As a homeowner, there are many expensive problems to have with a home. One that many people worry about is a crumbling concrete foundation. Not only does it indicate a structural problem with your home, but it can mean a large unexpected expense for your budget.
Warning Signs of a Crumbling Foundation
Knowing the key signs to look for when it comes to a crumbling foundation is essential for all homeowners. Typically, the sooner you catch the problem, the less expensive it will be to handle. The following are all key warning signs that your foundation is likely starting to crumble:
- Cracks in your floors and walls
- Windows and doors that stick
- Gaps between your trim and floor
Whenever you first notice any of these signs that your foundation is crumbling, it’s imperative that you contact a professional to get a thorough inspection of the problem. The longer you let this issue develop, the more extensive the damage to your home’s foundation is going to be.
Most Common Causes of a Crumbling Foundation
While getting your foundation fixed is imperative to the overall health of your home, it’s only half of the solution. You need to know the culprit behind why your foundation started crumbling in the first place. This way, you can remedy the culprit so that it doesn’t create more damage in the future.
Non-Compacted Soil
Whenever a new home is built, the soil around it needs to be properly compacted. If it isn’t, then your home will settle in the soil over time. This can cause a shifting in your slab foundation that leads to crumbling damage.
Water
Water is one of the biggest culprits of a crumbling concrete foundation. Water can seep into small cracks and fractures in your concrete. When this happens, it will freeze in the colder weather and cause the crack or small fracture to expand.
It won’t take long for water to cause the blocks of a pier and beam foundation to start crumbling. If water is your culprit, it’s best to fix any drainage issues that your home has via a French drain, sump pump, or other solution to keep water from penetrating the foundation of your home.
Construction Materials
Construction materials continue to change over decades of home building. Homes that were built around the 1920s dealt with many material shortages. This led builders to mix up concrete with whatever materials were lying around. The result is a weakened concrete mixture that starts to crumble over time.
Geographical Region
Different regions of the country have varying soil types. Some soils are highly prone to holding excessive moisture, while others aren’t. Nowadays, home builders know which materials work best to extend the life of a home in a high moisture area as compared to a home in a lower moisture area.
Unfortunately, many homes just a couple of decades ago were all constructed of standard materials. This has led some homes to simply have their foundation deteriorate prematurely due to the soil at their geographical location.
How is a Crumbling Foundation Repaired?
When it comes to foundation repair, it’s always essential to call in a licensed and skilled professional like CenTex Foundation Repair for assistance. This type of professional will be able to properly assess the situation and determine the best route for repairing your specific issue.
Concrete Injections
If you’re dealing with a small contained area of a crumbling foundation, then injecting concrete into the cracks may be the quickest and most effective solution. The idea is that it will fill the gaps instead of letting water penetrate them and cause unwanted expansion that leads to crumbling.
Excavate and Install New Footings
If you’re dealing with a large amount of your foundation crumbling, then a more extensive approach will be necessary. A foundation repair company will excavate the land around your home and install new footings. This is the most effective way to deal with large amounts of crumbling to ensure the longevity of a prospective home.
Anchors
Anchors can be a great way to help ensure that your foundation stays in place. These anchors are drilled into the actual foundation of your home. The other end is drilled into the soil, where specialized anchors grip the soil. These tieback anchors are perfect for preventing your home’s vertical shifting and most damage from horizontal loads.
If you’re currently experiencing any crumbling with your foundation, then it’s time to give the experts at CenTex Foundation Repair a call today.
