How to Understand the Causes of Foundation Movement and Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Trouble

I. Causes -

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The most common cause of foundation movement is seasonal shrinking and swelling of expansive soils. When the moisture content of expansive soil increases, the soil swells. When the moisture content decreases, the soil shrinks. Consequently, the soil under a house shrinks and swells with the seasons and the house and foundation will move up and down.

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Another common cause of foundation movement is poor site drainage. As stated above, additional moisture can cause expansive soil to swell. Therefore, areas of poor drainage near the foundation can cause that soil under the foundation to swell and result in upward movement of the foundation.

Another cause of foundation movement is building on improperly compacted soil or fill. If the soil was inadequately compacted prior to construction, then the foundation of that building is subject to settlement as the supporting soil compresses.

Another common cause of foundation movement is plumbing leaks. When a plumbing leak occurs under the slab, the balance of moisture is altered. As this moisture is added to the soil, foundation movement often occurs. Dependent upon the soil type, soil density, and the moisture level prior to the leak, the degree of the foundation movement and the type of the foundation movement will be varied.

II. Signs and Symptoms -
Cracks in sheetrock Cracks on walls Cracks on ceilings Cracks in brick Cracks in rock Garage wall leaning Garage wall separating from garage door Chimneys leaning away from house Brick pulling away from windows Brick pulling away from doors Doors that are hard to open and close Doors that are sticking; that are misaligned Windows that are hard to open and close Windows that are sticking; that are misaligned Gaps between ceiling and walls Gaps between floor and walls Floors that are out of level Floors that are uneven Floors that are cracked Separation of trim at corners Sagging roofline Nails that are backing out of the sheetrock

Once settlement occurs, additional support must be added beneath the foundation. With the proper pier placement and installation, elevation losses due to settlement can be recovered, generally closing cracks in the brickwork. While 100% recovery is not always possible, if you get an experienced and reliable company who has the knowledge and equipment they can accomplish the best possible results. Don't be misled...about which system works best in unstable clay soils. Steel and Helical Piers are the number one choices. Recommended by more Engineers and Repair Professionals than any other methods! Leading the industry in residential and commercial foundation repair, the Powerlift system is the most advanced foundation repair system in the industry.

How to Understand the Causes of Foundation Movement and Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Trouble

Please visit http://www.foundationspecialists.com/ for additional information.

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