Foundation Movement Problem: What is it, Reasons and Prevention Methods
Your house is your castle, but what if your castle is falling apart? The house foundation is the part of your home that sits on the ground and supports the rest of the structure. The foundation is essential to the stability of your house, so it must be built properly and maintained over time. There are many different types of foundations, but all of them have one thing in common: they need to be strong enough to support the weight of the house. That’s why it’s essential to know the signs of foundation problems and what to do if you think your foundation has a problem.
What is Foundation Movement?
House foundation movement is when the foundation of your house shifts, settles, or cracks. When your house foundation move or shifts, it can cause damage to the rest of your house. If this problem arises, it is always recommended to seek the help of a professional as soon as possible because if not treated, this could lead to severe and costly problems.
What Causes Foundation Movement?
Many different factors can contribute to the house foundation movement. However, some of the most common causes include the following:
Soil expansion and contraction: The soil around your foundation constantly expands and contracts due to temperature and moisture changes. Thus, it can cause the foundation to move up or down, depending on the direction of the soil movement.
Poorly compacted soil: When the soil around your foundation is not compacted correctly, it can settle over time and cause the foundation to sink.
Tree roots: Tree roots can also cause foundation problems. As they grow, tree roots can push up on the foundation and cause it to crack or move.
Water: Too much or too little water can cause problems for your foundation. Too much water can saturate the soil and cause it to expand, while too little water can cause the soil to contract and expose the foundation to the elements.
Earthquakes: Earthquakes can cause foundations to shift and crack.
What Are the Signs of Foundation Movement?
Several signs indicate that your house may have a problem with foundation movement. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Cracks in walls: Vertical or horizontal cracks in your walls are one of the most common indicators of foundation movement.
Cracks in floors: If you notice cracks in your floor, it’s a good indication that your foundation is shifting.
Gaps around doors and windows: If gaps start to form around your doors and windows, it’s a sign that the foundation is no longer supporting the weight of the house.
Leaning chimneys: If your chimney starts to lean, it’s a sign that the foundation has shifted and is no longer supporting the weight of the structure.
Sagging floors: If your floors start to sag or feel bouncy, it’s a sign that the foundation is not as strong as it used to be.
Exterior brick cracks: If you see cracks in the brickwork on the exterior of your house, it’s a sign that the foundation is shifting.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a foundation repair professional as soon as possible. These problems will only get worse over time, and they can eventually lead to major structural issues.
How Can I Prevent Foundation Movement?
There are several things you can do to help prevent house foundation movement. Some of the most effective prevention methods include:
Regularly check for cracks or gaps: Inspect your foundation regularly for any cracks or gaps. If you notice any problems, contact a foundation repair professional as soon as possible.
Watering your foundation: Watering your foundation helps to keep the soil around it moist and prevents the soil from shrinking.
Addressing tree roots: If you have trees near your foundation, check their roots regularly. Large tree roots can cause severe damage to your foundation.
Adding drainage: Drainage around your foundation can help redirect water away from the foundation and reduce the risk of soil expansion.
Earthquake proofing: If you live in an earthquake-prone area, it’s essential to take steps to earthquake-proof your house. This includes anchoring your home to the foundation and reinforcing walls and floors.
Conclusion
Foundation movement is a serious problem that can lead to significant structural damage. Therefore, if you notice any foundation problems, taking timely action is vital to prevent further damage.
Looking for affordable foundation repair? We can help!
Level Pro Foundation Repair Inc
920 Murphy Road, Suite D, Stafford, Tx 77477
Phone: (832) 894-0781
https://www.levelprofoundationrepair.com/