What Causes Foundation Damage?

For the vast majority of issues, water is the primary culprit. Variations in moisture cause components of the soil to swell or shrink, leading to movement beneath your foundation. 

Your property may be more susceptible to foundation damage if:

• It was built on expansive clay
• It was built on improperly compacted fill soils
• The area around the foundation has poor drainage
• You live in an area with extreme seasonal changes
• You experienced a plumbing leak below your home
• Tree roots are growing too close to your home
• An earthquake, flood or drought compromised the structure

Those soils highest in clay content are generally more susceptible while those lowest in clay content are the least affected. In some areas the movement is insignificant; in others, it is quite pronounced.

When unstable soils are used as a base, the movement is transferred to the foundation. Since soil movement is rarely uniform, the foundation is subjected to a differential or upheaval. The problem shows up in both slab, and pier and beam type foundations.

If all the soil beneath a foundation swells uniformly, there usually is no problem. Issues occur, however, when only part of the home settles. Then, the differential movement causes cracks or other damages.

Issues resulting from foundation settlement:

• Damage to the structure
• Loss of real estate value
• Tripping hazards
• Unsightly cracks
• Equipment malfunctions

Whatever the cause, settlement can destroy the value of your home and even render it unsafe. If you see signs of failure, don't delay in getting the problem solved. The longer you wait, the more your foundation will sink, causing further costly damage.

What Are The Signs Of Foundation Problems?

Are you wondering if you have foundation issues? All foundations will settle with time, but problems arise when this settlement is uneven or extreme.

Here are the common signs of foundation stress:

Exterior Warning Signs

• Wall rotation
• Separation around garage door, windows and/or walls
• Cracked bricks
• Broken and/or cracked foundation
• Displaced moldings

Interior Warning Signs

• Misaligned doors and windows
• Cracked sheetrock
• Cracks in floor
• Uneven floors

Bulging floors, cracked walls, and doors that won't close are all signs of foundation distress. Sixty percent of all homes built on expansive soils suffer from foundation distress. The trouble occurs when only part of the foundation heaves or settles, causing cracks and other damage.

This differential movement is largely caused by differences in soil moisture. Loss or gain of soil moisture can cause serious shrinkage or swelling.

If the frame of a house does not begin to distort until after three or more years of satisfactory performance, it is doubtful that the distortion is caused by full-depth foundation settlement, which is always evidenced by matching cracks. Cracks occur at each side of a portion of the foundation wall that is undergoing downward movement caused by soil bearing failure.

Settlement cracks are nearly always vertical, and they should not be confused with cracks that occur when a wall is subjected to lateral movement from soil pressure.

Foundation Cracks

Hairline cracks are a common result of normal foundation settlement. However, you should be concerned if large cracks appear suddenly. If a crack is wider than an eighth of an inch you could have a possible foundation issue.

According to a Realtor.com article about foundation problems:

“Horizontal or jagged 45-degree cracks are the most serious and usually indicate you will need professional help.”

If unsure, monitor the cracks in your foundation, if they continue to expand, call a foundation company out to inspect the cracking.

Should I Fix My Foundation Before Selling My Home?

If you want to get top dollar for your home, it should be in near perfect condition. This includes fixing foundation issues if you can afford it.

Most foundation companies offer a lifetime warranty on their repairs that is transferable to the new owners. This will give potential buyers peace of mind because they know that the problem has been addressed.

In some cases you may be able to sell your home as is. It isn’t uncommon for homes with foundation trouble to be bought by investors. Also, if you have the advantage of a seller’s market, some buyers are willing to take on repairs themselves.

Source: concretenetwork

EJ & Jr Concrete is a family owned, all our work is guaranteed. No matter the size of your project, we are ready to do. Effective planning is crucial to the successful completion of any project. Before starting the project, our team of experts will first assess your goals. Then we provide you with an estimate and time-line for completion. From beginning to end you will be involved every step of the way call at +1 832-216-4950.

Concrete Foundation in Houston

Concrete Driveway in Houston, Concrete Patios in Houston, Concrete Sidewalk in Houston, Concrete Slab in Houston, Stamped Concrete Driveway in Houston, Stamped Concrete Patios in Houston, Stamped Concrete Sidewalk in Houston, Stamped Concrete Slab in Houston, Concrete Flatwork in Houston, Concrete Road Surface in Houston, Concrete Pool Deck in Houston, Concrete Garage in Houston, Concrete Interior Flooring in Houston, Concrete Foundation in Houston, Concrete Protection and Restoration in Houston, Stamped Concrete Flatwork in Houston, Stamped Concrete Road Surface in Houston, Stamped Concrete Pool Deck in Houston, Stamped Concrete Garage in Houston, Stamped Concrete Interior Flooring Stamped Concrete Foundation in Houston, Stamped Concrete Protection and Restoration in Houston, Stained Concrete Driveway in Houston, Stained Concrete Patios in Houston, Stained Concrete Sidewalk in Houston, Stained Concrete Slab in Houston, Stained Concrete Flatwork in Houston, Stained Concrete Road Surface in Houston, Stained Concrete Pool Deck in Houston, Stained Concrete Garage in Houston, Stained Concrete Interior Flooring in Houston, Stained Concrete Foundation in Houston, Stained Concrete Protection and Restoration in Houston, Epoxy Driveway in Houston, Epoxy Patios in Houston, in Houston, Epoxy Sidewalk Epoxy Slab in Houston, Epoxy Flatwork in Houston, Epoxy Road Surface in Houston, Epoxy Pool Deck in Houston, Epoxy Garage in Houston, Epoxy Interior Flooring in Houston, Epoxy Foundation in Houston, Epoxy Protection and Restoration in Houston.