Addressing Foundation Failures: Understanding Causes and Solutions

Prepare in advance!

As the summer approaches, the inevitable rise in temperature accompanies a concern for potential foundation issues, exacerbated by the preceding wet fall, winter and spring. This seasonal shift is expected to induce heightened levels of foundation movement across numerous homes, potentially leading to significant damage.

Preventing foundation damage predominantly hinges on diligent maintenance practices. Even in cases where prior movement has occurred, intervention can often arrest and even reverse such effects without resorting to costly and elaborate repairs such as piers.

The root causes of foundation damage in areas characterized by expansive soils typically include excessive moisture, inadequate moisture, lateral soil movement beneath the structure, or soil compaction issues. Although external factors such as sonic booms or earthquakes may contribute, they are not commonly associated with expansive soil-related concerns.

To comprehensively understand these issues, it is essential to dissect each contributing factor:

1.     Excessive Moisture: Occurs when soil beneath or around the structure becomes overly saturated, leading to expansion and uneven lifting of earth beneath the foundation.

2.     Inadequate Moisture: Results from soil drying out excessively, causing contraction and withdrawal of support from beneath the foundation.

3.     Lateral Movement: Arises from factors such as erosion, failure of retaining walls, subsidence, or alterations in the natural landscape.

4.     Soil Compaction: Often stemming from improper compaction of soil added during construction, resulting in settling and loss of support over time.

Several circumstances can trigger these events:

• Drainage Issues: Stemming from improper land slope, inadequate gutters, or poorly placed planters, among other factors.

• Structural Changes: Such as adjacent construction or the appearance of sinkholes, leading to unsupported soil.
• Plumbing leaks: Under slab, in crawl space or sprinkler, pool or spa.

While remedial measures like piers may occasionally be necessary in certain cases, a proactive approach emphasizing accurate diagnosis and regular maintenance can often yield more cost-effective and less disruptive solutions.

Prior to addressing foundation concerns, consulting with an unbiased industry professional is advisable. This individual, unaffiliated with foundation companies, can provide expert insights, clarify issues in straightforward terms, and guide homeowners toward appropriate solutions. By prioritizing preventive maintenance and ensuring fair and effective repairs, homeowners can mitigate the impact of foundation failures with confidence.

 Consider indulging in the help you need to assess your foundation problem by consulting with an experienced individual who is not affiliated with a foundation repair company, one whose pay, or commission is not tied to the type or amount of repairs that are recommended. I can be that person. If fact, if I can’t show you why your foundation is moving and show you your options to prevent additional damage and advise you on what is the most you should pay for it then don't pay me!

 More info? Visit my website or call/text Richard Rash at: 817-308-8186