What Causes Foundation Problems?

Home insulation, attic insulation & crawl space encapsulation

Foundation Crack Repair Foundation problems can be very serious. In fact, depending on the extent of the damage, a problem with the foundation can pose a threat to the overall structure of your home. Your foundation may need to be evaluated by a foundation repair company in Baltimore if you notice uneven floors, cracked ceiling or walls, cracked chimney bricks, and sticking doors or windows. Your foundation repair provider will likely need to address one or more of the following causes to prevent foundation problems in the future.

Plumbing Leaks

Water from plumbing leaks is one of the leading causes of foundation problems , especially for homes with crawlspaces. Even if your home’s plumbing doesn’t run through a crawlspace atop the foundation, a leak in the sewer drain can cause the soil to shift due to excessive moisture. If you suspect that your sewer line is leaking, contact a plumber and then contact a foundation repair company to check for any resulting damage.

Poor Drainage

Improper drainage is another leading cause of foundation failure in Baltimore. Constant pools of water in concentrated spots can cause the soil to settle and compact, creating uneven support for your home’s foundation. Poor drainage may also cause water seepage into your home’s basement or crawlspace, which is why you should have these areas waterproofed as soon as possible to prevent mold, mildew, and other types of water damage.

Inferior Ground Preparation

It’s also possible that the ground was not properly prepared before the foundation was installed. Slab-on-grade foundations depend on the uppermost soil layers to provide bearing capacity to support the structure and keep the foundation stable. Unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot you can do to prevent this as it’s up to the home builder to let the soil settle before construction. While you can’t reverse poor ground preparation and foundation construction, your foundation repair company can prevent any further damage.