Small cracks in the foundation are early warning signs and should be repaired. However, they aren’t necessarily a sign of serious problems.
Look for a reputable contractor that has experience addressing these issues and can offer a warranty. Also, focus on addressing the root cause of the problem by having your gutter and drainage system properly direct water away from your home. Visit Website for more information.
The cracks that form in foundation walls can indicate a number of different problems. These may be a sign that the house is settling, or they could simply be caused by moisture infiltration. In any case, if they continue to grow and worsen over time, it’s important to have them addressed. This will protect the interior and exterior of the home from further damage, as well as prevent groundwater or rainwater from infiltrating into the basement or crawl space.
The type of crack determines the ideal repair method. Thin uniform or hairline cracks, for example, are usually a result of concrete or mortar drying out as it cures. They can be repaired with a masonry patch or epoxy crack filler.
Wider, diagonal cracks, however, are more likely to be a structural problem that needs immediate attention. These cracks can be caused by a faulty drainage system or soil that’s too expansive. They can also be the result of expansion and contraction of the concrete due to changes in temperature. If the cracks are very deep, a professional might have to install pressure-relief ports or piers in the foundation to prevent it from collapsing.
In order to repair these cracks, the first step is to thoroughly clean the area with a wire brush or vacuum cleaner and widen them with a chisel to make sure that the new filler can penetrate into the gap. Then, a crack injection kit can be used to inject epoxy or polyurethane into the gap. This material will bond with the existing concrete and create a stronger and longer-lasting solution to the issue.
Another option for these types of cracks is to use carbon fiber reinforcement, which can be injected in conjunction with epoxy or polyurethane. This can strengthen the concrete, which will help it resist future movement and keep groundwater or rainwater out of the basement. However, this method isn’t recommended for bowing or buckling of the foundation, which could indicate that it has lost its structural integrity. This type of repair typically involves a full foundation replacement and can be very expensive.
Water Damage
When a foundation begins to sink or shift, it may cause water damage throughout the home. This can lead to drywall cracking, doors and windows that won’t open or close properly, and warping of flooring and ceilings. It can also leave the interior of a home exposed to the elements, leading to moisture problems like mold and mildew that will require additional costly repair work.
Foundation experts will look for obvious signs of water damage, such as damp or wet areas. They will also check for less obvious signs, like gaps between the foundation and walls or bowing in the walls. These are caused by changes in soil pressure around the foundation or home, and can be due to the building settling, weather conditions, erosion, or nearby tree roots.
Regardless of the cause, any foundation damage should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid serious and expensive structural damage. Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of repairing serious foundation damage, especially if the problem was caused by poor construction or other events that weren’t covered by the homeowner’s policy, such as natural settling or tree root movement.
The most common cause of foundation water damage is when the soil surrounding the foundation swells or shrinks. This can happen when the soil is oversaturated with water, or when there are prolonged periods of rain and dry weather. When the soil moves unevenly, it puts uneven strain on the foundation and causes cracks.
If the soil is oversaturated with water, it can create a condition known as hydrostatic pressure. This is when the water in the soil pushes against the foundation walls, and it can be very dangerous if the wall is not properly repaired. This is why it’s important to have your foundation regularly inspected by a certified professional. A reputable foundation repair company will provide an estimate for the necessary repairs and offer a number of different options, such as installing new sump pumps to remove excess moisture from the basement or crawl space. This can help to prevent future cracks and other signs of water damage.
Sewer or Drainage Pipe Leaks
A leaking sewer or drainage pipe is a serious problem that will not go away on its own. When the pipes leak, water soaks into the soil around and under the foundation. As the soil expands and erodes, it will put pressure on the foundation, leading to cracking walls and floors. The best thing to do is turn off the water to your house as soon as you think you may have a pipe problem under the foundation. This will prevent any further damage to your home and save you money in water bills.
If you do have a leak under your foundation, it will take some time for the damage to show up in your home’s structure and interior. You may notice a spike in your water bill, low or no water pressure, soft spots in the floor, foul odors, and cracking of walls or floors. If you notice any of these issues, call a plumber right away.
While drain line leaks are usually easy to spot, a leak in a sewer or septic line can be much more difficult to detect. This is because sewage contains a lot more bacteria and debris than freshwater. In addition, sewer leaks often occur under the foundation of a house or building which makes them hard to detect.
When a leaking septic or sewer line is left unchecked, it can lead to the collapse of the foundation. If you notice upheaval of your foundation, it is crucial to call a plumber right away to perform a hydrostatic plumbing test. This will help identify the source of the upheaval and whether it is caused by a leaky sewer or drainage pipe.
Sometimes, a plumber will use a “roto-rooter” to clear the blockage in a drain line but get stuck or pull out mud instead of clean, clear water. This is a good indication that the drain lines are broken, misaligned or separated under your foundation and that they have been leaking for some time. Plumbers will need to dig through the foundation in order to reach the break, misalignment or separation point in the sewer or drainage line and repair it. This will involve jackhammers, dirt, concrete, dust and workers inside your home, but it is the fastest way to get the job done.
Concrete Slabs
If your home has a concrete slab foundation, it’s important to monitor it for signs of damage. Whether you have cracks, moisture problems or other issues, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible so the problem doesn’t get worse. Fortunately, there are many different methods for slab foundation repair, and a professional contractor can help you choose the right one for your needs.
The most common issue that causes slab foundation problems is moisture. Slabs need to be well-drained, or water can seep into the concrete and weaken it. The moisture can also cause the concrete to expand and contract, which can create cracks.
Moisture can also damage slabs from plumbing leaks. If your pipes burst in freezing weather or wear down over time, it can lead to flooding and water damage. It’s important to have your pipes checked regularly and make sure there aren’t any leaks.
Gas and water lines are usually embedded in concrete slabs, which can make it difficult to access them when they need repairs. This can increase the cost of these services and extend the amount of time it takes to make repairs.
Concrete slabs can also become damaged by soil movement, house settling and other factors that affect the structure of a home. Non-structural cracks are vertical or diagonal and caused by expansion and contraction of the concrete. Structural cracks are horizontal and caused by settling of the soil.
Some methods for slab foundation repair include drilled piers, poured piers and pressed pilings. Drilled piers use steel or concrete piers to support the foundation. This method can be expensive, but it is very effective and long-lasting. Poured piers are similar to drilled piers but are made of more durable concrete. They are very effective and affordable, but they may be susceptible to corrosion.
Pressed pilings are large concrete cylinders that are driven into the ground to act as foundation piers. This slab foundation repair method is very effective in most conditions, but it can be prone to moving to the side in active soils. Advanced offers pressed pilings with steel reinforcement designed to prevent this from happening, which can prolong the life of your piers and ensure that they continue to provide strong foundation support.
