Foundation Settlement

Q: One side of my home in Gainesville has sunk more than the other—can it be stabilized?

Yes, but first LUX performs a full inspection to measure settlement depth and identify soil conditions. In cases of significant settlement, especially common in Gainesville and Ocala, we recommend our GripTite Push Piers solution. These steel piers are hydraulically driven down to load-bearing soil or bedrock, then used to lift and permanently stabilize the foundation. This proven method restores structural integrity and prevents further sinking.

Q: We’re seeing long cracks across our concrete slab floor—can this be repaired without replacing the whole slab?

Yes. Slab Piers are specifically designed for homes where only the interior concrete slab is settling, not the perimeter foundation. This is especially common in Florida, where poor compaction or subsurface washout causes hidden gaps under your slab. LUX carefully cores small holes in the affected areas and drives steel piers deep into stable soils. Once anchored, the slab is gently lifted and stabilized, and the access points are restored with fresh concrete—no need to tear up your entire floor.

Q: We live on the coast in Palm Coast, and our foundation is shifting. Is there a pier system for loose, sandy soils?

In areas with loose, granular soils like Palm Coast, we recommend Helical Piers. These screw-like steel shafts are mechanically driven into the ground and offer immediate load-bearing support. At LUX, we use GripTite Helical Piers when the soil is too soft or loose for traditional driven piers. They're especially ideal for homes near the shoreline impacted by erosion, runoff, or unstable fill soils, and they’re engineered for long-term resilience even in storm-prone areas.

Q: How much will a foundation settle before it becomes a problem in Ocala, FL?

In areas like Ocala, even a house settling of ½ inch can cause noticeable signs—like wall cracks or jammed doors. Florida's sandy soil makes this movement more likely over time. During our free assessment , we use precision tools to determine if the settlement is progressing and whether stabilization using a piers solution is needed to prevent costly damage.

Q: When should I start worrying about foundation settlement in Gainesville, FL?

In Gainesville, watch for stair-step cracks in brick, uneven floors, or windows that won’t close—especially after heavy rain or dry spells. These are all early signs of foundation trouble. We always recommend a foundation inspection to confirm whether what you’re seeing is normal settling or a deeper issue needing structural repair.

Q: How much does it cost to repair foundation settlement in Florida?

Foundation settlement repair costs vary depending on severity and the chosen solution—push piers, helical piers, or slab piers. Florida’s soil and water conditions influence the scope of work. LUX provides free estimates so homeowners understand repair costs upfront.

Q: What happens if I ignore foundation settlement?

Ignoring settlement can lead to worsening cracks, structural instability, water intrusion, and reduced property value. In Florida’s climate, problems progress quickly. If you don’t want the settlement to become a safety hazard, contact LUX for a free estimate.

Q: Are cracks from house settling dangerous in St. Augustine, FL?

Yes. In St. Augustine, foundation settlement cracks are common—but they’re often more than cosmetic. Diagonal wall cracks, corner separations, and widening gaps suggest shifting foundations. These can indicate structural issues—not just normal house settling We offer free evaluations to identify if cracks are caused by normal settling or structural movement. If needed, we install pier systems to stop further cracking and restore stability.

Understanding Foundation Settlement in Florida Homes

Do you see uneven floors, wall cracks, or doors sticking in your Florida home? These may be early signs of foundation settlement, a serious issue caused by shifting soils, water intrusion, or sinkhole activity. Ignoring the settlement allows damage to spread, risking structural safety and costly repairs.

What is Foundation Settlement in Florida?

Foundation settling happens when the soil beneath your home can no longer support its weight, causing parts of the foundation to sink or shift unevenly. In Florida, where homes sit on a mix of sandy, clay-rich, and moisture-sensitive soils, this issue is especially common.

As your house foundation settles, it places stress on your entire structure—leading to cracking walls, sloping floors, and doors or windows that jam or won’t close properly. Left untreated, these problems can escalate into major structural damage.

At LUX Foundation Solutions, we provide permanent, engineered foundation settlement repairs designed for Florida’s soils and climate to stabilize your home and restore peace of mind.

Schedule a free estimate

Warning Signs of Foundation Settlement Issues

Noticing any of these signs around your home? You might be dealing with foundation settlement—and the sooner it’s addressed, the better.

Here are the most common signs to watch for:

Diagonal cracks near doors or windows.
Stair-step cracks in brick or block walls.
Uneven or sloping interior floors.
Chimneys or porches pulling away from the home.
Gaps around windows, doors, or baseboards.
Sticking doors and windows.

These signs often mean your foundation is shifting under pressure. Florida’s climate accelerates soil changes, making settlement worse over time. Don’t wait—schedule a free, professional foundation assessment with LUX Foundation Solutions today.

Diagonal cracks near doors or windows

Stair-step cracks in brick or block walls

Uneven or sloping interior floors

Chimneys or porches pulling away from the home

Gaps around windows, doors, or baseboards

Sticking doors and windows

Common Causes of Foundation Settlement in Florida

Foundation settlement rarely happens overnight. In Florida, it’s usually caused by a combination of soil, water, and weather.

Soil Erosion & Washout

Florida’s sandy soils wash away quickly during heavy rains and flooding, leaving voids beneath the foundation. Without consistent soil support, parts of the structure settle at different rates, causing uneven sinking, cracks, and long-term house foundation settling problems.

