Foundation failures are more common than you might think. Approximately 25% of all buildings in the United States will suffer from foundation damage during their lifetime. A damaged foundation can lead to a multitude of other structural issues within a building if it is not identified and remedied. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of signs of foundation failure and common causes of failure, as presented below.
Signs of Foundation Failure
Be sure to remain vigilant for signs of damage in your structure’s foundation. A few warning signs are:
· Exterior cracks
· Interior wall or ceiling cracks
· Doors out of square and uneven floors
· Windows, walls, or doors pulling away from the structure
· Moisture transmission through the flooring
· Hollow or spongey flooring
· Tile cracks
· Expansion Joint Separation
· Soil erosion
Always be on the lookout for signs indicating issues with the foundation. Ignoring foundation problems can lead to mold growth, vermin infestation, and complete structural failure. The best way to prevent extensive damage is to catch the problem and contact a structural expert early!
Causes Foundation Failures
There are many causes, both natural and manufactured, of foundation failures or damage. The most prevalent causes of foundation damage are:
· Evaporation- Extreme temperature and humidity changes may cause the soil to pull away from the foundation
· Plumbing Leaks - Unresolved leaks can lead to excessive moisture exposure and cause the foundation to wear or crack
· Inadequate Drainage- If exterior drainage causes water to pool near the foundation, soil erosion can occur and cause hydrostatic pressure resulting in cracks.
· Poor Site Preparation - Failure to compact soil properly or to allow the concrete slab proper cure time can result in foundation cracking and separation.
· Foundation Design Errors - Incorrectly engineered slab depths, foundation types, and footers can result in foundation failure
· Poor Soil Conditions - Inadequate or lack of soil borings and changes in soil conditions due to natural causes can negatively impact a foundation
· Vegetation- Unmanicured tree root systems can cause foundations to crack and buckle.
Although all causes are not avoidable, some causes can be prevented with proper maintenance and care of the structure and its surroundings.
Forum Forensic - Foundation Experts
Foundation failure can be alarming for property owners and leave them with more questions than answers. However, it is more common than you think, and the Forum Forensic team knows what to look for and can advise on the next steps. Proper investigation of the structure and the land around it will determine the outcome of our diagnostic. Our team of specialists is ready to support you with your forensic engineering needs. Use our online request form to submit details about the project.
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