Your home’s foundation is one of the most important structures in your home. It supports the entire house and keeps it standing. But like any other component, the foundation can be damaged over time.
Whether this is a home that you’re living in or an empty home that you’re looking to sell, these things need to be taken care of before any family can make it their home. Here are some things that can damage your foundation.
Water
One of the most common causes of foundation damage is water. If your home has a leaky roof, for example, rain and groundwater can enter your home through the walls and flooring. This water can damage the components of your foundation, including the soil beneath your house and the framing around your home.
Natural Flooding
In some cases, natural flooding is also a cause of foundation damage. This happens when a river or lake overflows its banks and enters your home. Again, water can damage the soil beneath your house and the framing around your home.
Not Enough Water
Soil that doesn’t get enough moisture can be detrimental to your foundation as well. Moisture helps keep the soil in the ground moist, which is important for foundations that are built on top of wet soils. If your foundation is built on dry soil, water can damage the foundation’s components over time.
Plumbing Leaks
Another common cause of foundation damage is plumbing leaks. If water gets inside your home through a broken pipe, the water can seep into your foundation and damage its components.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a natural hazard that can strike any area in Kansas City. Even if you live in an area that is not considered to be at high risk for earthquakes, you may still experience minor structural damage from these events. For example, an earthquake may cause cracks in your foundation or walls.
Storm Damage & Wind
Heavy wind or rainfall can cause serious foundation damage in a short amount of time. These events can push soil and other debris into crevices and around joints in your foundation system. This rubble can weaken the framing around your house and cause structural failures.
Soil Fluctuation
In some cases, soil fluctuations can cause foundation damage. This happens when the ground beneath your home shifts, either vertically or horizontally. This movement can cause cracks in the foundation and walls of your home. Additionally, the shifting soil may contain debris that can damage your home’s foundation system.
Improper Construction
Many times foundation damage is the result of improper construction. Poorly done foundations can lead to instability and structural failure. This type of damage is often caused by mistakes during the design or construction process. For example, builders may not use the right materials or they may not perform proper waterproofing or drainage work.
When this occurs, water and other debris can easily push their way into your home’s foundation system. This damage can quickly lead to structural failure and a loss of your home.
If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs discussed above, it’s important to contact any Kansas City foundation repair company that can help you with this issue.
Natural Sinkholes
Natural sinkholes are common in many parts of the world, but they can also cause damage. When a natural sinkhole forms, the water, and soil inside gradually collapse over time. This can lead to damage to homes and other structures nearby, as well as loss of soil and water that could contaminate area groundwater supplies. In some cases, natural sinkholes can even form in unusual places such as parking lots or sidewalks. If you notice any signs of damage from a natural sinkhole, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
Repairing Foundation Damage
If you have foundation damage, there are a few things you can do to repair it. You may need to replace the entire foundation if the damage is too severe, or you may be able to repair it. If the damage is minor, you may be able to fix it yourself without any professional help. Here are some tips on repairing foundation damage:
- Check for hidden structural problems. If your home has been built on an unstable substrate, such as an old landfill, water seepage or subsidence can cause your home’s foundations to shift and crack over time. In these cases, fixing the underlying problem will usually require extensive excavation and reconstruction work that would be beyond most homeowners’ means and expertise.
- Repair damaged support beams and columns first before tackling other areas of the foundation. When these structural members are compromised, they can’t support the rest of the foundation and eventually fail altogether. Fixing these areas will prevent further structural failure and protect your home from potential wind or water damage as well as potential insurance claims in future years.
- Use a soil borings system to determine if there are any underlying foundation problems. A well-installed soil borings system can help you locate any water or moisture problems that may be causing the foundation damage. This information can then be used to correct the issue before it causes any more structural damage.
- If professional help is required, consider hiring a certified foundation technician. These professionals have the knowledge and experience necessary to repair serious foundation damage without compromising the integrity of your home. They will also be able to recommend preventative measures for future protection against similar issues.
If you notice any significant foundation damage in your home, don’t hesitate to call a professional for assistance. There are many options available for repairing damaged foundations, and most homeowners can successfully restore their homes with a little bit of patience and know-how.
