Long Island’s 1970s Split-Level Homes Face a Foundation Crisis That’s Hitting Peak Severity in 2024
Across Long Island’s suburban landscape, thousands of split-level homes built during the 1970s construction boom are experiencing unprecedented foundation failures. These homes were built on concrete slab-on-grade foundations with thickened edges, and over the 40-plus years of the home’s existence, soil erosion has taken its toll on sloping sites as the soil slowly migrates downhill. What seemed like solid construction five decades ago is now revealing critical structural vulnerabilities that are reaching crisis levels in 2024.
The Perfect Storm: Why 1970s Foundations Are Failing Now
The foundation problems plaguing Long Island’s 1970s split-level homes stem from multiple converging factors. Homeowners should look for tell-tale stair-step and diagonal cracks, especially on the down-side of slopes, indicative of settlement, along with areas where the base of the foundation is beginning to become exposed. Other factors, such as expansive clay in the soil under the home, can also cause foundation distress over time.
Long Island’s soil is primarily sandy and silty, which can shift easily under pressure, while Brooklyn and Queens have more clay-heavy soil in certain areas, which expands and contracts with moisture, leading to foundation movement. This soil composition, combined with decades of freeze-thaw cycles and changing water tables, has created the perfect conditions for foundation instability.
The construction methods of the 1970s era contribute significantly to today’s problems. Galvanized steel water supply pipe was often used for 1970s homes but has a 40 to 50 year lifespan due to rust buildup—which is approximately the age of these homes. Additionally, many of these foundations lack adequate reinforcement and modern waterproofing systems that we consider standard today.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Homeowners should be vigilant for specific indicators of foundation distress. What you should look for are cracks larger than about 1/8″ across (that you easily can stick two quarters into) and/or that have differential (one side is kicked-out higher than the other). Differential is usually the result of significant movement.
Other warning signs include doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly, visible water damage in basements, and floors that feel uneven or bouncy. Water is the most common cause of foundation damage. It can lead to erosion, settlement, and structural damage over time.
The Long Island Advantage: Professional Foundation Solutions
Fortunately, Long Island homeowners have access to experienced professionals who understand the unique challenges of the region’s aging housing stock. For over 25 years, Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing has been the trusted name for masonry and waterproofing services. Anything from wet basements and foundation cracks to water damage, they’ve helped homeowners protect their homes with reliable solutions that last.
The company’s deep understanding of Long Island’s specific soil conditions and construction history makes them particularly well-suited to address 1970s foundation issues. Diamond Basement Waterproofing, a division of Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing, has been servicing Long Island since 2000. They are a family-owned business, and operate efficiently without a lot of overhead like many of the larger companies servicing the Long Island market.
Modern Solutions for Vintage Problems
Today’s foundation repair technology offers sophisticated solutions for addressing these vintage foundation challenges. Professional foundation repair long island specialists can implement various repair strategies depending on the specific type and severity of damage.
Steel piers are driven deep into stable soil or bedrock to provide a permanent foundation support system. They are long-lasting and prevent further settlement. For less severe issues, other solutions like underpinning, polyurethane foam injection, or exterior waterproofing may be appropriate.
At Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing, they’ve got the expertise to keep your foundation safe with the care, precision, and quality your home deserves. Their approach combines traditional masonry expertise with modern materials and techniques specifically designed for Long Island’s coastal conditions.
The Cost of Waiting
No homeowner wants to deal with a foundation problem, especially since many people associate foundation repair with expensive and invasive projects. However, correctly identifying a foundation problem before it becomes too severe is the key to limiting the scope of the damage.
The aging housing stock crisis means that delaying repairs will only make problems worse and more expensive. The U.S. owner-occupied housing stock is aging rapidly especially after the Great Recession, as residential construction continues to fall behind in the number of new homes built. With a lack of sufficient supply of new construction, the aging housing stock signals a growing remodeling market, as old structures need to add new amenities or repair/replace old components.
Taking Action in 2024
For Long Island homeowners with 1970s split-level homes, 2024 represents a critical time to address foundation issues proactively. Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing’s commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in their outstanding reviews. Their job isn’t done until you are fully satisfied.
The combination of aging infrastructure, environmental factors, and the natural settling process means that these foundation problems will continue to worsen without intervention. However, with proper professional assessment and repair, these homes can continue to serve families for decades to come.
Don’t wait for small cracks to become major structural issues. The foundation crisis affecting Long Island’s 1970s split-level homes is real, but it’s also entirely manageable with the right expertise and timely action. Contact qualified foundation repair professionals to assess your home’s condition and protect your investment for the future.