Do you know that something is wrong with your home but aren’t sure what it is? If this is the case, the problem is most likely caused by some kind of foundation problem (especially if you have wall cracks or sloping floors). These issues are common, but they’re more than just normal nuisances that you have to put up with. You may be tempted to ignore them, but foundation problems will only get worse and more expensive to repair as time goes on. Taking care of them at the source is the key to creating a safe and stable living environment.
Here are some of the different types of issues that can affect a home’s foundation.
#1: Concrete Honeycombing
It may seem like a cosmetic issue, but honeycombing can cause serious structural problems. These small honeycomb-like voids will allow water to enter the foundation, which can cause rusting and corrosion. You should have a professional look at this issue, especially if they look like they’re running deep into the concrete.
You will usually see honeycombs on any of the following areas:
- Beams.
- Columns.
- Footings.
- Walls.
- Slabs.
To take care of this problem, the foundation repair specialist will treat it as if it were a foundation crack. This person will be able to fix it from the home’s interior by injecting an epoxy. The contractor can also dig into the section and seal it from your home’s exterior.
#2: Horizontal Cracks
There are other types of cracks (such as vertical and diagonal), but horizontal cracks are the most serious. While they may not indicate foundation settlement, they’re often caused by excessive water pressure. Horizontal cracks can have a number of causes, but unbalanced soil pressure can often lead to cracks in your foundation walls. If you have this problem, you need to have a foundation repair expert look at it as soon as possible.
The contractor will take care of this problem by reinforcing the walls while moving them back to their original position, which can be done by installing special anchors. The contractor won’t just seal the cracks. The walls will be repositioned in a way that will keep water from getting into the crack. A professional can keep your foundation from collapsing by performing permanent and effective repairs, so don’t wait to reach out to someone if you notice this problem.
#3: Foundation Settlement or Failure
Foundation settlement occurs when it starts to deteriorate, which can have a variety of causes. But regardless of the actual cause, there is either too much or not enough moisture in your soil. If your house looks like it’s sinking or shifting, you need to contact a professional as soon as possible.
Changes in soil composition can cause foundations to settle over time. Once they do, they never get better. They only get worse. That’s why you need to take steps to repair a sinking foundation as soon as possible. To fix this problem, you can get in touch with a foundation piering service.
These trained experts will be able to remove the surrounding soil, raise it up with the use of steel pipes, and secure it with jacks. This process may sound simple. But if you want to save time and money, you should leave it to a technician with the right amount of experience and expertise.
#4: Leaking Pipes
If you see mold, stains, or water dripping down your foundation walls, it’s a sign that you have a problem related to pipe penetration. People will often overlook leaking pipes, but they’re a common cause of foundation problems. Water is seeping in from under your home, and the pipe penetrations can’t hold it back.
Taking care of a leaking pipe will prevent any foundation problems, and it can be easily fixed with an epoxy injection. You need to have a professional look at and around your pipes, so he or she can come up with an effective solution. Caulk will not be enough to take care of this kind of problem. You need to keep water out for good by having a solid foundation, and the best way to do it is to hire a professional.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair. We have a team of experienced professionals who would be more than happy to speak with you about the specific needs of your foundation!