Everything You Need to Know About Home Foundations

Written by Posted On Monday, 17 April 2017 10:04

Home foundations may be dug about ten feet into the earth for a basement, or just a few feet for a crawl space or slab surface. The foundation serves as the anchoring point for the entire wood framing of the structure and allows for the entry of water, gas and sewer services. Keep these common foundation concerns in mind when inspecting and maintaining your home.

Settling and Shifting

When the soil settles, so can your foundation. A settling foundation can lead to a crack in the concrete block walls. Even a few millimeters of settling could make your home's walls develop a gap with the floor or ceiling. A sudden settling of the soil could even damage the plumbing or gas connections that enter through the foundation.

Cracking and Bowing

Pressure exerted by the soil can cause a foundation to crack. This is a common problem in areas with heavy clay soils. Clay soils absorb a great deal of water. As the clay absorbs the water, it expands. This pressure pushes against the foundation, leading to cracks. Walls can begin to bow and split apart.

Using Home Foundation Repair Professionals

Your home is only as good as its foundation. When you suspect a problem with the foundation, it is best to hire experts to inspect and repair it for you. Professionals such as the team at Techniblock Pty Ltd have the experience, skills and equipment to take on the toughest of foundation problems, such as weakened stumps or cracked walls. Foundation repair experts accurately diagnose problems and offer efficient solutions.

Damaging Effects of Leaks and Insect Activity

Home foundations are easy prey to the predatory effects of water damage and insect activity. A faulty gutter and downspout could allow water to pool at the home's foundation, resulting in water damage. A leaking water or sewer supply line could also cause water intrusion through the foundation. If a house is stumped on timber, termite or carpenter ant activity could cause significant damage in a short amount of time. This damage can be accelerated if the foundation is frequently wet from heavy rains or water intrusion.

Because of the weight pressing down from the walls, floors and roof and the forces exerted by the soil, foundations are under a lot of pressure. Home foundations should be regularly inspected and repaired as needed by experienced professionals. Proper foundation and home maintenance and repairs will help to keep the house structurally sound.

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