The Work Of Concrete Contractors

Is A Bad Foundation Game Over?

16 December 2019

Jeffery Hayes

Many homeowners understandably panic when they learn that their foundation may be in jeopardy. Horror stories abound of foundation repairs stretching into the six-figure range. In extreme cases, a home may even be considered a total loss if the foundation issues are severe enough. Fortunately, not every crack spells impending doom. Foundation repairs that do not cost several years' salaries are possible and not all foundation issues mean that your home is (literally) on its last legs. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of foundation trouble and what you can do to shore up a failing base.

Why Do Foundations Fail?

Under perfect conditions, a properly constructed foundation should not fail over any reasonable timescale. Instead, foundation failures generally occur due to poor construction, inadequate land surveying, or shifts in the property caused by weather or other events. Property for new homes is carefully surveyed to determine soil types and characteristics, and this information is in turn used to design the foundation. A failure at any step can result in a foundation that is not well-suited for the land that it is constructed on, ultimately leading to premature failure.

In addition to planning or construction failures, changes in the surrounding land can sometimes cause a home's foundation to shift. These changes may occur as a result of floods or other weather conditions, or they may be the result of a plumbing leak. Whatever the case, significant changes in soil moisture can wreak havoc on a home's foundation.

Assessing Your Foundation

Once you notice trouble, it can be tempting to panic and assume the worst. A single crack in your home's foundation does not necessarily mean that complete failure is imminent, however. Instead, treat small cracks as warning signs that a structural evaluation is now required. When you have your foundation evaluated, an expert will carefully check your entire home to discover the likely cause of the crack. Evaluations of this type are vital in ensuring that your home remains safe. If you notice any cracks at all, it's time to call in an expert for a structural inspection.

Repairing Minor Problems

Once your structural inspection is complete, you can move on to fixing the problem. Unfortunately, if the inspection turns up major issues with the soil around your foundation, then expensive options such as piers may be justified. In many cases, however, spot repairs may be possible. If your inspection turns up no on-going issues with the surrounding soil, then simply filling the cracks may be sufficient. Often, problems with shifting soil can be tracked down to a single source (such as a leaking pipe), and repairing that problem will prevent further foundation damage.

While issues with your foundation can be frightening, it is essential to remain calm. Contact an experienced foundation expert as quickly as possible to conduct a full inspection. You may just find that fixing your foundation doesn't have to break the bank.

 

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