Foundation problems usually result from specific issues that develop over time, and having a proper understanding of these causes can save you thousands in repair costs. Water damage, soil movement, poor construction, and even tree roots can compromise your home’s foundation.
The good news is that there is a solution for almost all types of foundation damage. Whether you are dealing with cracks or settling, foundation repair solutions address the cause of the damage and restore your home’s structural strength. But to select the right solution, understanding the actual cause of the damage is essential.
Understanding Foundation Issues
Foundation problems don’t appear overnight. They come with early warning signs that, if not addressed in time, can turn into something bigger. Minor cracks in your foundation and basement walls are the first red flags you may notice.
Likewise, dampness in your basement or crawl space, or water pooling outside along the perimeter of your home, may also indicate early moisture issues. These problems may seem small at first, but neglecting them can cost you. As a homeowner, be aware of early warning signs and act fast to avoid extensive structural damage and expensive repairs.
Major Causes of Foundation Damage
Some causes of foundation damage stem from the landscaping around your home, while others result from how your home was built or maintained over the years.
Poor Drainage
Water is a serious threat to your home’s foundation. Without a proper water drainage system, your home is likely to experience foundation issues. When rainwater or groundwater does not drain away from your house properly, it accumulates around your foundation and starts causing problems. The soil around your house will absorb water and expand, putting pressure on your foundation walls. Poor drainage can lead to problems like foundation cracks, structural movement, and other moisture-related problems.
Solutions often include installing gutters and downspout extensions, and grading your yard so that water flows away from your foundation. Adding drain tile, sump pumps, and waterproofing the basement also helps protect your home’s foundation from water damage.
Soil Composition
The type of soil your house sits on has a huge impact on the stability of your foundation. Clay soil can be troublesome as it expands when wet and shrinks when it dries. This swelling and contracting create constant movement beneath the foundation, causing it to shift. Sandy soil also compacts easily under excess weight. Loamy or rocky soil provides a more stable base for your home.
Homes that are built in areas with expansive soil are more likely to experience foundation issues. For such homes, solutions such as soil stabilization to enhance soil properties or installing piers that go deep into more stable ground may be optimal.
Poor Foundation Construction
Using substandard foundation repair techniques and materials can make your foundation weak and unstable. If the contractor did not focus on compacting soil before construction, you will likely face foundation settling issues in the future. Likewise, a lack of proper reinforcement, using low-quality concrete, or not allowing concrete to cure properly can contribute to foundation failure.
The tricky part is that construction defects are often difficult to identify unless the problems show up years later. Fixing construction defects usually requires structural retrofitting. This may involve solutions like underpinning, adding support piers, or foundation replacement in extreme cases.
Flood
Flooding can be destructive to your home’s foundation. During heavy rain or melting snow, excess water overwhelms your drainage system and flows toward your foundation. When floodwater surrounds or infiltrates your foundation, it can cause soil erosion, hydrostatic pressure, weakening of foundation materials, and a host of other moisture problems.
To protect your foundation from flooding-related issues, maintaining a good drainage system is crucial. This may involve installing a sump pump in your basement and regrading your landscape.
Plumbing Leaks
Leaky plumbing may be affecting your foundation without you even knowing it. You might not even know you have a leak until you notice an unexplained increase in your water bill, or signs like wet spots in your yard, a musty smell in your basement, or water pooling in and around your foundation. Leaking pipes can also wash away soil from under your foundation, creating a void that causes settling.
Get your plumbing system inspected every once in a while, especially if you have an older home. This helps you fix leaks before they cause severe foundation damage. If the leak is minor and is in an accessible location, you may apply epoxy sealants to fix the leak. However, fixing underground water leaks may involve excavation, which requires professional solutions.
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts act as part of your home’s water management system. When gutters and downspouts fill up with leaves, twigs, and debris, they can’t channel roof runoff away from your home. Water overflows and pours down near your foundation, posing the risk of water infiltration and soil saturation.
Clean your gutters at least twice a year, install gutter guards if trees near your home are constantly dropping debris, and make sure your downspout extends at least six feet away from your foundation.
Tree Roots
Trees add aesthetics and shade to your property, but what most homeowners don’t realize is that if trees are planted too close to the foundation, the roots can cause serious damage. As tree roots grow, they can put pressure on the foundation, causing cracks and disturbing the soil. The roots can absorb moisture and dry out the soil, creating voids in the soil around the foundation and compromising the stability of your home.
If you are planning to plant new trees, make sure to plant them at least 20 to 30 feet away from your home. For existing trees that have extensive roots, you may need to install root barriers. Regularly pruning roots can also help limit their growth. In severe cases, you may have to remove the tree entirely.
Weather and Climate
Different weather and climate conditions bring different foundation challenges. Regions with heavy seasonal rainfall experience constant soil saturation, leading to foundation cracking and movement. Freeze-thaw cycles in colder regions can cause water to seep through foundation cracks and, over time, expand them. On the other hand, areas with extreme heat and dry climates cause soil to dry out and shrink, creating voids and destabilizing the foundation.
One way to address weather-related foundation problems is to maintain consistent moisture in the soil around your foundation year-round. This means watering the soil during dry seasons and improving drainage during wet seasons. Conduct seasonal inspections to address issues like cracks or gaps that may worsen due to seasonal changes. It is best to have a good understanding of your local climate or weather conditions to prepare your home for potential risks.
When to Call a Professional
Knowing when to call a foundation repair professional prevents a minor problem from becoming a major one. It is best not to rely on DIY methods to fix minor foundation issues, such as cracks or leaks. DIY repair may temporarily fix the problem, but it often does not provide a lasting solution, and the damage is likely to recur. So, whether you notice minor cracks or severe damage to your foundation walls, make sure to call a reliable foundation repair professional to fix the problem the right way.
Summary
Foundation issues build up over time, leading to more severe damage. Each type of foundation damage has a specific cause, and assessing the cause correctly can help you choose the right solution. As a homeowner, you should have a thorough understanding of foundation damage and its various causes so that you can call for help when you spot something concerning. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse, and call a professional to resolve the issue immediately.
