You’ve always dreamed of building a home for your family. The last thing you want disrupting that dream is a foundation leak. What can you do, then, if your foundation starts to crack?
What Causes a Foundation Leak?
Foundation cracks and leaks often seem to appear out of nowhere. It’s not, however, one big event that pushes your foundation over the edge.
Most foundations crack as a result of long-term exposure to stress. Hydrostatic pressure, specifically, builds up outside of your home whenever it rains. That water will not only erode your foundation’s materials but will also cause your foundation to rapidly change temperature. As your foundation attempts to keep up, its materials will expand and contract until, at last, they crack.
Of course, there are other external factors that might cause your foundation to crack. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, you’ll need to invest in significant piering to protect your home from the worst of the seismic shifts. Large trees, too, with invasive root systems, can wreak havoc on your home if you’re not prepared.
Signs to Look Out For
Where symptoms should you look out for if you suspect you’re dealing with a foundation leak? Unfortunately, because these leaks look so similar to standard basement leaks, it can be difficult for an untrained homeowner to tell the difference.
However, a foundation leak tends to have the biggest impact on your home’s supports. You’ll want to keep an eye out for the following:
● Bowing walls
● Shifting floors
● Gaps at the joints of your foundation
● Sticking doors
● Foggy windows
● Water-damaged belongings or furniture
● Mold
There are several myths about foundation repair, unfortunately, that have driven smart homeowners to wait for repairs. The longer you wait to reach out for professional help, though, the worse a foundation leak can get. A foundation leak that you’ve let fall by the wayside can cause:
● Vertical cracks in your walls
● A cracked chimney
● Cracks running horizontally across your foundation
● Home sinking
Fixing a Foundation Leak
Contrary to popular belief, fixing a foundation leak isn’t a one-size-fits-all job. Once you’ve called in a foundation repair professional, you’ll be able to choose your solution for a catalog of those made available to you. Some of the most common foundation repair solutions include:
● Piering
● Underpinning
● Leveling and slabjacking
● Sealing
● Subfloor drainage
Don’t hesitate to stack some of these solutions, so long as your contractor approves. If your home frequently falls victim to heavy rains and leaks, it’ll be to your benefit to over-prepare.
Reach Out for Professional Guidance ASAP
The myths about foundation repair may have you believing that it’s too expensive for you to reach out for professional help when your foundation cracks. As such, you may think that it’s worth it to try and fix your foundation on your own time.
While admirable, it’s always best to leave foundation repair to the professionals. Why? Because not only do you risk making your leak worse, but you’re going to have to pay a professional more to remove your DIY solutions and repair your foundation than you would otherwise.
If you are worried about the cost of foundation repair, seek out a free inspection and quote from the professionals in your area. Not only will you be able to find a solution that fits your budget, but most contractors will be able to help you set up a payment plan, if you need one.
Above all else, don’t let your family home fall by the wayside. If your foundation cracks, seek out professional repairs so you can get back to your normal life as soon as possible.