High Water Tables

Florida’s naturally high water tables keep soils saturated, reducing their ability to support weight. As moisture builds, soil softens and loses strength, causing uneven sinking beneath the foundation. Over time, this leads to foundation settlement cracks and structural instability in homes.

Poor Compaction During Construction

If the soil wasn’t compacted properly during construction, the weight of the home gradually compresses it. This uneven support causes parts of the structure to sink more than others. Poor compaction is a common trigger for foundation settling problems in Florida homes.

Drought and Soil Shrinkage

Extended dry spells in Florida cause clay and sandy soils to dry, shrink, and pull away from the foundation. This contraction removes support, allowing uneven sinking to occur. The process often produces visible cracks from house settling and sloping floors over time.

Tree Roots and Vegetation Near the Home

Large trees and thick vegetation draw significant moisture from Florida’s soils, especially during dry periods. As the soil dries and shrinks, it loses strength and consistency. This uneven support around the foundation leads to gradual settlement of the house and visible structural cracks.

Each of these factors affects homes differently depending on the location—whether you’re in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Palm Coast, or Ocala. That’s why LUX performs detailed inspections to uncover the root cause and recommend the right solution.

Our Proven Foundation Settlement Repairs

At LUX Foundation Solutions, we don’t just patch cracks—we know how to fix foundation settlement and permanently stabilize your home using proven, engineered foundation repair services built for Florida’s unique soils and weather. Our proven solutions for settling foundations are:

Push Piers

Helical Piers

Slab piers

One side of my home in Gainesville has sunk more than the other—can it be stabilized?

Yes, but first LUX performs a full inspection to measure settlement depth and identify soil conditions. In cases of significant settlement, especially common in Gainesville and Ocala, we recommend our GripTite Push Piers solution.

These steel piers are hydraulically driven down to load-bearing soil or bedrock, then used to lift and permanently stabilize the foundation. This proven method restores structural integrity and prevents further sinking.

We’re seeing long cracks across our concrete slab floor—can this be repaired without replacing the whole slab?

Yes. Slab Piers are specifically designed for homes where only the interior concrete slab is settling, not the perimeter foundation. This is especially common in Florida, where poor compaction or subsurface washout causes hidden gaps under your slab.

LUX carefully cores small holes in the affected areas and drives steel piers deep into stable soils. Once anchored, the slab is gently lifted and stabilized, and the access points are restored with fresh concrete—no need to tear up your entire floor.

We live on the coast in Palm Coast, and our foundation is shifting. Is there a pier system for loose, sandy soils?

In areas with loose, granular soils like Palm Coast, we recommend Helical Piers. These screw-like steel shafts are mechanically driven into the ground and offer immediate load-bearing support.

At LUX, we use GripTite Helical Piers when the soil is too soft or loose for traditional driven piers. They’re especially ideal for homes near the shoreline impacted by erosion, runoff, or unstable fill soils, and they’re engineered for long-term resilience even in storm-prone areas.

View more Foundation Repair Solutions

Don’t Let Problem Worsen—Fix Settling Foundations in Florida Today

Foundation settlement in Florida only gets worse with time—and fast. With heavy rains, hurricanes, and shifting soil, a small crack today could turn into major damage tomorrow.

If you’re noticing signs of sinking, shifting, or cracks, schedule your free, no-obligation assessment with LUX Foundation Solutions today.

Our team provides professional foundation repair services in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and surrounding areas.

Call 904-921-3589 or fill out the free estimate form today—LUX Foundation Solutions is your partner in permanent structural repair.

Request a free Estimate

Foundation Settlement FAQ’s

How much will a foundation settle before it becomes a problem in Ocala, FL?

In areas like Ocala, even a house settling of ½ inch can cause noticeable signs—like wall cracks or jammed doors. Florida’s sandy soil makes this movement more likely over time.

During our free assessment, we use precision tools to determine if the settlement is progressing and whether stabilization using a piers solution is needed to prevent costly damage.

When should I start worrying about foundation settlement in Gainesville, FL?

In Gainesville, watch for stair-step cracks in brick, uneven floors, or windows that won’t close—especially after heavy rain or dry spells. These are all early signs of foundation trouble.

We always recommend a foundation inspection to confirm whether what you’re seeing is normal settling or a deeper issue needing structural repair.

How much does it cost to repair foundation settlement in Florida?

Foundation settlement repair costs vary depending on severity and the chosen solution—push piers, helical piers, or slab piers. Florida’s soil and water conditions influence the scope of work. LUX provides free estimates so homeowners understand repair costs upfront.

What happens if I ignore foundation settlement?

Ignoring settlement can lead to worsening cracks, structural instability, water intrusion, and reduced property value. In Florida’s climate, problems progress quickly. If you don’t want the settlement to become a safety hazard, contact LUX for a free estimate.

Are cracks from house settling dangerous in St. Augustine, FL?

Yes. In St. Augustine, foundation settlement cracks are common—but they’re often more than cosmetic. Diagonal wall cracks, corner separations, and widening gaps suggest shifting foundations. These can indicate structural issues—not just normal house settling

We offer free evaluations to identify if cracks are caused by normal settling or structural movement. If needed, we install pier systems to stop further cracking and restore stability.