My House is Situated on an Eroding Cliff. What Now?

Erosion and Your Foundation

Living on an eroding cliffs can feel like your home’s security is slipping away. Erosion can weaken your foundation, putting your property and family at risk. Fortunately, solutions, such as foundation repair and pier stabilization, can help you protect your home, ensuring it remains stable and secure.

Your House is Situated on an Eroding Cliffs

Erosion isn’t just a visual issue; it has severe implications for the stability of your home. As soil erodes, it can cause the ground beneath your home to shift, leading to cracks in the walls, uneven floors, and doors that no longer close correctly. These are all signs of foundation issues that should not be ignored. Acting quickly is crucial to avoid further damage if you notice these symptoms. The risk to your home’s foundation grows as the soil beneath it deteriorates, potentially leading to structural collapse.

Foundation Repair Options

Addressing the foundation is critical for homes situated on eroding cliffs. Several methods are available for foundation repair, depending on the severity of the erosion and the foundation’s state. Solutions like soil stabilization and underpinning can be used to reinforce your foundation. Building code guidelines typically require any repair solution to meet strict standards to ensure long-term stability, especially in areas prone to erosion. Reinforcing the foundation ensures your home stays level, even if the surrounding soil continues to shift. However, it’s important to note that these repairs can be costly, with the price varying depending on the extent of the damage and the chosen solution.

Pier Stabilization

Pier stabilization is another effective solution, especially for cliff side homes. It involves installing deep steel piers beneath your foundation to reach more stable soil or bedrock. These piers take on the weight of your home, bypassing the unstable, eroded soil entirely. This method is beneficial for homes experiencing vertical settlement due to soil erosion. Pier stabilization offers homeowners a long-term solution that complies with building codes and provides a solid base for their homes.  

What Homeowners Can Do Now

If your home is showing signs of foundation damage due to erosion, the first step is to consult a structural engineer who can assess the severity of the damage. Their expertise determines your home’s best course of action, whether foundation repair or pier stabilization. Additionally, consulting local authorities or professionals familiar with Building code guidelines is essential to ensure your repair meets legal requirements. Regular inspections and foundation maintenance can also prevent future damage and keep your home safe.

Where Foundation Repair Can Help

Living on an eroding cliffs can be concerning, but timely foundation repair or pier stabilization intervention can save your home. Addressing the problem early and following expert guidance ensures your home stays safe, even in challenging terrain. If you suspect your foundation may be compromised, it’s crucial to act quickly to secure the future of your property. Remember, the longer you wait, the more extensive the damage could become. For help with faulty foundations, check out Atlantic Foundation and Repair, located in Eastern North Carolina. Atlantic Foundation has been serving homes throughout this part for years and offers homeowners free consultations. Our services include foundation repair, crawlspace encapsulation, and installation of piers such as The Stabilizor.

FAQ

1. Can I cover my home on a cliff under homeowner’s insurance?

Look for insurance companies that offer landslide coverage, earthquakes, and floods. FEMA underwrites policies for floods and earthquakes, but you must review policies for random landslides with the insurance company.

2. What are some additional options to secure my home? Building a retaining wall helps, homeowner’s insurance with an “Act of God” clause and foundation maintenance are integral to making sure you are well prepared for any erosion ahead. Beach houses need to undergo regular inspection and possibly foundation correction. Consider encapsulation for the lower regions of the home that are enclosed.

Sources-

-https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/civil-engineering-magazine/article/2016/09/written-documentation-may-alleviate-ethical-issues

-https://www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/2018-i-codes/ibc/

-https://cfaconcretepros.org/resources/TN-002-Backfilling-Foundation-Walls-v05-2008.pdf

-https://www.nahb.org/blog/2023/07/sponsored-content-mono-slab-ez-form