What are the main causes of
Foundation Problems?

Foundation problems in the Houston area can be very devastating. If you do not find and fix foundation problems quickly, your home will become even more damaged and the repairs may be more extensive than if you had taken care of the problem when it was first discovered.

Even worse, if your foundation continues to sink or shift over time, it could become damaged beyond repair or unsafe to occupy. So what are the main causes of foundation problems?  Keep reading to learn more!

Large tree roots

If you’ve noticed that your foundation walls are sinking, cracking or otherwise deteriorating, then there’s a strong chance that tree roots are to blame. Every year, thousands of homeowners see their foundation walls begin to deteriorate – and a huge cause of these problems is large tree roots. Tree roots can be bad news for concrete foundations in general, but they can wreak havoc on a basement – and often cause serious problems.

As a general rule of thumb, choose trees that have taproots. Examples of such trees include conifers, hickory, walnut trees.

Leaks from plumbing fixtures

Water leaks from plumbing fixtures, like your bathtub, toilet and sink can cause your foundation to fail by: promoting mold growth under and around your house; causing deterioration of concrete flooring; damaging hardwood floors; rotting through wood siding. If a leak develops inside your house, you’ll also want to fix it immediately as it can damage your walls and ceiling.

You could also develop water infiltration in any exposed dirt around or below your foundation due to plumbing leaks – which will promote moisture problems within and beneath the foundation walls.

To check a water meter for leaks:

• Turn off all faucets inside and outside your house, then.
• Check the flow indicator. A check flow indicator is a small rotating wheel on the meter that can detect even small amounts of water flow. If it’s moving, then there are leaks located somewhere in your house. At this point, you could consider getting professional help.
• Another source of water leaks is the sewer line. Sewer lines should be checked every 2-4 years. For this, you will need to hire a plumber.

Lack of a proper foundation drainage system

A properly designed and installed foundation drainage system can save you from many foundation issues. The drain tiles are responsible for removing water that seeps into your foundation and carrying it away to a safe location where it won’t damage your home or create future problems.

A house’s slab foundations are greatly affected by moisture. Flooding is a more serious issue. Some of the problems caused by too much water include:

• Sticking doors and windows
• Discoloration and premature aging of concrete and exterior brick
• Damage to landscape and soil erosion
• Cracks in interior walls and exterior surfaces
• Dangerous loss of foundation stability

Soil and climate problems

Soil problems like clay soil and climate problems like constant freeze/thaw cycles can cause foundation problems. In areas with a lot of freezing and thawing, it’s important to make sure your home has adequate foundation vents and insulation. Also, houses with poorly draining soil need to be built on slabs rather than on piers or crawl spaces.

In  Texas, the soil and the climate are major contributors of foundation issues. Clay soil is one of the worst types of soil to build a foundation on. When it’s very dry, it shrinks. Alternatively, when it’s wet, it swells just as dramatically as it shrinks when dry.

This drastic change can create pressure against the foundation, which can lead to foundation movement.

Signs Your Foundation Is Going Bad

If your home has a shifting foundation, it can be incredibly unsettling. This type of foundation problem occurs when there’s a crack or separation in your basement walls that compromises your home’s structural integrity. While minor cracks can be filled and patched to hide them from view, major cracks need to be taken care of immediately to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your home. Check out these signs that you have foundation problems and decide what needs to be done. If you’ve determined that a foundation repair is necessary, contact an expert who can help fix any problems you’re experiencing.

Interior Signs of foundation problems:

• A fireplace that’s leaning
• Wall separation at the ceiling
• Uneven, sagging floors
• Stuck doors and windows
• Cracked walls
• Kitchen cabinets separating from wall or ceiling
• Ceiling cracks and associated problems
• Cracked floor tiles

Exterior Signs of foundation problems:

• Cracked slab
• Cracked exterior concrete
• Gaps occurring between trim or fascia boards and exterior brick
• Window frame or exterior door separation from brick or siding
• Cracked chimney
• Brick crack separation