Month: August 2019

Construction Mistakes That Result in Foundation Problems

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In most cases, foundation problems span from poor drainage or extreme weather conditions. However, typically these take many years to manifest. If your home is relatively new in its construction and is already showing signs of foundation issues, it may be due to an issue in its construction. So what construction mistakes can manifest early foundation problems?

Construction Mistakes That Result in Foundation Problems

Curing Concrete Too Quickly

If the concrete is not kept sufficiently moist during the curing process, it will dry too quickly. When this happens, it makes the concrete more brittle. In some cases, you may even see cracking before the home is even finished being built.

Concrete kept too moist can also manifest issues as well. If there is too high of a moisture ratio for your environment, it may crack in the winter as it freezes.

Uneven Slabs

Not all property is perfectly flat. When a slab is placed, it needs to be level or at least matching the grade of the property. If due diligence is not given to the leveling of the slab, it leads to unforeseen settling over time.

Voids

When being poured, if care is not given, the concrete can form voids, or hollow spots. This is an incident waiting to happen. Often these voids are weak and cause structural integrity issues as they break down.

Loose Soil

The soil that will sit underneath a foundation needs to be compacted down well before that foundation is placed. If it is not sufficiently compacted, the loose soil can behave unpredictably the first time it gets wet. It is a very big risk for home shifting.

Unfortunately, if your home was the subject of any of these construction flaws, there isn’t much you can do now that it is built other than have them repaired. If you have a home with foundation issues that needs to be fixed fast, contact us today.

Common Problems with Pier and Beam Foundations

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Pier-and-beam foundations are very common here in the DFW area. If your home has a crawl space, chances are it has this type of foundation. While pier-and-beam foundations are normally very stable, they can nonetheless develop problems that would require a professional to address. Here are a few common problems as well as some solutions for them.

Common Problems with Pier and Beam Foundations

Pier Collapse-Your piers may fully or partially collapse, lean to one side, or sink into the ground. Collapsing piers can cause the rest of your foundation to become uneven, leading to cracks and other imperfections. It can also result in damage to the beams.

In cases of pier collapse, we can often stabilize them to prevent further damage. Some shimming may be necessary as well.

Shifting Beams-Unstable beams may shift over time. When this happens, you may notice sagging floors as well. Installing shims, foundation support, or new piers may alleviate this problem.

Shim Failure-If your home has previously been shimmed, contractors may have used inferior materials such as plywood. In those instances, replacing those shims with standard material such as steel is required.

Rotting or Decayed Beams-This is something you are more likely to experience if you have wooden rather than steel beams. Decay can happen as a result of moisture damage, flooding, or an insect infestation. Rotten or decaying beams are unstable, and should therefore be replaced.

If you notice mold or mildew, you should also replace your beams. The presence of mold and mildew suggests that your foundation has already been subject to moisture damage, in which case the beams may very well be compromised. Internal beam damage is something that cannot be eliminated simply by removing the mold.

Pier and beam foundation repairs are not DIY projects. If you notice a problem with your foundation, please contact us instead. We are an experienced foundation repair company, and will ensure your safety and the health of your foundation during every job.

Have You Found Long-Term Water Damage?

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If you’ve found water damage from a crack in your bathtub or gaps in the shower’s grout, the last thing you might want to do is go looking for more problems. Once you’ve turned off the water and had a plumber come inspect the damage, bring in a foundation inspector. Here’s why:

Have You Found Long-Term Water Damage?

 

1. The core problem might be in the foundation.

All of the water damage might not be from cracks and rotted grout in the first place. Shifting piers and subfloors can knock plumbing askew or put enough pressure on the pipes to cause damage. In even more severe cases, the foundation may have shifted enough to put those cracks in the grout, and simply repairing the bathroom surfaces won’t be enough.

2. Long-standing water damage can start to rot subfloors and piers.

If water has been standing or spreading for a while, you may need to cut out more of the flooring and subflooring than you first thought. A foundation expert can inspect the damage from all angles, including in the crawlspace, to make sure all of the damaged or weakened wood is cleanly cut away the first time. They can also recommend the best way to “air out” the crawlspace that just received an influx of moisture.

3. Tree roots could be behind all of the problems.

Tree roots try to grow wherever they can find moisture. Give the opportunity, that could include your home’s pipes and up into the drains and fixtures. If roots are crawling up your home’s drains, they could just as easily be making your foundation walls crumble or knocking aside the piers.

Calling a foundation inspector can help give you peace of mind or let you catch the damage before it grows and causes another emergency. Contact Steady House Foundation to schedule an appointment today.