What Causes Foundation Damage?
Foundation damage like cracking, settling, bowing basement walls and more are caused by a variety of factors, including:
Soil-Related Issues
Soils heavy in clay can absorb lots of water when it rains, expanding after rainfall and then compacting once the water evaporates. This can disturb the foundation and lead to cracking and settling. Virginia is a state with heavy amounts of red clay in the soil, which can make homes in areas like Alexandria, Arlington, Fredericksburg and Fairfax prone to soil-related foundation damage.
Water-Related Problems
Foundation damage is often caused by improper drainage in and around the home leading to water pooling around the foundation and saturating the soil, which can then cause cracking and settling. Proper drainage systems like well-maintained gutters, sump pumps, and more can help facilitate drainage, keeping your home’s foundation protected from water-related issues.
The Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Foundation damage can also be caused by the Freeze-Thaw Cycle. The Freeze-Thaw Cycle is when melted snow or rain water saturates the ground and gets inside minimal foundation cracks, then freezes, causing the cracks to expand, and then melts again, leaving behind larger cracks, which then allows in more groundwater, which then freezes again and makes the foundation cracks even bigger.
Signs of Foundation Damage
Some signs of foundation damage include:
- Cracks: you might see vertical cracks, horizontal cracks, or stair-step cracks in your foundation or basement walls
- Uneven Floors: as your foundation settles into the earth, you might experience sloping or sagging floors.
- Difficulty opening doors and windows: doors and windows can become more difficult to open in a home with a shifting foundation, as they have less even ground to stand on.
Foundation Damage Prevention
You can prevent foundation damage by ensuring your home has proper drainage systems in place. Make sure your gutters and downspouts direct water AWAY from your foundation. French drains and sump pumps can also keep water from damaging your foundation. Scheduling regular inspections with a licensed professional can help you catch foundation issues early.
Foundation Repair Company in Northern Virginia
If you need foundation repair services in the Northern Virginia areas of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Fredericksburg, contact the experts at Summit Waterproofing Solutions. Our team offers services like foundation waterproofing, foundation stabilization, crawl space joist support, crawl space encapsulation, and basement waterproofing. Get in touch with our team today to get started at 703-291-1516!
