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Writer's pictureElisa Cool Murphy

Foundation 101: 3 Reasons Why Your House is Leaning

Updated: Nov 18, 2023


Ever looked up at a home that seems to need someone to lean on harder than a Bill Wither's song?

As a Realtor in New Orleans, I've seen my fair share of unique housing challenges. One of the most intriguing and often misunderstood is the wonky floor, the springy hallway, the leaning house.


In fact, foundation issues are common in our city, but when we understand the root cause, efforts can be made to eliminate the issue. Experts can then repair, replace, and re-level if needed. And, I'm here to shed some light on the three main reasons leans occur; the last reason will surprise you.





1. Soft Ground:

In the land of jazz, the ground tends to move and groove beneath us. We live in a river delta, and our water table - and lack of naturally occurring stone - creates a certain softness to the soil around us.


This softness is typically caused by water saturating the soil. The volume of rain we receive each year (5'3" in any given year) prevents it from adequately airing out. And manmade features can help or hinder this saturation.


For example, a lack of or improperly functioning gutters often leads to a lopsided house. When rainwater isn't directed away from your foundation, it can make the earth beneath your home soft and unstable.


Additionally, collapsed or broken water mains, including sewers and plumbing, can wreak havoc on the ground's stability.


And then there is the grading of the land itself; improper grading can allow water to pool near your home, further softening the ground and causing that infamous lean.





2. Weight:

Now, let's talk about weight distribution. An improperly balanced house can start to lean over time. Additions like a camelback or enclosed porch may not have been adequately supported when they were built, and this can lead to a shift in the house's balance.


Enclosed garages, carports, and other additions can also weigh down one side or end of your home, causing it to tilt.


Removing supporting walls or beams without proper reinforcement can be another culprit behind your house's crooked appearance. Over time, the house may start to settle unevenly, creating a noticeable slant.




3. The Surprising One: Drought

Now, here's the curveball: drought. It might seem counterintuitive in a city known for its humidity, but drought conditions can significantly impact your home's foundation.


During a drought, the soil can compact, causing the house to settle unevenly. As the ground dries out, tree and plant root systems can expand in search of water, further destabilizing the soil around your foundation.


Drought can also reveal hidden issues that were less visible when the soil was saturated. Cracks in slab foundations, loose earth around raised foundations, and structural weaknesses become more apparent, making your house's lean even more noticeable.




Need somebody to lean on?

If your New Orleans home is beginning to look like it needs some help to carry on, don't fret. There's a solution.


Certified structural engineers and skilled tradespeople are well-versed in handling these issues. They can assess the problem's scope, identify the source, and provide a solution tailored to your home's unique needs.


We leverage the best home inspectors in town when you buy a home and work with Team Cool Murphy. Every inspection includes a read of your home's level (it's called flooring differential) when it's inspected. Which can let you know just how severe the problem is. Four inches is considered average in Orleans Parish, according to our experts,

When seeking help, make sure the professionals understand the intricacies of raised homes, Orleans Parish, and the challenges that come with historic homes. Or turn to us, we can introduce you to some folks we trust.




Lean on Us

At Team Cool Murphy, we specialize in these good old homes. Whether you're thinking of selling or buying a home that needs some love, or you need some guidance in between, we're here for you.


So lean on us. You just might have a problem that we'd understand. And we want you to love where you live. We are ready to help you get there, one solid foundation at a time.




 

Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.


Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing agent in New Orleans and the founder and leader of Cool Murphy, LLC.



Contact Her -



Facebook: @homeinneworleans


IG: @coolmurphynola


YouTube: @coolmurphynola


phone: 504-321-3194

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