Why Does Foundation Damage Occur?

There are many things that can impact a foundation and cause damage. Frustratingly, some of these can only be discovered and resolved once the foundation has already been damaged. 

• Soil Conditions 

The soil beneath a foundation is more important to the stability of a home than many realize! Poorly compacted soil or changing soil conditions can upset a foundation’s stability. This often results in settlement issues as the weight of the home forcefully compacts the looser pockets of soil. 

Soil composition can also change over time. Seasonal impacts can cause moisture levels in the earth to change, leading to the shrinking and expansion of soil. The freeze-thaw cycle also causes soil to expand, drastically if there is a high moisture content in the soil. 

• Plumbing and Drainage Issues 

Plumbing issues are never fun to deal with, but did you know that they can actually cause the soil under and around your foundation to shift? 

Plumbing leaks and damaged drains can often cause an excess of water to seep underground. Depending on how long this goes on, the earth can lose integrity due to the sheer amount of liquid. It can be difficult to tell that the underground plumbing is going haywire without obvious signs. 

If you suspect an underground leak, compare your water bills for the last three months. Has there been a spike in cost but not usage? Then your plumbing may have a leak.