foundations. Laypeople in the local foundation industry commonly refer to all three movement types as simply “settlement”. Many foundation repair contractors in lifting foundations do not guarantee their work for upward movements caused by heave, rather only the downward movements caused by subsidence and settlement. Misdiagnoses of heave, subsidence, and settlement are common, sometimes invalidating the repairs and warranties, and are usually due to the lack of understanding of the mechanisms behind each type of movement. This paper addresses these three movement types: their definitions, their causes, their diagnoses, their symptoms, and the appropriate repairs for each movement type. Other movement types are also briefly described.

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FAQs About Diagnosing Heave Subsidence and Settlement

Heave is upward movement, most often linked to moisture gain in expansive clay within the active zone. Settlement is downward movement caused by soil deformation under load when the soil cannot support the applied pressure without compressing. The direction of movement and the moisture history usually separate the two.

Yes. A property can subside during long term drying and later heave if moisture conditions increase again, such as after vegetation removal, irrigation changes, drainage corrections, or plumbing leak events. The movement can also vary by area, with one corner rising while another drops.

No. Cracks can result from heave, subsidence, settlement, temperature and shrinkage effects in concrete, or framing movement. Crack pattern, location, and whether elevation measurements show highs versus lows are key to identifying the likely mechanism.

A reliable approach combines relative elevation measurements, symptom mapping, and site condition evaluation. Elevations can show whether the slab has a high area that suggests heave or a low area that suggests subsidence or settlement. History and moisture clues help confirm the direction.

Large trees can withdraw significant moisture from clay soils, causing shrinkage and downward movement near the root zone. Over time, this can create perimeter drop, especially in soils with swell shrink potential. Tree removal can later change the moisture balance again.

Yes. Leaks under the slab or near the foundation can add moisture to expansive soils and trigger localized swelling. That can lift the slab and create cracking and distortion that may look different from classic drying related subsidence.

Drainage that concentrates water near the foundation can increase moisture in expansive soils and contribute to heave. Poor water management can also create inconsistent wet and dry zones that lead to differential movement. Drainage that leaves soils consistently dry near the perimeter can contribute to subsidence in expansive clay.

Sometimes, but not always. One inspection captures conditions at a single point in time. If the movement is seasonal or ongoing, monitoring over time, combined with elevation rechecks and observation after weather changes, can provide clearer evidence of movement direction and stability.

Depending on the property, diagnosis can involve elevation surveys, soil sampling and classification, moisture evaluation, and hydrostatic plumbing leak testing when leaks are suspected. Additional assessments may be used based on foundation type and construction details.

A strong report typically includes the scope of evaluation, documents reviewed, observations and photos, an elevation plan, discussion of factors affecting soil moisture, testing results when performed, and clear conclusions with repair or monitoring recommendations that match the evidence.

Why Trust Concrete Repairman

James Belville – Foundation Repairman™ – 480-725-7614

At Concrete Repairman LLC, we are proud to be a third generation foundation repair company with over 30 years of hands on experience. Led by James Belville, a master in concrete foundation repair, our team has served homeowners in Phoenix, Arizona, with unparalleled expertise and dedication. Floor grinding outcomes depend on the right tooling, a controlled approach, and understanding how the surface preparation affects the next finish system. Experience also matters when grinding intersects with broader slab performance concerns such as settlement, cracking, and edge movement.

Concrete Repairman LLC. Roc 300512 Licensed-Bonded-Insured Contractors of Arizona.

James Belville, a concrete and foundation repair expert, leads Concrete Repairman LLC. With over 30 years of experience, he provides top-quality repair solutions. Contact 602-418-2970 for expert foundation services.

A Legacy of Excellence in Foundation Repair

With over 30 years of hands-on experience, James Belville and the team at Concrete Repairman LLC have established themselves as trusted experts in foundation repair throughout the Phoenix Metro Area, serving communities like Ahwatukee, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, and beyond. Our reputation for delivering high-quality repair solutions is rooted in our unwavering commitment to excellence, ensuring that every project is completed with the utmost precision and care.

At Concrete Repairman LLC, we pride ourselves on being fully licensed, bonded, and insured, offering peace of mind to homeowners who entrust us with their foundation repairs. Our team of professionals prioritizes safety, quality workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction. We stand behind every repair with industry-leading warranties, demonstrating our confidence in the long-lasting durability of our services. Whether addressing small cracks or more significant foundation issues, we are committed to protecting the integrity of your home.

One of the common issues we encounter in Arizona foundations is efflorescence, a crystalline deposit caused by moisture intrusion. While it may appear harmless initially, efflorescence can be a warning sign of underlying problems such as cracks, stem wall deterioration, or basement moisture. Left unchecked, these issues can lead to significant structural damage. Our team specializes in diagnosing and repairing these moisture-related concerns, offering tailored solutions that prevent further damage and maintain your home’s long-term stability.

At Concrete Repairman LLC, call our Foundation Repair office in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area, including Gilbert, Glendale, Queen Creek, and Sun City. If you suspect foundation damage or want to protect your home from potential issues, contact us at  (602) 418-2970. Our expert team is ready to inspect thoroughly and offer the best repair solutions to safeguard your home for years.