Every building needs a solid foundation to stand. The foundation of the home is crucial, as it supports the entire structure. Ensuring that this structure is stable must be a priority for every homeowner; therefore, you need to identify foundation issues at an early stage, to avoid the costly impact that they can create.

This guide presents information about typical foundation issues, together with their origins and tested solutions for their resolution.

Why a Strong Foundation Matters

When properly constructed, a foundation provides complete support to your home’s structure. A good foundation will resist the movement of the soil beneath, water level changes and natural settlement throughout its lifespan. Structural damage and expensive repair costs, together with safety threats, emerge when a foundation shows signs of deterioration.

Common Signs of Foundation Problems

Identifying foundation problems at an early stage enables people to stop extensive structural damage from occurring. Some key signs to watch out for include:

• Cracks in Walls and Floors – When you notice cracked walls, both indoor and outdoor, then foundation movement has occurred.
• Uneven or Sinking Floors – When the foundation starts to settle, you will notice a downward slope of the floors.
• Sticking Doors and Windows - Another indicator of a foundation issue is when opening and closing doors and windows becomes difficult.
• Gaps Around Windows or Doors - Structural foundation movement becomes evident through these gaps in the construction.
• Basement or Crawl Space Moisture - Excessive water accumulation, combined with moisture, can lead to foundation deterioration over time.

Causes of Foundation Damage

Learning about the cause of foundation problems will help prevent enduring damage to structural elements. The most common causes include:

1. Soil Related Issues

Foundation stability strongly depends on soil as the central component. Some common soil related problems include:

• Expansive Clay Soil - Foundation movement occurs, because expansive clay soil expands during wet periods and contracts during dry times.
• Soil Erosion - Soil erosion becomes a problem, because poor drainage methods cause the foundation to be washed away.
• Poor Soil Compaction - The improper compaction of soil before construction can result in foundation shifts, due to soil settlement over time.

2. Water Damage and Drainage Problems

The pressure from excess moisture at the basement walls creates foundation cracks and leaks, which compromise the structural stability. Causes of poor drainage include:

• Clogged or Misaligned Gutters - Improper water drainage causes water to flow toward (rather than away from) the foundation.
• Poor Grading - Water accumulates next to the foundation, instead of moving away from it.
• Plumbing Leaks - Unidentified leaks can cause the basement soil to become saturated.

3. Tree Roots and Environmental Changes

The extensive roots of large trees penetrate the foundation soil, where they draw moisture, which in turn produces soil contraction. Soil movement that leads to foundation instability occurs because of extreme weather conditions, which include both drought and heavy rainfall.

Evaluating Foundation Repair Needs

A detailed evaluation must be conducted, before selecting a foundation repair.

Professional Inspection vs. DIY Assessment

• Professional Inspection - Having a structural engineer or foundation repair expert helps identify foundation problems correctly and determine the most suitable repair approach.
• DIY Assessment - Visible cracks, uneven floors and moisture problems can be identified by homeowners; however, they should seek professional advice to handle significant issues.

Best Foundation Repair Solutions

The selection of proper foundation repair techniques depends on the severity and type of damage present. The following solutions represent the most effective repair options:

1. Underpinning and Piering Solutions

Builders reinforce the foundation, by extending it to reach stable ground layers. Common techniques include:

• Steel Piers - Long-lasting support is achieved, when steel piers are driven deep into the ground.
• Helical Piers - Similar to steel piers, screw-like shafts provide extra stability.
• Concrete Piers - This method stabilizes the foundation sinking problem by using concrete piers to lift it.

2. Slab Jacking and Mud Jacking

The injection of material beneath concrete slabs through these methods enables both lifting and stabilizing of sinking concrete slabs.

• Mud Jacking - A cement-based slurry functions as the lifting agent in this procedure.
• Polyurethane Foam (Polyjacking) - The modern method provides lasting structural stability, through a procedure that causes minimal disruption to buildings.

3. Sealing and Waterproofing

The foundation can be protected against water damage, through three preventative solutions:

• Crack Sealing - The application of epoxy or polyurethane sealant seals concrete cracks.
• Basement Waterproofing - The installation of drainage systems, along with waterproof membranes, serves to prevent water from entering the structure.
• French Drains and Sump Pumps - The foundation requires proper water diversion techniques, to move surplus water away from its structure.

4. Soil Stabilization Techniques

The foundation becomes more stable when soil conditions improve. Methods include:

• Chemical Injection - The injection of stabilizing compounds into weak soil increases its strength.
• Compaction Grouting - A stiff material is injected into voids, to stabilize loose soil and fill the empty spaces.

5. Foundation Wall Reinforcement

The process of foundation wall reinforcement becomes essential, when structures begin to show bowing or cracking symptoms. Options include:

• Carbon fiber straps 
• Strengthening walls against further movement
• Steel braces 
• Implementation of foundation wall stabilization/supplemental support, to maintain stability

Conclusion

The foundation of your home provides stability and protects it from damage. Detecting early warning signs and choosing the right repairs can help prevent future issues. The most effective ways to protect your foundation include piering, slab jacking and applying waterproofing techniques.

Contact Concrete PRO for a professional consultation, to ensure the best possible outcome and safeguard your investment.