Sinking Foundation

Stop a Sinking Foundation Before It Damages Your Florida Home

When your foundation begins to sink, the warning signs can show up as cracks, uneven floors, or gaps around doors and windows. In Florida, sandy soils, high water tables, and frequent storms make foundations especially vulnerable. Spotting the issue early protects your home and saves on costly repairs.

Sinking foundation in a Northern Florida home showing wall cracks and settlement caused by sandy soils and high water tables.

Why a Sinking Foundation Puts Florida Homes at Risk?

Is your home showing signs of sinking—like widening cracks or doors that no longer close? 

 

A sinking foundation is more than cosmetic damage; it’s a red flag that your home’s structure is shifting. In Florida, foundations are constantly under pressure from sandy soils, storm surges, and high water tables. As soil washes away or compresses unevenly, parts of the foundation sink, putting stress on the entire structure.

 

If left untreated, this issue worsens—causing structural instability, reduced property value, and potential safety hazards. At LUX Foundation Solutions, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing sinking house foundations with permanent solutions engineered for Florida conditions.

Signs of Sinking Foundation Issues

If you notice any of these warning signs, your foundation may be sinking:

  • Cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings (especially widening or diagonal ones).
  • Uneven or sloping floors.
  • Gaps between floors, walls, or ceilings.
  • Sticking doors and windows that no longer align.
  • Visible settling of porches, chimneys, or exterior walls.
  • Water intrusion or dampness in the crawl space or basement.

If you notice any of these signs in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Gainesville, Ocala, or Palm Coast, contact LUX Foundation Solutions for a free assessment and professional advice.

What Causes Foundations to Sink in Florida?

Foundation sinking rarely has one single cause. In Florida, it’s usually the result of a mix of soil conditions, water, and climate. Understanding the triggers helps identify the right repair method.

Illustration of hydrostatic pressure pushing against a foundation wall, causes of sinking foundation in Middleburg, FL.

Hydrostatic Pressure

During heavy rains or hurricanes, water builds up around foundations. This pressure pushes against the structure, softening the soil and forcing walls or footings to settle unevenly. In Florida, frequent storms are a leading cause of foundation sinking.

Soil erosion beneath a foundation, leaving voids that cause sinking foundation in Gainesville, FL.

Soil Erosion & Washout

Florida’s sandy soils are easily washed away by rain, drainage issues, or flooding. As soil erodes beneath your foundation, empty voids form, leaving the structure unsupported. Over time, the weight of your home causes sections to sink into the gaps.

High groundwater beneath a Northern Florida home, causes of sinking foundation in Palm Coast, FL.

High Water Tables

Many Florida homes sit above naturally high water tables. This constant saturation keeps the soil soft and unstable. When soils lose their ability to bear weight, your foundation gradually sinks, leading to cracks and uneven settlement across the structure.

A machine fixing the poor compaction soil, one of the causes of sinking foundation.

Poor Compaction / Aging Construction

If soil beneath your home wasn’t compacted properly during construction—or if your home is older with outdated materials—over time, the foundation can compress unevenly. This weak base creates settlement problems that worsen as the home continues to age.

Pooling water near a foundation weakening soil, causes of sinking foundation in Orange Park, FL.

Poor Drainage

Improper drainage or poor grading around the foundation allows water to pool. This excess moisture causes the soil to expand, shift, or erode, which leads to the sinking of the foundation. This problem is especially common in areas with heavy rainfall, like Florida.

Our Proven Solutions for Sinking Foundations

Every sinking house foundation is different, depending on soil conditions and severity. At LUX, we use proven systems engineered for Florida homes. Each solution is minimally disruptive, warranty-backed, and designed to permanently stabilize your foundation.

 

Here are some of the most effective solutions we offer:

What if my foundation has settled significantly?

For homes with significant foundation settlement, push piers are the most effective solution. At LUX, we install GripTite steel piers deep into stable soil beneath your home. These piers lift and stabilize the foundation, restoring its level position and ensuring long-term stability.

My house is built on soft or shifting soil—what’s the best fix?

If your home is on soft or shifting soil, helical piers are the ideal solution. LUX Foundation Solutions installs GripTite helical steel piers deep into the ground, anchoring your foundation securely to stable soil. 

 

These piers are particularly effective in areas with loose or sandy soil, common in Florida, providing a solid anchor to support your foundation and prevent further movement. Perfect for areas with sandy or loose soil, helical piers offer long-term stability.

Can moisture cause my foundation to sink, and how can I prevent it?

Yes, interior and exterior waterproofing are crucial for preventing sinking foundations. In Florida, high moisture and water tables can weaken the soil beneath your home, causing foundation issues. 

At LUX, we address moisture intrusion by installing interior and exterior waterproofing systems that protect your foundation from water seepage. By solving drainage issues and sealing vulnerable areas, we prevent further damage caused by high water tables and humidity, which are common in Florida.

Get a Free Estimate for Expert Sinking Foundation Repair in Florida

A sinking foundation won’t fix itself—it only gets worse. Acting early protects your home’s value, safety, and stability. LUX Foundation Solutions offers free inspections, expert diagnosis, and proven repair systems engineered for Florida’s unique soils and storms.

 

If you’ve noticed sinking foundations in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Gainesville, Ocala, or Palm Coast, don’t wait until repairs become more costly. Call today at 904-921-3589 or fill out the free estimate form for a no-obligation foundation repair estimate to restore confidence in your home’s foundation.

Request a free Estimate

Sinking Foundation FAQ’s

Can a sinking foundation be fixed in St. Augustine?

Yes, sinking foundations in St. Augustine can be permanently fixed. At LUX, we use push piers or helical piers to stabilize your home by anchoring it deep into solid soil layers. In many cases, we can even lift your foundation back to level, restoring stability and value to your home.

How much foundation sinking is acceptable in Jacksonville?

In Jacksonville, any visible sinking should be treated as a warning sign. Florida’s sandy soils and high water tables make even small foundation settlement dangerous, as it can quickly spread and cause cracks, uneven floors, or sticking doors and windows. A free assessment from LUX ensures problems are addressed early before costly damage develops.

How expensive is it to fix a sinking foundation in Gainesville?

The cost to fix a sinking foundation in Gainesville depends on the severity and method. Minor settlement may be stabilized with fewer piers, while widespread sinking requires more extensive solutions. LUX provides free estimates so Gainesville homeowners know the exact cost before repairs begin—ensuring transparency and peace of mind.

Can you sell a house with a sinking foundation in Ocala?

Selling a home in Ocala with a sinking foundation is possible, but buyers often demand repairs before closing. A house with sinking foundation issues reduces its value and delays sales. LUX provides warrantied repairs that restore structural stability—helping Ocala homeowners protect their investment and confidently move forward with selling their property.

Is it safe to live in a house with a sinking foundation in Palm Coast?

In Palm Coast, living with a sinking house foundation can be risky. As settlement worsens, cracks, sloping floors, and misaligned doors threaten safety and stability. LUX offers free assessments and proven pier systems to make your Palm Coast home safe, stable, and secure for your family.

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