Your foundation is the most critical part of your home's structure. If it does not do its job, the whole house can be damaged or even become unsafe. Unfortunately, many homeowners experience this exact problem. There are many reasons why foundations fail, but these are some of the most common.
Soil Moisture
Your foundation and footer are only as good as the support under them. When the soil beneath them holds excess water, it will shift and settle. Soon the foundation has less support in certain areas and begins to settle, leading to cracks that cause the home's walls to move and twist as well. Improved drainage can often correct the underlying soil issues, but you'll still need to repair the foundation.
Poor Installation
If you had your home built, you probably paid close attention to who was doing the work and made sure good techniques were used. However, if you bought an existing home, you have no idea who might have constructed the foundation. Inadequate use of rebar, poor-quality concrete, and poor curing conditions could all contribute to a declining foundation decades later.
Tree Roots
Landscaping adds value to a home--unless it causes damage. The beautiful shade tree you enjoy all summer could eventually push roots into your foundation, causing it to crack or shift. If you've detected this problem, the first step is to have the tree removed by a qualified service, then to contact a foundation restoration company, one like Atlas Master Co, to repair the damage.
Bad Site Preparation
Foundations need a solid and consistent base of soil to support them. If your home's lot was filled and not properly compacted afterward, there has probably been some settling taking place. This process will lead to damage to the foundation as it settles unevenly, leading to cracking and shifting.
Undetected Water
Even with good drainage management, your home could have water issues that will threaten the foundation. Leaking swimming pools are a common culprit. There may also be city water lines allowing a slow trickle of water to soak toward your house. You may even have an old well on your property that affects drainage. These can contribute to settling and erosion that damage your foundation.
Your foundation is largely out of sight, but it should never be out of mind. If you see unexplained cracks in your walls or have trouble opening doors or windows, you could have a foundation issue. Don't wait to investigate a problem! With proper repairs, the damage can be stopped.
