5 Avoidable Things That Cause Damage to Your Foundation

As a homeowner, it’s essential to take proper care of your home’s foundation, as it’s what keeps your house’s structure intact. The foundation is the base upon which your entire home is built, and any damage to it can cause structural issues with your property. Unfortunately, some things can cause severe damage to your foundation, and you may not even realize it’s happening. In this blog post, we’ll look at five avoidable things that cause damage to your foundation so that you can prevent them from occurring and keep your home structurally sound.

Poor Drainage is a Common Problem for Foundations

One of the most common causes of foundation damage is poor drainage. Water that continuously pools around the base of your home can cause soil erosion, which can lead to foundation cracks. To prevent this, ensure that your rain gutters and downspouts are functioning correctly and directing water away from the foundation of your home. Make sure that the soil grading around your home slopes away from the foundation.

Tree Roots Cause Damage to Your Foundation Over Time

Having trees around your home adds beauty and shade; however, they can be a significant threat to your foundation. Tree roots can grow into the foundation, causing cracks and, ultimately, structural failure. To avoid this, ensure that you plant trees at least 20 feet away from your home. If any trees are already close to your home, consider having them removed if you think they might pose a threat.

Don’t Underestimate Plumbing Leaks

If you have plumbing leaks, they can cause underground water to seep into your foundation and accumulate around it, causing it to shift and crack. Make sure that you have your plumbing inspected regularly for leaks and have them fixed promptly to prevent any water damage to your foundation.

Poor Ground Preparation Leads to Structural Issues

During construction, if the contractor did not properly prepare the ground for the foundation, it can lead to serious foundation issues. If the soil was not adequately compacted, it can cause the foundation to shift, leading to cracks and structural problems. Ensure that you have inspections done to verify ground preparation for your foundation.

Heavy Machinery Can Crack Foundations

If you are doing any home renovation projects that require the use of heavy machinery like bulldozers, cranes and excavators, be careful that they don’t come close to the foundation of your home. The weight of the equipment can overload your foundation, causing it to shift or, in the worst cases, collapse.

Final Thoughts on Avoiding Damage to Your Foundation

As a homeowner, it’s essential to keep your foundation in excellent condition. These five avoidable things that cause damage to your foundation can be prevented with some effort and care. By looking out for these causes, you can save yourself the headache, and cost, of repairing a damaged foundation. If you’re concerned about any cracks you find around your home, be sure to bring in a foundation repair specialist to assess the situation and make recommendations on how you can address foundation damage. Remember, act as soon as possible, and prevent damage to your foundation before it’s too late!