Common Issues That Lead To Foundation Damage
A failing foundation is a serious matter that requires immediate attention. Even a minor crack in the foundation can damage your doors, your walls, and put the integrity of your roof in jeopardy. In short, foundation damage is dangerous. However, foundation repair is sometimes complicated because it's not enough to simply correct the symptoms, you have to get to the root cause of the issue. Learn some common scenarios that can cause damage to your foundation.
Plumbing Problems
A leaking pipe can damage a foundation. When water leaks from a pipe and settles around the foundation, the moisture can soften the concrete. As the concrete softens, it weakens the foundation and leads to damage. In this instance, you need to repair the foundation, but not before you correct the plumbing problem.
Weather Changes
If your home is in a moderate climate and you experience a long drought, the shift in the weather can lead to foundation problems. As the ground gets drier, the soil will contract, and any shift in the soil will cause a shift in the foundation, which could lead to cracking. You can't change the weather, but an irrigation schedule for your lawn may be able to keep your soil moist.
Overgrown Roots
Large trees typically have large roots. When a tree grows, and its roots expand, it's not uncommon for the root system to make its way all the way to the foundation. The solid concrete of a foundation is typically no match for a powerful root system and will press into the foundation and cause cracking, as a result. Remove any large trees near your home to correct the issue.
Poor Installation
A foundation is only as safe as its installation. An issue in the ground preparation, such as poor soil compacting or a lack of steel reinforcement for the foundation during application will eventually lead to an issue. If your foundation issue involves this scenario, you will need to have extensive repairs performed to correct the original issues.
Poor Drainage
You learned that too little moisture is problematic, but too much moisture is equally dangerous. If you do not have a good drainage system in place, the moisture will settle around the foundation and create a scenario similar to what would take place with a plumbing leak. Check that your gutters are clean, and your storm drains are clear to ensure water can roll off from your yard.
A foundation repair professional can determine the root cause of your foundation issues and repair the problem for you. If you suspect a problem with your foundation, don't hesitate to contact a repair professional.