Foundation Damage?
Your house is a great investment and you should ensure it is properly maintained. The foundation is the stronghold of the house and once it is damaged, the other house structures are at risk. Many signs will help one notice a damaged foundation. These signs include/; bowing walls, leaning chimneys, wall cracks, floor cracks, and even sloping floors. In this article, we are going to talk about the various causes of foundation damage. Once you notice any signs of a damaged foundation, you can reach out to a foundation repair expert for help. There are many foundation repair experts. For instance, foundation repair Irving, Tx.
Hereby are the causes of foundation damage.
- The forces of water. Water is one of the common causes of foundation damage. This is because water exerts hydrostatic pressure which may cause foundation damage. Increased rate of hydrostatic pressure results in the movement of walls. Foundation movements will begin to occur once the soil components start to shrink due to excess moisture. Damages can also be a result of poor drainage systems. Once there is a plumbing leak in the foundation, the building becomes prone to damage. The excess moisture in the foundation can be a result of snow melts or even heavy rains.
- Expansive soil. The type of soil within the foundation can also contribute to foundation damage. Soils that are expansive such as clay and sand soil are more likely to cause foundation movements. Clay soil will act like an exfoliator meaning it will contact and expand in the basement. The moisture contents in these types of soil cause foundation damage.
- Extreme seasonal cycles. Changing seasonal cycles can cause foundation damage. It is always advisable to check for signs of foundation damage if you stay in regions that change between floods and drought. Changes in moisture content in the soil will contribute to foundation issues.
- Poor construction. Poor construction can also be the cause of foundation damage. Poor soil preparation by the builders can make the foundation weaker. The contractors need to be aware of the type of soil they are using during construction to prevent future problems. They can use chemical grout injection to solidify the loose soil before laying the foundation. As a homeowner, you should consider getting a credible builder who is experienced enough in construction. If you are moving into a new house that has already been constructed, get an expert to inspect the foundation before negotiating the payments.
- Fill soil compression. Improperly compacted fill soil may result in foundation damage. This will occur if the fill dirt below the basement was poorly compacted. Once these are poorly don, slab–on–grade foundations will be created hence causing foundation settlement. While constructing a house you need to be aware that soil compaction determines the stability of your foundation.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, there are many causes of foundation damage. The above article has illustrated some of the potential causes. These causes include poor construction, improperly compacted fill soil, expansive soil, forces of water, and even extreme seasonal cycles. A foundation repair expert can help fix the foundation damage.