No matter what type of foundation you have, a basement, crawlspace, or just a slab, water can wreak havoc on it. It can be especially hard on foundations that are surrounded by areas that are constantly wet. This occurs when rainwater is plentiful, which is a common issue in Arkansas. As a homeowner, you can keep your gutters and downspouts in good repair and clear of debris. You can also make sure that the landscaping and soil around your foundation are properly graded. But water can still be an issue. So let’s take a look at how water affects foundations and what that means for you.
Hydrostatic pressure is caused by a build-up of water around the foundation. This causes leaks and a build-up of pressure that can result in cracked bowed walls in your basement or crawlspace. Look for cracks, bulging, and seepage in your crawlspace or basement.
Clay-rich, expansive soils around your foundation can become saturated with water. This causes similar problems to hydrostatic pressure. Walls can crack, seep, and bow in with the build-up of pressure from the soil.
Erosion can occur in the soil around your foundation if water washes it away. When soil that supports your foundation is moved away it can cause foundation settlement. Signs of foundation settlement include uneven floors, doors that stick, windows that stick, and cracks in drywall, ceilings, tiles, and more.
Now that you know that water affects foundations in different ways, you can take a closer look at your home and see what may apply to you. While not every crack or a small amount of moisture means your foundation is going to fail, it does mean however that you should be vigilant. Watch for changes as things can escalate when water is involved. When in questions contact Airlift for help. We are concrete experts and understand foundations. We can let you know when a problem is serious.
Contact Airlift Concrete Experts today to learn more about how we can help you. We can provide you with a free estimate and schedule an inspection to determine what problems you face and solutions to solve those water-related issues. Our professional team is dedicated to honesty, integrity, and quality in all of our work. We are passionate about fixing foundations, so put us to work for you today.
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