Signs & Symptoms of Foundation Failure in Huntersville
Why Good Foundations Go Bad
Your Home Is Your Most Prized Possession. And When Your Foundation Goes Bad, It Not Only Shifts Your Home, It Shifts Your Home’s Value.
The factors that cause foundation failure are mostly out of your control. Stay on top of your home’s foundation by familiarizing yourself with the leading causes of foundation failure:
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EVAPORATION
Dry wind and intense heat can cause soil beneath your foundation to shrink, which can cause cracks to appear throughout the structure. -
TRANSPIRATION
Tree roots can desiccate the soil beneath a home, causing it to shrink and the home to settle. -
PLUMBING LEAKS
Water from plumbing leaks can actually seep beneath your home, a very common cause of foundation problems. -
DRAINAGE
Improper drainage is another leading cause of foundation failure. Excess moisture erodes the soil and causes settlement. -
INFERIOR FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION
Insufficient steel and inferior-quality concrete won’t hold up over time, which causes movement in the slab and results in an uneven foundation. -
INFERIOR GROUND PREPARATION
Soft or improperly compacted soil beneath a home is the #1 cause of foundation failure. Before the soil is ready to support a structure, cut-and-fill situations must be properly prepared. -
POOR SOIL CONDITIONS
When soil expands and contracts beneath your home, it puts added stress on your foundation and contribute to its failure.
BASEMENT
Your basement is closest to your foundation, so it’s usually the first area to suffer. Check for cracked or leaning walls and any possible flooding.
GARAGE
Foundation problems can deform your garage. Be on the lookout for cracks in your brick, blocks, concrete slab and any separation between the garage door and the ground.
INSIDE
Inside your home, keep an eye out for cracks of any kind. Cracked sheetrock, floorboards and tiles are always causes for concern. Also watch for sloped floors, stubborn doors and windows that refuse to open or shut.
OUTSIDE
The outside of your home can also offer evidence of foundation issues. Check for cracks in the foundation, as well as cracks in the bricks and siding. Also look for gaps around doors and windows.
Don't do it twice. Do it right. Make an appointment with Ram Jack Charlotte to learn about specific services we offer or start by calling (704) 753-7403.
