Damaging Impacts Moisture Changes On The Foundation Of A Home

Read below how moisture is damaging the foundation of a home

Foundation is an integral part of a home that supports the stability of the entire structure. Issues with the foundation can cause the whole structure to crumble down. Hot and dry weather is one of the culprits behind foundation damage. Therefore, it is important to understand the impacts of temperature and moisture changes on the foundation.

Fluctuations In Temperature

  • Foundations are susceptible to alternations in temperature. In spring the temperature becomes moderate and a steady rainfall occurs. However, summer brings hot and dry weather.

Soil expands and contracts as a result of these changes. Here is how these changes affect your foundation.

Heat Causes The Soil To Contract

  • Sometimes foundational cracks occur when the clay-rich soil dries out and contracts. This happens often in the summer. As the soil begins to dry out, crack and shrink, you will notice soil pulling away from the foundation. As summer starts, cracks begin to appear in the lawn and continue to go deeper and deeper in the yard ultimately causing the foundation to settle.

This results in the development of new cracks that go vertically along the basement walls. Uneven or differential settling of soil caused by alternating moisture levels can give these issues.

Fractures In The Foundation

  • As the temperature rises, the soil surrounding your foundation shrinks and pulls away resulting in the development of fractures in the foundation. These fractures are small in the beginning but they can quickly increase from 1/8 to 1/4 inches in size. If not addressed, the fractures will eventually grow beyond 1 inch in width.

It is therefore wise to schedule a proper inspection of the foundation particularly when the weather is extremely hot. The foundation experts will identify the underlying problems and offer solutions to stop the damage.

Shrinking Of Slab Foundation

  • The gaps that appear during summer grow over time and weaken the concrete. This process ultimately results in the sinking or settling of your slab foundation. As time passes, this becomes apparent in the form of sloped or uneven foundations.

Therefore, it is crucial to take necessary measures to prevent foundation cracks once the climate starts getting warmer. Maintaining a relatively consistent moisture level around the foundation during all seasons will help prevent this issue.

Effects Of Cold Weather

  • Cold weather and rainfall can also lead to the development of gaps in the foundation. Slabs are made of concrete splinter and expand in winter as they become cold and wet.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the effect of temperature changes on your foundation so that preventive measures can be implemented accordingly.

Fluctuations In Moiture

  • The fluctuations in moisture and humidity cause movement in the foundation. Expansion and contraction of soil also build pressure which causes the foundation to crack or cave in. Following are the effects of moisture changes.

Moisture Causes Soil To Expand

  • foundation of a homeWhen the weather is mild and wet the soil absorbs water and becomes saturated. The swollen and wet soil becomes heavy under your home’s foundation. This expansion of soil gives rise to cracks in the basement floor, drywall, and the foundation in general.

The rigid surfaces are the first ones to show the signs of trouble. The expansion and movement of the soil around these structures exert stress causing them to crack.

Maintain Consistent Moisture Levels

  • Maintaining a consistent moisture level will help prevent several water-related damages. The best way to prevent this is to keep the soil sufficiently moist. The foundation that is laid on uneven ground can sink in or settle over time. Therefore, it is crucial to level the ground on which the foundation is being laid.

If you have noticed cracks in your foundation give us a call at 877-727-2259. Our experts from Crack-X will assess the damage and provide necessary foundation repairs. Crack-X is a structural repair company located in Maine and New Hampshire.

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