Causes of damage to foundations
The most prevalent cause of foundation damage is water. When water accumulates in the soil that surrounds the foundation, it causes it to expand. This places a lot more pressure on the walls and the footings of the foundation. Cracks then begin to appear.
A good place to start in the diagnosis of the problem with your foundation would be to check the gutters as well as the downspout drains. Ensure that they are working properly. You should also check the soil near the foundation. Ensure that it is graded properly. It should have a gradual slope of not less than six inches for every ten horizontal feet.
Check to see if the foundation has a French drain. This is a drainage system that channels away water from your foundation. This drain may be blocked leading to the accumulation of water around the foundations.
Uneven foundations
Foundations with severe cracks or that are bowed or tipped will require reinforcement. This will prevent them from deteriorating further. Do not attempt to do this on your own. Remember that this is the foundation to your home. You should therefore ensure that it is strong and safe. Contact foundation repair in Baltimore contractors to inspect your foundations and help you with the repairs.
Uneven foundations can often be repaired from inside. Experts can determine the amount and type of reinforcement required for the walls. A common solution is to place braces made from wood or steel against the wall. New mesh made from carbon-fiber or wall anchors may also be used along the wall.
One of the latest and cheapest solutions is to use vertical epoxy strips that are pressed against the carbon fiber mesh. These will help in locking the wall in its place.
Partially washed out foundation
If there has been severe leakage from your drainage system or a broken pipe that has resulted in water accumulating along the perimeter of your foundation, your foundation maybe undermined. Be sure to contact a professional contractor as soon as possible to help in shoring up the area around the foundation with more concrete. If the area is uneven they may choose to shim the sill plate.
Having started in 1990, we boast expert staff members with collective experience in the industry going strong for over 50 years. We promise our clients superior workmanship and quality in basement waterproofing and foundation repair at budget-friendly prices, capped by a fantastic client experience to ensure your ultimate satisfaction.
We are a local and family-owned business committed to providing top-notch basement waterproofing service and workmanship. We are also actively involved in several non-profit projects for the betterment of our community. In 2020 we celebrated our 30th Anniversary.
