What Should You Do If You See Foundation Damage?

If you notice any signs of foundation damage, it’s important to take steps right away to limit further damage and repair the affected area. Here are a few things you can do:

Contact A Professional For Help – This is especially important if you have an older home or your foundation has been showing signs of wear for some time. A structural engineer or foundation repair contractor can assess the extent of the damage and develop a plan to fix it.

Inspect Your Gutters And Downspouts – Make sure they are in good condition and water is flowing away from the house as far as possible—at least six feet away. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool around the foundation, leading to water damage.

Check For Cracks In Your Foundation Walls – Some of these may be due to settling and not require immediate attention; however, horizontal or stair-step cracks could signal a more serious problem that needs immediate attention.

Make Sure Grading Slopes Away From The Foundation – If soil is compacted or graded improperly, this can cause water to accumulate around the foundation walls.

Consider Waterproofing – If your home has a basement or crawlspace, it may be beneficial to have it professionally waterproofed. This can help reduce moisture buildup and prevent further damage due to flooding.

Address Any Plumbing Leaks Promptly – Leaky pipes can also cause significant water damage to your foundation. Make sure all pipes and fixtures are in good working order and address any leaks promptly.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure your home’s foundation is secure and protected from further damage. If you have questions about the condition of your foundation or need help with repairs, contact a professional for assistance.

How To Identify Foundation Damage

Foundation damage can be challenging to identify, but it’s important to inspect your home regularly for signs of wear. Here are a few common indicators that something may be wrong:

Cracks In Interior Walls Or Exterior Foundation – These can range from small hairline cracks to larger vertical and horizontal cracks.

Sagging Or Uneven Floors – This could indicate settling of the foundation and should be addressed right away.

Doors Or Windows That Don’t Open Or Close Properly – If there is a noticeable gap between the frame and the door/window, this could mean your foundation has shifted.

Water Damage Or Dampness In Basement/Crawlspace – This could indicate a plumbing problem or foundation wall leakage.

Separation Of Walls From Ceilings And Floors – If your foundation has shifted, this can cause separation in the other parts of your home.

If you notice any signs of possible foundation damage, contact a professional right away to have it inspected. Foundation repairs can be expensive, but they are necessary to keep your home structurally sound.

Causes Of Foundation Damage

Foundation damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including plumbing leaks, soil erosion, poor grading, and changes in weather or groundwater levels. These conditions can all cause expansive soils to shift or contract, resulting in moving foundations.

Plumbing leaks are one of the most common causes of foundation damage. If a pipe is leaking or there is a plumbing problem, this can cause water to accumulate around the foundation and weaken it. It’s important to address any leaks promptly to avoid further damage.

Soil erosion can also be a major factor in foundation damage. When soil erodes away from the area surrounding your foundation, it can cause the foundation to shift and become unstable. Make sure the soil around your home is graded properly and slopes away from the house, as this can help prevent erosion.

Weather can also have a big impact on foundation damage. Extreme temperatures and changes in humidity levels can cause soil to expand or contract, leading to foundation movement. To minimize these effects, make sure your home is well-insulated and ventilated.

Finally, changes in groundwater levels can also cause foundation damage. If the level of water near your home rises or falls, this can lead to movement in the soil around the foundation. To prevent this from happening, make sure there are no low-lying areas near your home that could easily flood or accumulate water.

How To Fix Foundation Damage

Foundation damage can be a serious and expensive problem, but there are some steps you can take to repair it. The first step is to have a professional inspect the foundation to determine the extent of the damage. This will help them decide which type of repair is needed.

The most common approach to foundation repair is underpinning, which is the process of reinforcing or replacing existing foundation supports. This involves installing new posts, or other support structures to stabilize the foundation and prevent further damage.

Other repair methods include structural repairs such as replacing damaged concrete, wall bracing, and shoring up walls with steel beams.

Preventing Future Foundation Damage

Once you’ve had your foundation repaired, it’s important to take steps to prevent further damage. This includes ensuring the soil around your home is graded properly and slopes away from the house, inspecting gutters and downspouts regularly, waterproofing your basement or crawlspace if you have one, and addressing any plumbing leaks promptly.

You should also inspect your foundation periodically for signs of movement or shifting. If you notice any cracks, bulging walls, doors that stick, or other signs of foundation damage, contact a professional to have it evaluated and repaired as soon as possible.

Taking the time to properly care for your home’s foundation is essential for keeping it safe and secure. With proper maintenance and repairs, you can ensure your home is standing strong for years to come.

Are You Looking For A Company To Repair Your Foundation?

Spaulding Concrete has been the SF Bay Area’s top foundation builders and repair experts for over 30 years. We’re here to fix your home’s foundation, no matter what problem may exist. We have the specialized equipment, services and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your building’s foundation. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote for the repair of the foundation. When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our foundation experts answer any questions you have and explain how we can restore integrity and structural stability to your home or company building permanently. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. Spaulding Concrete reviews the site and designs to ensure that the concrete and base structure follows the criteria for the planned use and that the layout and finishes are suitable for the project. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control.

To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood and the surrounding areas.