Month: January 2020

Roof Leak? It Could Be a Sign of a Foundation Problem

When you have foundation problems, you anticipate the problems to manifest symptoms in the foundation, floors, or even the walls if it is bad enough. However, when the foundation has issues it can affect everything from the slab to the roof top. This is why if you are having a roof problem, you may also want to consider looking into the foundation as well.

Roof Leak? It Could Be a Sign of a Foundation Problem

If you are having a roof leak, only to find no explainable cause, it could actually be a foundation issue. A sturdy roof can typically withstand a few inches of foundation shift, but eventually, it will start to curve and separate. This will allow rain to leak into your home and the moisture will cause further damage to the roof. The gaps will also allow animals to enter your home.

If your roofing company informs you that your roof has curved and separated, it is time to call a foundation company to see what is going on down below. You will want to fix the foundation issue before you fix a roofing issue. If you fix your roof first, the foundation may settle in a new way that could just cause the roof to separate again. You really do need a solid foundation in order to build a solid home. It is best to just temporarily patch a roof to prevent further leaking before permanently fixing it, at least until the foundation is repaired.

Are you having foundation problems in your home that are starting to affect your walls, door, windows, or even the roof? The longer you wait to have these foundation issues repaired, the more expensive they will be to fix and the more extensive the damage will become. If you need foundation repair, contact us today to see what Steady House Foundation Repair can do to help.

Why Soil Erosion Around Your Foundation is a Problem

Have you noticed that a bit more of your foundation is showing around your home? Have you spotted puddling around you foundation or areas where water flows through paths in the soil? These are all signs of soil erosion and while it might not seem like a big problem now, it can become one when your foundation starts to suffer.

Why Soil Erosion Around Your Foundation is a Problem

You may not know it, but your foundation is supposed to be surrounded by a graded soil slope. It will be so slight you don’t even notice it, but it serves an integral purpose. The soil grade around your foundation is meant so that water flows down the slope and away from your foundation. When the soil erodes, it can cause that water to instead pool by the foundation and may invite potential problems.

Soil erosion typically happens when there is nothing to hold the soil firm. This is why landscaping around a home is not just a trend, but a necessity. Landscaping usually prevents erosion as well as helps to limit the amount of moisture left in the soil.

If you notice the soil around your foundation has eroded, you should consider regrading it and planting landscaping with good surface roots to hold the new graded soil in place. However, you will also want to monitor that area of your foundation to see if problems have already started due to the previous erosion. If enough moisture was sitting up against the foundation, it could cause shifting and new settling that may cause problems. If you notice any sinking or new cracks, it would be best to call a foundation company.

While foundation companies can’t help with regrading your soil, if you are having any foundation problems, contact us today. Steady House Foundation Repair can help get your home back on a steady foundation.

4 Signs of a Foundation Drainage Problem

To many homeowners, drainage problems may appear to be minor concerns. However, drainage problems can cause structural damage to your foundation if they’re not addressed. The soil around your home’s foundation will swell as it becomes saturated with water, creating hydrostatic pressure. The pressure creates cracks in your foundation and may lead to further damage. If you notice any of these warning signs of poor drainage, seek help from a professional as soon as possible.

4 Signs of a Foundation Drainage Problem

Foundation Cracks

Foundations often develop small hairline cracks as the house settles. These small cracks are normal. However, cracks that are more than 1/8 inch wide or cracks that are growing may indicate a drainage problem. If you notice growing cracks, have your foundation inspected by a professional.

Overflowing Downspouts

While it’s usual for your downspouts to overflow during very heavy rain, you may have a drainage problem if your gutters overflow continuously. Clogged gutters may put your foundation at risk of water damage.

Water Stains

Water stains in your basement may be caused by water coming in after a storm. If the stains appear high on the foundation wall, it’s likely the water is coming from an overflowing gutter. A continuous line of water stains indicates a more serious issue. It’s possible that your home was constructed below the water table line and municipal storm drains are backing up. You can resolve this issue by installing a sump pump.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew thrive in a warm, damp environment. Mold in your basement or your crawlspace is a sign of a drainage problem. You may also notice mold and mildew in your attic. Moisture from your basement can rise and condense under your roof. If the problem isn’t fixed, you may need to repair your roof as well as your foundation.

Steady House Foundation Repair offers foundation repair and drainage correction services to customers across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contact us now for a free estimate.