There are several aspects of a foundation that need to be addressed if you want to maintain it in top shape. These include the underpinning of the foundation, water issues and structural issues. Here are some tips on how to deal with these problems.
Structural issues
If you have a home that is starting to show signs of foundation problems, you should immediately take action. Not only can it affect the value of your property, but it can also lead to major repairs. A structural engineer can evaluate the damage and recommend a repair.
Typical foundation issues include cracks, voids, uneven floors, and a bowing or settling foundation. They are most common around the exterior of a home. However, they can be spotted in the basement as well. The easiest way to spot a foundation problem is to look for cracks along the base of the exterior structure.
Another sign that your foundation is in trouble is if water starts to seep into your home. This can happen if you have clogged gutters that are dumping water next to your foundation. You can clean your gutters regularly to prevent this.
Cracked poured concrete walls are another indicator that your foundation is not in good shape. You should consider repairing the wall with steel or carbon fiber strips.
Water issues
One of the most common foundation problems is water. This can be caused by a broken water line, soil shifts, and improper drainage. If these issues are not corrected, your foundation may suffer serious structural damage.
Whether your home is on an expansive clay, concrete, or a stone foundation, water is the enemy. It can cause foundation cracks, and it can erode the ground beneath your house.
If you see cracks or holes in your foundation, it is important that you fix the problem as soon as possible. You can use a sump pump to help remove water from your basement. But you will need to know what is causing the problem in the first place.
Water can corrode and erode your baseboards, walls, and floors. It can also release a pungent smell. Mold can develop on the walls of your basement, causing a musty odor.
Water can also weaken the supports on your foundation. Cracks in the stem wall can allow your walls to collapse.
Tree roots
Tree roots can be a very important part of the soil structure of your home. However, they can also be a cause of damage to your foundation. You should know how to identify them and how to properly handle them to avoid expensive repairs.
When tree roots grow near your foundation, they can move the surrounding soil around and put pressure on your foundation. This can make your home unsafe to live in. Thankfully, there are ways to solve this problem.
The root system of a tree can be as large as three times the diameter of the tree itself. While it’s unlikely that you’ll have to remove a tree, you should investigate whether there’s a problem. Luckily, it’s not a bad idea to hire a professional to inspect your home for potential problems.
In the context of foundation repair Dallas, the most obvious sign that you may have a problem is if there are cracks in your walls. Even small hairline cracks can start to deteriorate over time. If you notice these kinds of signs, it’s best to address the problem immediately.
Underpinning a foundation
Underpinning is a technique that is used to strengthen and deepen the existing foundation. It is a long-term solution to foundation problems that may be caused by the expansion or contraction of the soil.
There are many reasons why your home foundation needs to be underpinned. Typically, the problem arises when the load on your house exceeds the strength of the ground. This can be due to a number of factors, including poor drainage or trees too close to your home.
The first step in underpinning a foundation is to excavate the soil below the structure. Depending on your situation, your structural engineer will determine the depth of excavation required.
In underpinning, your contractor will remove the soil in stages. Usually, each stage will be a minimum of two feet. Once the soil has been removed, the remaining area will be filled with concrete. You should wait for at least two days before loading the concrete.
Piers are special tools that are used to reinforce the underpinning. These are steel, concrete or timber piles driven into the soil.
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