Water movement is a hidden enemy of your foundation. It can cause the soil beneath your foundation to shift, settle, or erode, leading to cracks, gaps, and unevenness in your foundation and the rest of your property. This can compromise the structural integrity and safety of your home or business, as well as reduce its value and appearance.
In the United States, approximately 60% of homes are built on soils with some clay content – which will long-term bring instability; of these, more than half of clay-embedded homes will eventually experience permanent damage. Soils with a heavy clay content may result in a foundation having a seasonal movement of 40 to 60 mm, where 50mm equals about 2 inches.
Water movement often lead to foundation setting which In general, describes a variety of natural processes that cause a house or structure to gradually sink into the ground over time. This is a fairly common process that a house can go through and has a lot to do with the soil beneath it, as well as the local climate.
In this guide, we will explain how water movement affects your foundation, what signs to look for, and how to prevent and repair foundation damage caused by water movement. We will also introduce you to PuroClean of Bluffdale, a professional foundation repair and water damage restoration company that can help you protect your property from water-related issues.
What is water movement and how does it affect your foundation?
Water movement is the process of water flowing or seeping through the soil in different ways, such as:
- Surface runoff: This is water that flows over the ground after rain or snowmelt. It can erode the soil around and under the foundation, especially if the grading is poor or the drainage is inadequate.
- Percolation: This is water that seeps into the soil and moves downward through pores and cracks. It can wash away soluble components of the soil or create voids and cavities under the foundation.
- Capillary action: This is water that rises upward through small spaces in the soil due to surface tension. It can cause swelling and shrinking of clay soils, which can exert pressure on the foundation and cause it to move.
- Tree roots: This is water that is absorbed by tree roots and transported through their system. Tree roots can grow under or near the foundation and create channels for water movement. They can also lift or push the foundation as they expand.
The effects of water movement on the foundation depend on several factors, such as:
- The type and quality of the foundation: Different types of foundations have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, concrete slabs are more prone to cracking than stem walls, while basements and crawl spaces are more vulnerable to flooding than slabs.
- The type and condition of the soil: Different types of soils have different properties and behaviors. For example, sandy soils are more susceptible to erosion than clay soils, while expansive soils are more sensitive to moisture changes than non-expansive soils.
- The climate and weather: Different climates and weather patterns have different impacts on water movement. For example, hot and dry climates can cause soil shrinkage and cracking, while cold and wet climates can cause soil freezing and thawing.
What are the signs of foundation damage due to water movement?
Foundation damage due to water movement can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Cracks in the foundation, walls, floors, ceilings, or chimneys
- Gaps or separations between doors, windows, cabinets, or counter-tops
- Sticking or jamming doors or windows
- Sloping or sagging floors or ceilings
- Leaning or tilting walls or chimneys
- Moisture or mold problems in the basement or crawl space
- Water stains or puddles around or under the foundation
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a professional foundation repair company like PuroClean of Bluffdale as soon as possible. Ignoring or delaying foundation repair can lead to more serious and costly damage in the future.
How can you prevent and repair foundation damage due to water movement?
The best way to prevent foundation damage due to water movement is to maintain proper drainage around your property. This includes:
- Sloping the soil, paving, paths, and garden beds away from the building
- Installing gutters, downspouts, extensions, and splash blocks to divert roof runoff
- Adding drains, sump pumps, vapor barriers, and dehumidifiers in the basement or crawl space
- Removing excess vegetation and tree roots near the foundation
- Watering the soil evenly around the foundation during dry periods
The best way to repair foundation damage due to water movement is to hire a professional foundation repair company like PuroClean of Bluffdale that can diagnose and fix your foundation problems quickly and effectively. Depending on the type and extent of damage, PuroClean of Bluffdale may use various techniques such as:
- Crack injection: This involves filling cracks with epoxy or polyurethane resin to seal them and prevent further movement.
- Underpinning: This involves installing steel piers or concrete piles under the foundation to lift it up and stabilize it.
- Slab jacking: This involves pumping grout under a sunken slab to raise it up and level it.
- Helical tiebacks: This involves installing steel rods with helical plates into the soil to pull back a bowed wall and straighten it.
Why choose PuroClean of Bluffdale for your foundation repair and water damage restoration needs?
PuroClean of Bluffdale is a trusted and experienced foundation repair and water damage restoration company that can help you protect your property from water-related issues. We offer:
- Free inspection and estimate
- – Advanced techniques and equipment
- – Licensed and insured technicians
- – Fast and reliable service
- – 24/7 emergency response
- – 100% satisfaction guarantee
Don’t let water movement ruin your foundation and your property. Call PuroClean of Bluffdale today at (801) 254-6204 and let us take care of your foundation repair and water damage restoration needs!
Visit our website at Water Damage Restoration in Bluffdale, UT | Fire and Mold Cleanup (puroclean.com) to learn more!!
