If the foundation of your house moves or shifts in place, it can cause water to leak into your basement or garage, cracks in the wall and other damage to your home. You should NEVER ignore foundation movement because the problem will only become worse over time.
While fixing the problem is important, you probably want to know what causes the foundation to move—so you can avoid this movement in the first place. While an earthquake or another major disaster could cause the problem to occur suddenly, three common issues may result in a slower shifting. Understanding these causes may help you to mitigate the risks.
- Less-than-Perfect Construction – Nearly every type of building material poses the chance for problems over time or construction error. Older concrete was highly porous and would begin absorbing water after many years. Stone, block or brick foundations all have joints where breakage or damage can occur. Taking stock of the foundation construction, by regularly inspecting it, is important to prevent foundation movement.
- Water – Water getting to your home’s foundation or sitting uncontrolled in your basement can wreak havoc on it. When rain or snow turns the ground near a home to mud, it can put pressure on the foundation too—causing it to move or crack. Once a small crack occurs, water can seep in and further damage the house. The smallest movement could be the start of a huge problem. With all the inclement weather we experience each year, it is vital to look into basement waterproofing in Lombard or the surrounding areas.
- Soil Problems – If the soil around a home isn’t the best, it can lead to shifting and other serious problems. A home built on former wetlands, an old landfill or former construction areas, for instance, may not provide a stable enough surface to support the foundation. Even if the house looks solid at first, movement may begin occurring over time. Making changes to soil, after the home is built, isn’t always easy—but certain structural changes can be made to help the house to stand up to future problems.
One of the best ways to prevent foundation movement is to make sure your home is perfectly waterproofed. If you would like more information about basement waterproofing in Lombard or the surrounding areas, reach out to us at ULB-Dry Waterproofing. We would love to help you protect your home and family from the dangers of foundation movement and other issues caused by water in the basement or crawl space.