Common Causes of Foundation Problems

Summer heat is uncomfortable for people, and it is also hard on a building’s foundations.

Foundation problems are prevalent across the nation for various reasons. Homeowners should pay careful attention to their foundation as they can compromise a home’s safety. That is why we have identified common causes of foundation problems in the area. This article will discuss the following issues:

• Soil contraction

• Soil expansion

• Poor construction

• Plumbing leaks

• Poor drainage

This list might seem scary, but don’t worry. We provide pointers on what to do if a home shows these foundation problems.

Soil contraction

Summer heat is uncomfortable for people, and it is also hard on a building’s foundations. Several days of scorching temperatures with minimal rain can cause soil to contract and result in cracks in the home’s foundation. If there are cracks in the foundation, we strongly suggest contacting a foundation repair company immediately.

Soil expansion

We mentioned soil contraction, but soil expansion can be just as dangerous for foundations. Clay soil, especially, tends to expand when wet. A combination of clay soil and heavy rains can spell huge trouble for a home’s foundation, as the expansion puts pressure on the foundation. In areas where clay soil is prevalent, property owners need to be vigilant about foundation cracks, especially after a heavy rainstorm.

Poor construction

While we hate to say it, sometimes a foundation has problems simply because the initial construction was poorly executed. For homeowners who have purchased a property with poor foundation construction, there is still time to make things right. A local foundation repair company should be able to diagnose and fix the problem.

Plumbing leaks

Plumbing leaks can also cause foundation problems. Sometimes, the leak occurs in a pipe near the foundation, but other times, it occurs in the sewer line, several feet away. In this case, homeowners often fail to notice a plumbing leak until there are cracks in the foundation.

Poor drainage

Another factor that can adversely affect foundations is poor drainage. In fact, poor drainage is a leading cause of foundation problems. If the property does not drain effectively, the moisture can cause soil erosion, which, in turn, can damage a home’s foundation. That is why having a home’s drainage system inspected regularly is crucial.