How Does Weather Affect House Foundation
The house is the most important investment that most people will make in their lifetime. The foundation is a critical element of the house and its stability. The foundation’s condition will affect the value and safety of the home. The following information will help homeowners understand how weather can affect their house foundation.
- Soil Expansion and Contraction
The soil around the foundation of homes is constantly expanding and contracting due to changes in moisture and temperature. This causes the foundation to move up and down, which can create cracks. Cracks in the foundation can allow water to enter the home, leading to severe damage.
- Rising Temperature and Heatwave
During the summer, the temperature can rise to extreme levels, which can cause the soil to expand. This puts additional pressure on the foundation and can cause cracks. A heatwave can also cause the ground to dry out, leading to further cracking and damage to your house foundation.
- Heavy Rains and Flooding
Heavy rains can saturate the ground around the foundation, causing it to expand. This can put pressure on the foundation and lead to cracks or even collapse. Flooding can also cause water to enter the home through cracks in the foundation, leading to significant damage.
- Cold Weather Damage
During the winter, the temperature can drop to freezing levels, which can cause the ground to contract. This can lead to cracks in the foundation and damage to pipes and other systems in the home.
How to Check Your Home for Foundation Damage
Homeowners should regularly check their foundation for cracks or other damage. There are number of ways to check your foundation for damage:
-Look for cracks in the walls, floors, stairways, or ceilings.
-Check for doors and windows if they are difficult to open or close.
-Sagging roofs can be an indication of foundation damage.
-Check for cracks in your foundation, basement floors, and garage floors.
-Big cracks in the soil around your house exteriors.
-Check for gaps between foundation and walls.
If you notice any damage, it is crucial to contact a professional to have it repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring foundation damage can lead to severe problems, such as water damage, mold, and structural instability.
Preventing Damage to Your Foundation
As we all know, prevention is better than cure. While the weather is a natural occurrence that homeowners must deal with, some steps can be taken to minimize its effects on the house foundation. These include:
- To prevent weather-related damage to your foundation, it is essential to have proper drainage around your home. This will help remove water from the area around the foundation and reduce the pressure on the foundation.
- It is important to inspect your foundation for cracks or other damage regularly. If you notice any damage, it is vital to have it repaired as soon as possible by a professional.
- Add extra support to the foundation if necessary. Many contractors nowadays use a higher number of piers and thinner slabs to reduce the load on the soil by efficiently distributing the total load of the house.
- Take steps to protect your home from flooding. This includes installing a sump pump, French drains and ensuring that gutters are clean and in good working order.
Weather can have a significant impact on your house’s foundation. Extreme temperatures, heavy rains, and flooding can lead to foundation damage. It is vital to regularly check your foundation for cracks or other damage and take steps to protect your home from flooding. By taking these steps, homeowners can help protect their house foundation from weather-related damage.
For weather-related house foundation damage fix, reach us at:
Level Pro Foundation Repair Inc
920 Murphy Road, Suite D, Stafford, Tx 77477
Phone: (832) 894-0781
https://www.levelprofoundationrepair.com/