Introduction:
Foundation damage is one of the most significant and costly mishaps a home can experience. The overall strength of your home in Knoxville or any other place is dependent on its foundation. When the foundation cracks or shifts, the rest of your home structure becomes vulnerable to damage and can result in costly foundation repair.
There are some signs which will point out to you that your foundation is damaged, but it is best to avoid any issues altogether by being aware of the biggest factors that can threaten your home’s structural integrity:
Here are the most common ones that you should keep an eye on:
Overwatering:
In a place like Knoxville, where rainfall is plentiful, it is essential to take extra care not to overwater your lawn. As too much water can be detrimental to your foundation. When the soil around your home becomes oversaturated, it can cause the ground to expand and put excess pressure on your foundation walls, which leads to cracking.
To avoid this issue,
- Ensure your gutters are clear and redirect water at least 6 feet away from your home.
- Check your sprinklers to ensure they aren’t watering your foundation or siding.
- Better to water your lawn after checking the weather forecast.
Plumbing Leaks:
Plumbing leaks are another common cause of foundation damage, particularly if there is a problem in the main water line. A sizable leak can quickly saturate the soil around your home, causing your foundation to settle or heave.
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to detect a leak in the main water line or sewer line. And at times, you are not aware of these leaks until you notice sure telltale signs, such as:
- Soggy spots in your yard
- Mold or mildew growth on your walls
- Stains on your ceilings or floors
- Unpleasant odors coming from your drains
- Hike in your water bill
Tree Root Encroachment:
Beautiful landscaping plays a significant role in improving your home’s curb appeal and adding to its value. However, when planted too close to your foundation, large tree roots can soak up water and nutrients meant for your lawn, leaving the soil beneath your foundation dry and crumbly.
When the soil dries out, it can’t support the weight of your home, causing it to settle and crack. Additionally, tree roots can also grow through cracks in your foundation and into your basement or crawlspace, which can cause even more damage.
To prevent this issue, make sure you:
- Plant trees at least 20 feet away from your foundation.
- Check the roots of existing trees to see if they are growing too close to your home. If so, you may need to have the tree removed.
Inferior Construction:
Though it is not ethical, some builders cut corners to save money during construction. One common way they do this is by not following the proper building code when constructing your foundation. And by using insufficient steel and sub-standard concrete, and other material that weakens the structure of your home and makes it more susceptible to foundation damage.
If you suspect that your builder has used inferior construction techniques, contact a foundation repair specialist to have your home assessed.
Read here to learn about the common foundation repair methods.
Improper Compaction:
The soil beneath your foundation needs to be correctly compacted to support the weight of your home. It can settle and cause your foundation to sink or crack if not done precisely. Improper compaction often occurs during new construction when the builder fails to compact the fill dirt properly before pouring the foundation.
To avoid this issue, make sure you:
- Hire a reputable builder who uses proper compaction techniques.
- Check the soil around your home to make sure it isn’t settling. If you notice any settling, have a foundation repair Knoxville expert assess the situation and take the necessary steps to fix the problem.
Poor Drainage:
Improper drainage is one of the most common causes of foundation problems. Homes in Knoxville that lack gutters or have downspouts that direct water towards the foundation are especially susceptible to this issue.
When rainwater seeps into the soil around your foundation, it can cause the ground to become oversaturated, causing an unstable foundation. Aside from the normal and almost inevitable cracking and settling, basement leaks and mold growth are also common problems associated with poor drainage.
To fix this issue, you need to:
- Install gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your foundation.
- Check the grading around your home to ensure it slopes away from the foundation.
- Invest in basement waterproofing to keep your basement or crawlspace dry.
If you have any questions or concerns about the condition of your foundation, please don’t hesitate to contact a basement foundation repair specialist in your area.
Seasonal Changes:
In a place like Knoxville, where weather conditions can rapidly change from one season to the next, these temperatures and moisture content can also cause damage to your foundation. For example, as the soil around your home dries out during summer droughts and then expands when exposed to too much moisture during heavy rain, it puts a lot of stress on your foundation, leading to cracking and other types of damage.
While there is no way to completely protect your foundation from the ever-changing weather conditions, having your foundation inspected at every seasonal change can help identify any potential problems early on to be fixed before they cause severe damage.
Read here to know why you need timely house foundation repair.
Guardian Foundation Repair: Your Ultimate Solution:
If you need professional foundation repair services in Knoxville, look no further than Guardian Foundation Repair. We are a team of experienced and certified foundation specialists who have been servicing the area for over 25 years. We offer a wide range of foundation repair services, including pier and beam foundations, slab foundations, and crawl space foundations.
No matter what type of foundation you have or what problem you are experiencing, we can help. We will not only repair the damage caused to your foundation, but we will also work to prevent any future problems from occurring.
Give us a call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We look forward to serving you!