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Signs You May Need Foundation Repair
When it comes to your home, a foundation problem is not something you can ignore. From wall cracks to doors that don’t close, there are many signs that you may need foundation repair.
Whether it’s steel piers to lift your sinking foundation or concrete injection to fill in voids, there are many different options available for repairing your foundation. The most important factor is determining the right method for your specific foundation problems. Contact Sugar Land Foundation Repair Solutions for professional help.
A crack in your foundation may seem like a serious problem that requires immediate attention. But some cracks are not only a normal part of house settling, they don’t even require a professional inspection or repair. Other cracks, however, are warning signs of structural problems that should not be ignored.
First, identify the crack’s cause. This could be anything from soil settlement or heaving to poor drainage and structural defects. Once you know the cause, you can start evaluating whether it’s time to call in a pro.
Vertical cracks are the most common type of foundation crack and are typically caused by a house settling over time. They tend to occur in the basement or on the outside of a foundation wall. This kind of crack typically doesn’t pose a serious problem and can be easily repaired with epoxy or polyurethane filler.
Diagonal cracks are often a sign of differential settling, which occurs when one side of the foundation moves at a different rate than the other side. This is typically caused by soil contracting and expanding at different times. Diagonal cracks can also be caused by poor drainage around the house.
While most cracks are not structurally damaging, they can allow water to seep into the basement or crawl space. When this happens, it can lead to mold, mildew, pests, and odors in addition to ruining clothing, carpets, and furniture. Additionally, the moisture can lead to wood rot and other damage that will increase the cost of repairs.
A quick fix that many homeowners try is patching leaking foundation cracks with caulk. However, this repair only lasts about 6 months to a year before efflorescence (a white mineral salt in groundwater) breaks the seal and allows water to seep through again. It’s important to have your foundation inspected and repaired by a professional as soon as you notice leaking or other damage to prevent further problems. For a more reliable and long-lasting repair, professionals use injections of an epoxy or polyurethane foam to seal the cracks. This filler will fill in the crack, stop it from spreading and preventing further damage to your home.
Leaks
When water seeps under a home’s foundation, it can cause serious damage to walls and floors. If the foundation is not fixed quickly, a homeowner can face thousands in repairs and the risk of unsafe living conditions.
Foundation leaks can be a sign of a larger problem such as subsurface soil movement or minor settling of the home’s structure. It is important to have these problems repaired by a qualified professional as soon as possible.
A leak beneath tons of concrete can be difficult to spot until it has caused significant damage to walls, furniture, appliances, and other items in a home. Once the problem is detected, a foundation repair expert can assess the situation and recommend a method of repair.
Some professionals recommend patching a crack with materials like hydraulic cement. However, this is only a temporary solution and can lead to further damage if the underlying problem isn’t addressed. A basement waterproofing specialist can install a drainage system under the floor to channel water away from the foundation and into a sump basket or pump.
In poured concrete basement walls, the best way to fix leaks is by injecting the wall from the interior with expanding polyurethane. The product fills the crack and seals it out to the soil but remains flexible when cured to prevent minor foundation movement from re-opening the crack.
If you suspect you have a leak in your foundation, the first thing to do is mark the area where it appears. Look for a white, dust-like powder known as efflorescence on the surface of the concrete or wood. This is caused by soluble salts from the soil that are carried by seeping water. This is a good indication of the presence of a leak in your basement.
Another telltale sign of a leak is the smell of mold and mildew in the basement or on the outside of the house. Mold and mildew thrive in warm, moist environments and can rot wood and even damage carpeting and drywall. If you notice a musty or moldy odor, it is a sign that the foundation needs to be repaired.
Structural Issues
A home’s foundation is the basis of its entire structure, and when it experiences problems, it can affect the rest of the house. If left untreated, minor cracks can become major structural issues that compromise the safety and value of a home. The best way to prevent these problems is through regular maintenance, and keeping an eye out for the early signs of foundation damage. These include sloping floors and walls, sticking doors and windows, and gaps around chimneys and additions.
Many different factors contribute to foundation problems, including poor drainage, soil that expands or contracts as it absorbs moisture, construction mistakes, and excessive ground movement due to slopes or soil creep. But the most common factor is water. If excess water seeps into the soil, it can cause hydrostatic pressure to build against the foundation walls. If this pressure is not relieved, the walls will begin to bow inward and crack.
Bowed block or masonry walls, cracked poured concrete walls, and out of plumb basement floors can all be signs of destabilized foundation walls that will need to be reinforced with carbon fiber strips or steel (depending on the severity of the damage). Ultimately, if a wall is not repaired in time, it may need to be completely rebuilt.
The best way to prevent structural issues is to have a professional inspect your foundation regularly and address any minor problems before they get worse. To protect your investment, it is important to choose a contractor with experience and proven results. Inquire about the company’s methods and ask for references. Also, look for a contractor that is a member of the International Code Council Evaluation Services.
A few simple measures can help to avoid serious foundation problems, including proper drainage, preventing water from getting into the soil around your foundation, and keeping tree roots away from your home. Adding drain tile is an excellent way to reduce the amount of water that gets into the soil and causes problems. Another method is to install interior perforated drain pipe that runs through the floor and down the inside of foundation walls to eliminate moisture and reduce hydrostatic pressure.
Moisture
Moisture is one of the main causes of foundation problems. Often, foundations are built on expansive soils, which are prone to shifting under the home as they soak up and lose moisture. This repeated expansion and contraction puts pressure on the foundation and can cause cracking.
In addition, excessive moisture leads to mold and mildew growth, which can wreak havoc on health. It can also create a breeding ground for pests, such as termites and wood-destroying fungus.
If you notice any of these problems, call for a professional inspection right away. A qualified professional can examine the problem and recommend a remedy before it becomes more severe.
The first thing that a homeowner can do to reduce moisture levels is to keep up with maintenance on their gutters and downspouts. They should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that they are functioning properly, and homeowners can install downspout extenders so that the water is pushed further away from the home.
Another thing that you can do is to check the drainage around the house regularly, making sure that the soil has a slope that directs water away from the foundation. Finally, if you have large trees in the yard, they should be well away from your foundation to avoid root damage.
Other warning signs of excess moisture include discoloration on the foundation walls. This is called efflorescence, and it occurs when water seeps through the concrete of your foundation and leaves behind mineral deposits on the surface. This is a common warning sign that it’s time for foundation repair, as the minerals can weaken the structure.
A wet basement or crawl space is also a sign that moisture levels are too high and should be addressed right away. A flooded basement or crawl space can cause mold growth, which may lead to rot and other problems that require expensive repairs.
Foundation experts can help with a variety of moisture issues, from preventing leaks to installing sump pumps. They can also inspect the grading around the property to ensure that water is being directed away from the foundation and can recommend other drainage solutions, such as trench drains and polyurethane injection.