Amy & Aron's

Poor Drainage

Water can be the ultimate ruiner of your foundation's foundation, especially if its drainage systems are inadequate and water collects in pools around it. Over time, this saturation can erode away at the soil supporting it, and cause shifting or uneven settlement differently than intended.

Leaky Plumbing

Think a leaky pipe is no big deal? Think again. Unnoticed plumbing leaks can slowly but surely drain away soil around your foundation, leading to gradual settlement and cracks. That small drip-drip under your sink could be more sinister than you realize.

The Soil Saga: Different Soils, Different Problems

Expansive Clay Soils

Not all soils are created equal, just ask any gardener. Clay soil, in particular, is notorious for its expansive properties: swelling when wet and shrinking when dry. This incessant cycle of expansion and contraction plays havoc with your foundation, potentially cracking it or shifting its position over time.

Poorly Compacted Soils

Before your house was constructed, its foundation should have been supported by soil that had been well compacted to help bear its weight. Unfortunately, if this did not happen properly, loosely packed soil may move and settle over time and take your foundation along for the ride.

Tree Troubles: Runaway Roots

We love the shade and beauty that trees bring to our yards, but their roots can sometimes cause issues for foundations. Trees need water to survive, and their thirsty roots will travel far to find it. Even if this means invading the soil beneath your home and upending its stability. The thirstier the tree, the greater its effect.

Construction Quality: Not All Builders Are Created Equal

Subpar Materials

Poor materials lead to poor results. If your home was built using substandard concrete or other low-quality building materials, its foundation may not withstand time as intended. Weak materials deteriorate more quickly and could lead to structural issues later down the line.

Shoddy Workmanship

Even top-quality materials won't help if they were improperly installed and constructed. Improper installation methods or cutting corners could result in foundational flaws that make your home vulnerable to future issues.

Getting Your Foundation Repaired

If signs of foundation trouble have appeared in your home, such as cracking walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that no longer open smoothly, it might be time to consider professional foundation repair. They will assess the extent of any damage and devise a plan to stabilize and strengthen your foundation. In order to avoid future foundation troubles, it's crucial that any potential issues are addressed as early as possible, either during construction or when discovered. Compaction, high-grade building materials, and reliable contractors with demonstrated experience should all play a part. RS Foundations offers complete foundation repair solutions, from minor crack repairs to complete replacements. A strong foundation ensures a stable home in the long term, so don't neglect it. Regularly maintain and monitor its condition to ensure long-term peace.

Conclusion

A cracked foundation is more than an eyesore. It's an indicator that something fundamentally amiss with your home. By understanding the primary sources of foundation issues (water issues, soil issues, tree issues, or construction quality concerns), you can take proactive measures to safeguard your investment. Keep an eye on drainage and plumbing maintenance needs, choose trees wisely for planting purposes, and insist on quality construction services from day one.