Foundation health determines the safety and stability of a home. The foundation performs the vital task of bearing the home’s weight and protecting it from external elements. However, the foundation is threatened by various external elements such as extreme weather, soil conditions, and water. Regular inspections and foundation repairs help protect your home’s foundation and structural integrity.
Water intrusion poses the biggest threat to the foundation, causing problems like cracks, mold, bowing, and weak structures. This common problem can be managed with preventive measures such as basement waterproofing, drainage system installation, and flood damage restoration. This blog aims to educate and encourage homeowners to take proactive solutions to manage foundation and water issues, and prevent extensive damage and expensive repairs.
Common Causes of Foundation Issues
The foundation is constantly under pressure from external elements like soil, water, and nearby construction. This pressure leads to issues like foundation cracks, leaks, bowing, and shifting. Common causes of foundation problems are:
Soil Movement: Expansive soil expands when it is wet and shrinks when it is dry, causing movement that leads to foundation settlement. Soil erosion and poor compaction also lead to uneven foundation settling.
Poor Drainage: A lack of proper drainage causes water to pool around the house rather than drain away. This accumulation affects the soil, putting hydrostatic pressure on the foundation and causing cracks, leaks, and bowing.
Plumbing Leaks and Underground Water: Prolonged plumbing leaks make their way down to the basement and pool around the foundation to weaken its structure. Underground water also causes soil saturation and makes the foundation unstable.
Vegetation: The roots of large trees might cause water accumulation and disturb soil structure, exerting pressure on the foundation walls and causing cracks and leaks.
Seasonal Changes: Changes in temperature and moisture levels cause soil to expand and shrink. This movement repeatedly stresses the foundation and causes cracks and uneven settling.
Signs of Foundation Damage
Homeowners should regularly inspect the foundation for signs of damage, such as:
- Cracks in the walls, ceilings, or floors
- Doors and windows that stick and won’t close
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Separation or cracks around the doors, windows, or garage frames
- Water intrusion in the basement or crawl space
Impact of Water on the Foundation
Water has the most damaging effect on the foundation of a home. Water around the foundation causes soil expansion, contraction, and erosion, which leads to uneven foundation shifting and settlement.
Water damage issues are more prevalent in areas with expansive soil and poor drainage systems. Poor drainage, clogged gutters, and short downspouts cause water from rainfall and flooding to pool around the foundation rather than drain away. This water seeps into the basement over time, weakening structures and causing foundation problems.
Long-term water intrusion causes mold, mildew, high humidity, and wood rot, weakening the foundation’s structures. They pose health risks and might lead to extensive damage and high repair costs. In the long run, the structural integrity of the home is compromised, causing air quality issues, health hazards, and loss of home value.
Foundation Repair Solutions
Foundation issues are critical but relatively common. Various repair solutions help to address issues and restore the foundation’s stability and strength. Some of the most effective foundation repair solutions are:
Piering Systems
Foundation settlement is inevitable for many homes, especially those with poor soil conditions, improper construction, and extreme weather conditions. Piering systems are among the most effective solutions for sinking foundations. Piering includes shifting the weight of the home from unstable soil to piers that are anchored into stable soil. Push and helical piers help stabilize the home’s foundation and lift it to its original level. They are the preferred solutions to provide immediate support and long-term stability to the home.
Crack Repair
External pressure and settlement cause cracks to form on foundation walls. Fixing small cracks on time helps to avoid larger cracks and water intrusion in the foundation. Epoxy injections and carbon fiber straps are the most effective crack repair solutions used by professionals. Epoxy injection is mainly used for small or mild cracks, whereas carbon fiber straps are used to reinforce weakened areas on foundation walls.
Waterproofing
Applying sealants and waterproof membranes helps to waterproof the foundation. Installing French drains and improving the drainage system also prevents water intrusion in the foundation.
Professional Inspections
Professional inspections are a must to identify foundation issues at the early stages and address them. Professionals diagnose the issue accurately and provide tailored solutions for the foundation. They address the root cause of the problem to ensure long-term safety and stability of your home.
Prevention Strategies for Water Damage
Here are some preventive measures to protect the foundation from water damage.
Proper Drainage System
A proper drainage system ensures that water from plumbing, rain, and flooding is diverted from your home. Installing French drains and surface drains along the house’s perimeter diverts rainwater and groundwater and prevents water intrusion in the foundation.
Gutter Maintenance and Downspout Extension
Your gutters should be properly inspected and repaired regularly to maintain functionality. Clearing any debris, fixing damages, and extending the downspouts further away from the foundation diverts water away from the home and prevents water damage.
Landscaping and Grading
The soil around the house should be sloping away from the foundation to direct water downhill and prevent water pooling. Large trees should not be planted near the foundation as their roots displace the soil and damage the foundation walls.
Sump Pump and Basement Waterproofing
Installing sump pumps and basement waterproofing systems is the best way to keep water away from the foundation, even during heavy rainfall and flooding. A sump pump collects excess water and drains it away from the basement to keep the foundation clean and dry. Other waterproofing methods include installing drain tiles, dehumidifiers, vapor barriers, and crawl space encapsulation.
Routine Inspection and Maintenance Schedule
Routine inspections are crucial to identify any issues in the early stages. Minor cracks, leaks, moisture buildup, and bowing walls should be detected and addressed immediately to prevent further damage. Homeowners should conduct routine inspections and create a maintenance schedule, especially after storms and seasonal changes, to ensure the safety and stability of their foundation. Hiring professionals to inspect and repair the foundation is critical to prevent water damage.
Selecting the Right Contractor for Your Foundation
The right contractor for foundation repair or waterproofing can ensure the health of your foundation and the longevity of your home. You should consider the following aspects while selecting a contractor:
- The contractor should have experience, a license, and permits to operate in the area with expertise in structural and water damage issues.
- Check if they have insurance to protect you legally and financially from accidents or damage during repairs.
- Check client reviews and references to evaluate their service quality and reliability. Contractors recommended by friends or neighbors might also be a good choice for your home.
- Make sure the contractor provides warranties and service guarantees. You should ask questions until you properly understand everything in the contract for peace of mind.
- Finally, select a contractor who makes a thorough assessment of your foundation and provides a detailed quote with explanations for repairs and preventions. This ensures their professionalism and reliability in the field.
Protect Your Foundation
Water intrusion is closely related to most foundation problems. Regular inspections, preventive measures, and immediate action can prevent or address problems without serious damage to the foundation. Homeowners should understand the causes, detect the signs of damage, and take proactive measures to protect the foundation and structural integrity of their home. If you suspect or detect any water or foundation issues, get professional help immediately to save money on costly repairs later and ensure the health and stability of your home for decades.
