- Last updated: March 31, 2023
Eugene Kushmarak
Please meet Eugene, one of our basement flood experts. He started his career from the bottom, digging trenches, working his way up to contractor and supervisor. Learn More About Eugene Kushmarak
Foundation damage can be a major problem for homeowners, causing costly repairs and potentially lowering the value of your property. Identifying the signs of foundation damage early on is crucial to prevent further damage and avoid more expensive repairs. There are several types of foundation damage that homeowners should be aware of, each with their own unique causes and symptoms. In this article, we will explore the most common types of foundation damage and how to identify them.
Bowing And/Or Buckling Foundation Walls
Bowing or buckling foundation walls are a prevalent type of foundation damage that can occur in any type of building. The following factors can cause this issue:
- Soil expansion and contraction due to changes in moisture content
- Poorly compacted backfill around the foundation
- Hydrostatic pressure from groundwater
- Improper drainage around the foundation
If you notice any vertical cracks in your foundation walls, it’s important to have them assessed by a professional as soon as possible. Bowing or buckling walls can lead to serious structural problems if left unaddressed.
Settling Foundations
Foundation damage is a serious issue that homeowners may face at some point. Settling is one of the most common types of foundation damage. It occurs when the soil underneath the foundation begins to shift or settle, and can happen for various reasons, such as:
- Poor soil compaction during the foundation’s construction
- High water table near the foundation
- Drying and shrinking of soil around the foundation
If you observe any of these signs, such as cracking, uneven floors, difficult-to-open doors and windows, or gaps between the foundation and walls, it is crucial to get your foundation inspected by a professional immediately. Ignoring settling foundations can lead to severe structural damage. Therefore, it’s vital to take immediate action to fix the issue and prevent further damage.
Slab Leaks
Slab leaks are a prevalent form of foundation damage that occurs when there is a leak in the plumbing beneath the foundation slab. This can cause the slab to crack and shift, leading to significant harm to your property.
Several factors can contribute to slab leaks, such as aging pipes, poor installation, or corrosive water. If you notice any of the warning signs of a slab leak, such as damp or warm spots on the floor, unexplained sounds of running water, or a sudden increase in water bills, you must contact a waterproofing professional right away.
Ignoring slab leaks can result in severe damage to your foundation, walls, and floors, leading to expensive repairs. Waterproofing professionals can assess the damage and recommend the appropriate repairs to fix slab leaks and prevent further harm to your property.
Soil Movement
Soil movement is a leading cause of foundation damage that can occur due to various reasons such as changes in moisture levels or compaction of soil around the foundation. Unfortunately, soil movement is not typically covered by homeowners’ insurance policies, making it essential to take preventive measures to avoid it. There are several measures you can take to prevent soil movement, including adding drainage around your foundation, planting trees and shrubs that have deep roots, and regularly watering your foundation.
If you notice any signs of soil movement, such as cracks in your foundation or uneven floors, it’s crucial to call a professional foundation repair expert right away. Soil movement can cause significant damage to your home, and it’s important to get it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further complications. A professional foundation repair contractor can assess the damage, identify the root cause, and recommend the appropriate repair solutions to prevent future soil movement and foundation damage.
Water Damage
Water damage is a serious problem that can cause significant damage to the foundation of your home. It is one of the most common types of foundation damage and can occur when water seeps into the foundation through cracks or holes, or comes up from the ground around the foundation. This can cause cracking, shifting, and even collapse of the foundation.
Preventing water damage is crucial, as it is typically not covered by homeowners insurance. Some preventative measures you can take include sealing any cracks or holes in the foundation, redirecting gutters away from the foundation, and making sure the ground around the foundation is sloped away from the house.
If you suspect water damage, it’s important to act quickly to mitigate it. Remove any standing water from the area and dry out the area as much as possible. You may need to bring in a professional to repair or replace damaged parts of the foundation.
Knowing the different types of foundation damage is important for maintaining the integrity of your home. If you suspect your foundation may be damaged, don’t hesitate to contact us for all your waterproofing needs. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you protect your home.
