Unveiling the culprits – How these 3 factors speed up foundation damage
Table of Contents
ToggleA home’s structural integrity rests on its foundation. Minor foundation issues can quickly turn into a catastrophe if not promptly addressed. Therefore, understanding the factors that speed up foundational issues is critical in developing effective strategies to mitigate their impact. Keep reading to discover the factors that speed up foundational damage.
Differential Settlement
Soil swells when it absorbs water and shrinks when it loses water. This is particularly evident in clay soil. Clay soil’s swelling and the shrinking cycle can exert tremendous pressure on the foundation, eventually speeding up foundational damage. Furthermore, building a home on top of multiple types of soil, such as one that retains water well and another that does not, can result in differential settlement. This can lead to structural damage over time.
Solution
If you intend to build a home in an area with clay or various types of soil, you can do a few things.
- Use a chemical grout injection to reinforce and stabilize the soil.
- Pre-construction helical piles or piers can also be installed for deep foundation projects to help distribute the structure’s weight onto soil that can support it better.
- Ensure that the foundation contractor properly prepares and compacts the soil to avoid issues with poor soil quality.
This will minimize the risk of damage to your foundation and protect your investment.
Improper Drainage And Soil Erosion
- Inadequate drainage around your home can lead to soil erosion, destabilizing your home’s foundation. When this occurs, walls may buckle, and the building may begin to tilt, creating dangerous underground voids. In addition, soil erosion can occur due to over-saturation of the soil caused by poor drainage.
There are various causes of drainage problems, such as water runoff from rooftops, which then collects near the foundation, and clogged gutters and downspouts, which can cause water to pool around the foundation.
Solution
- Downspouts must be angled correctly to prevent water from destabilizing the soil near the foundation.
- Low areas in your yard near the foundation can also collect water after heavy rainfall, leading to soil erosion and sinkhole formation. To prevent this issue, ensure that water flows away from your home instead of toward it.
- Install French drains and other water runoff systems to solve drainage problems effectively.
Addressing these issues can protect your home’s foundation and ensure long-term stability.
Natural Sinkhole Formation
Sinkholes form when underground water drainage is inadequate, leading to soil erosion and the development of underground caverns. Even small sinkholes can significantly speed up damage to a home’s foundation, making it crucial to identify them early.
Signs of issues include:
- Tilting of trees, poles, or fence posts.
- Difficulty in closing doors and windows.
- Higher-than-usual water bills indicate a possible leak in underground water supply lines.
- Soft and spongy ground, especially around anything that is tilting.
- Indentations and hollow areas in the lawn or under pavers.
Solution
If you observe any of these signs, you must contact a professional to assess the situation and determine the best action to prevent further damage. Regular property maintenance and inspections can help identify any potential sinkhole activity and mitigate the risk of damage to your home’s foundation.
If you suspect any foundational issues or signs of sinkhole activity in your home, don’t wait. Contact experts from Crack-X to assess the situation and provide necessary foundation repairs to prevent further damage. Your home’s foundation is too important to ignore, so take action now to protect your investment. Call us at 877-727-2259. Crack-X is a structural repair company located in Maine and New Hampshire.