Top Four Causes For Foundation Failure
What has led you to need piering?
So it’s time to give a relatively new foundation a makeover. You have come to terms with the facts and know what has to be done, but you may still be lingering on the question of how you got here in the first place. Although there are many different factors that can cause foundations to fail, some are much more likely than others. In this blog you will learn the top four reason for foundation failure, hopefully giving you some insight into what went wrong and what to watch out for in the future.
No matter how old a foundation is, it’s always at risk for damage; here are some of the most common causes for foundation failure:
Transpiration
Transpiration is caused by plant roots (usually trees) dehydrating the soil beneath your foundation. We all know plants need water to live, and during the summer months, when water may be sparse, plants use every last drop they can get from the soil they live in. This, in turn, dries the soil out completely, changing its consistency and physically shrinking the ground beneath the foundation. This ground change will cause cracks and even collapse certain foundations depending on the severity of transpiration.
Soil Extraction
Soil doesn’t just dry out, it can be overly saturated with water as well. Soil erosion is caused when a property does not have the proper drainage system in place, or when there is a heavy water flow due to a storm or change in irrigation . If this problem is not fixed, eventually the soil will erode and gradually destroy foundation as a whole. Whether your gutters are clogged or a property is located in an area with a high water table, erosion is a serious matter.
Plumbing Leaks
No one plans to have an issue with their plumbing, but when it happens it, can cause a more serious problem than just a broken toilet. Whether a sewer system has backed up or a pipe has burst, an influx of any water on the ground can have a huge impact on the condition of your foundation, making it not impossible to save without the proper piering techniques.
Poor Site Construction
The most important thing anyone can do before beginning a construction project is to check the soil on which they are building. Soil that is unsuitable for large-scale projects will lead to problems in the future. Most grounds can be expected to shift in time; when the ground moves your foundation will settle or shrink and break.
Whether your clients know why their foundation has failed or not, the most important thing is that you have the right tools and products to save the day. Take a look at our special offers and place your order today.