Foundation Cracking & Flooring Issues
Garrett Forensics provides comprehensive forensic investigations into foundation cracking, slab movement, and flooring failures, including tile tenting, cracking, and separation. These issues can be complex, involving multiple potential causes such as moisture intrusion, soil movement, installation errors, construction deficiencies, or structural stress. Our experts apply industry-leading investigative techniques, advanced technology, and decades of real-world construction and forensic experience to determine the true cause of damage and provide clear guidance on solutions.
Understanding Foundation Cracking & Structural Movement
Foundation cracking and movement can develop for many reasons and often present early warning signs that should not be ignored. Whether the damage appears suddenly or slowly worsens over time, proper forensic evaluation is essential.
Common Warning Signs
– Visible cracks in the foundation, slab, or stem wall
– Horizontal, vertical, stair-step, or diagonal cracking patterns
– Cracks that widen over time or show signs of displacement
– Sloping floors or uneven interior surfaces
– Gaps between walls, baseboards, or flooring
– Doors or windows that bind, stick, or no longer close properly
– Cracks in drywall or ceilings that coincide with floor movement
Each of these signs may indicate active structural movement, settlement, moisture-related expansion, or construction deficiencies.
Causes of Foundation Cracking & Flooring Issues
1. Soil-Related Movement
– Soil conditions play a major role in the health of a foundation.
– Expansive clay soils swell with moisture and shrink when dry, causing slab movement.
– Poorly compacted soils beneath the foundation may collapse or shift over time.
– Soil erosion and washout due to drainage issues can remove support from under the slab.
– Differential settlement can cause cracking, tilting, or separation of flooring.
Our team evaluates soil behavior, moisture patterns, and settlement indicators to determine how the subsurface is affecting the structure.
2. Moisture Intrusion & Water-Related Problems
– Moisture is one of the most common contributors to foundation and flooring failures.
– Plumbing leaks beneath the slab
– Improper exterior drainage or grading
– Irrigation overspray or continuous saturation
– Groundwater intrusion after storms
– High vapor emissions through concrete slabs
Moisture can soften soils, trigger expansive soil movement, weaken flooring adhesives, or cause tile tenting. Garrett experts utilize moisture meters, thermal imaging, and site drainage analysis to identify sources.
3. Construction & Installation Deficiencies
Even well-designed structures can experience failure when proper construction practices are not followed.
– Insufficient slab reinforcement
– Incorrectly mixed or applied concrete
– Missing or improper expansion joints in tile installations
– Failure to properly prep the slab surface before flooring installation
– Use of incompatible adhesives or materials
These issues often become apparent only after environmental stress or structural movement occurs.
4. Environmental & External Forces
External events can also affect foundation and flooring performance.
– Temperature swings causing material expansion/contraction
– Seismic activity or ground vibration
– Heavy equipment or construction activities nearby
– Long-term climate impacts on moisture and soil conditions
Garrett Forensics evaluates whether such forces contributed to the observed failures.
Flooring Failures: Tile Tenting, Cracking & Separation
Tile tenting can occur suddenly and dramatically—sometimes lifting several inches off the floor. Cracking and separation can develop slowly or appear immediately following stress or moisture intrusion.
Common Causes of Tile Tenting & Cracking
– No expansion gaps along walls or fixed surfaces
– Failing thinset or adhesive bond
– Moisture trapped beneath the flooring system
– Slab movement due to settlement or soil expansion
– Thermal expansion from sun-exposed flooring
– Installing tile over improperly prepared surfaces
Our forensic investigations distinguish whether flooring failure is caused by installation errors, moisture conditions, foundation movement, or a combination of factors.
Our Forensic Investigation Process
Garrett Forensics follows a structured, multi-step process to ensure accurate, defensible conclusions.
1. Initial Consultation & Background Review
– Property history
– Reported issues and timelines
– Any previous repairs or claims
– Environmental conditions
Understanding the full context allows for more targeted and effective investigation.
2. Detailed On-Site Inspection
Our experts conduct a thorough evaluation of the property and affected areas. Inspections may include:
– Mapping floor elevations using laser or digital leveling equipment
– Crack pattern identification and classification
– Moisture readings, including subsurface moisture analysis
– Examination of tile bond strength and installation methods
– Assessment of foundation access points, drainage, and soil exposure
3. Documentation & Technical Measurement
We meticulously document all findings through:
– High-resolution photography
– Laser level diagrams
– Moisture and humidity readings
– Structural measurements
– Mapping of displacement or slab offsets
4. Forensic Analysis
Our team analyzes all physical evidence, environmental conditions, and construction details to determine:
– Primary cause of failure
– Secondary contributing factors
– Whether installation practices met industry standards
– Whether moisture, soil movement, or structural forces played a role
5. Clear, Objective Reporting
Every investigation concludes with a detailed, litigation-ready report that may include:
– Cause-and-origin determinations
– Damage assessment
– Photographic documentation
– Structural analysis findings
– Repair recommendations
– Expert opinions for insurance, legal, or engineering needs
