70% of Homes in Oak Hill City are 65+ years Old-Here’s Why That’s a Problem for Foundations

Cracked red and brown brick wall with visible mortar damage and repairs, located at a corner of a building.

Oak Hill is known for its historic charm, and nearly 70% of homes in this area are over 65 years old. They have withstood decades of Tennessee’s shifting soil, seasonal rains, and high humidity. While the old homes in Oak Hill have character, they also come with foundation concerns that homeowners should be aware of.

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Common Signs of Foundation Problems in Older Homes

If your home is one of the many aging properties in Oak Hill, here are some warning signs that you may need old home foundation repair:

Tape measure showing foundation movement.

Cracks in walls or ceilings: Look for hairline cracks in drywall that expand over time.
Uneven or sloping floors: An uneven or slanted fl oor may indicate foundation movement.
Sticking doors and windows: Difficulty opening or closing doors and windows can be a sign of shifting foundations.
Gaps between walls and floors: Foundation settling can create gaps between floors and walls inside your home.
Moisture issues in crawl spaces or basements: Dampness, musty odors, or visible water intrusion could be linked to foundation instability.

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the road. A shifting foundation can impact your home’s structural integrity, reducing its overall safety and value.

Why Do Foundations in Oak Hill Shift Over Time?

Most homes in Oak Hill were built on foundations that are now being tested by decades of environmental change. Over time, the ground beneath these homes has experienced cycles of expansion and contraction due to seasonal moisture fluctuations, causing the foundation to shift. Some of the most common causes include:

Heavy rainfall & poor drainage: Tennessee’s wet seasons can lead to high amounts of moisture in the soil, causing clay soil to expand and exert pressure on the foundation.
Soil shrinkage in dry seasons: During periods of drought, the soil contracts, creating voids that allow foundations to settle unevenly.
Aging construction materials: Older homes were built with materials that may not meet today’s durability standards, making them more susceptible to damage over time.

What Homeowners Can Do: DIY Checks

Thinking of doing an historic home renovation or just a simple fix up? It’s good to know your options. Before calling a professional, you can conduct simple checks to assess your foundation’s condition:

Inspect for exterior cracks: Walk around your home and check the foundation for visible cracks.
Test doors and windows: If they’re sticking or difficult to open, foundation settlement may be the cause.
Check for floor unevenness: Place a marble on the floor. If it rolls on its own, your foundation may be settling.
Look for moisture issues: A musty smell or water stains in your basement or crawl space could indicate foundation-related water problems.

When to Call a Professional for Foundation Repair

If your home is showing multiple and/or severe signs of foundation issues, it’s time to call an expert. Professional foundation repair can help prevent further structural damage and protect your investment.

Solutions may include pier systems, concrete lifting, crawl space encapsulation, or basement wall reinforcements to restore and stabilize your home’s foundation.

Protect Your Home’s Future With AFS

Inspector taking notes about foundation wall.

Oak Hill’s historic homes are a vital part of the community. However, owning an older home means staying proactive about maintenance—especially when it comes to foundation stability. If you’ve noticed any warning signs of foundation shifting, schedule a professional inspection to ensure your home remains safe and secure for years to come.

Need a professional foundation inspection? Contact AFS today for a free inspection and expert solutions to keep your home’s foundation strong!

Old Home Foundation Issues FAQs

Can clay soil affect other parts of my home besides the foundation?

Yes, clay soil can cause issues with driveways, sidewalks, and other structures, leading to cracks and uneven surfaces due to soil movement.

How can I tell if a crack is due to foundation problems?

Signs that a crack may be related to foundation issues include the crack being wider than 1/4 inch, the presence of stair-step or horizontal cracks, doors and windows that stick or won’t close, and cracks that continue to grow over time.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover wind damage to my foundation?

Coverage varies by policy; check with your insurance provider to understand what types of wind damage are covered under your policy, as some may require additional windstorm insurance.

Related Resources

Homeowner’s Guide to Clay Soil & Foundation Damage

Clay soil can cause foundation problems. Learn why here!

Are Foundation Cracks Normal?: When to Worry & How to Repair

One of the questions we see homeowners as all the time is "are foundation cracks normal?". The short answer is sometimes, but that doesn't mean they're "safe".

The Ultimate Guide to Foundation Repair in the Southeast USA

When foundation damage occurs, it puts your entire home at risk. In this guide, we'll outline the various ways to repair a foundation and why doing so is a valuable investment in the long-term.

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.