What Effect Does Winter Have on Your Foundation?

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Winters can not only be hard on your wallet with increased heating bills but can also be hard on the foundation of your home. Snow, ice and low temperatures all combine to have a negative impact on that all important part of your home’s structure. It is important to understand what damage can be caused in order to know what you can do to prevent or fix it when it does occur.

Cracks in the foundation

This is something that makes everyone cringe when it comes to their home’s foundations. However, the formation of hairline cracks in the foundation is a common occurrence during the winter. Although these cracks can form any time of the year, the process is accelerated in winter.

Cracks that occur during winter are mainly caused by frost heave. This occurs when the moisture in the surrounding soil freezes. This results in the water expanding and adding more pressure on the soil and the foundation. The result is cracks in the foundation.

It is important to have a professional contractor seal up the cracks in the foundation. A contractor will also provide other repair solutions for cracks wider than ¼”.

Moisture damage

Moisture and water seepage are a common occurrence when the snow is beginning to melt. This is because large volumes of water are being drained into the soils surrounding your home’s foundation. The water can enter the home through cracks, joints in the foundation where walls meet or where the wall meets the floor, window frames or through the top of the wall of the foundation.

There are many signs of seepage of water through your foundation. These include actual water puddles in the basement, moist walls, damp odor, peeling paint, rusting, dark stains and the growth of mold.

Ensure that you get a professional to assess your basement if you suspect there is seepage. He will identify the entry points and ensure that they are sealed. He will also help you find solutions to keep the moisture out permanently.

Freezing up of discharge lines

When your basement is flooded, you’ll need your sump pump to help you get rid of the water. However, your sump pump will not work properly if the discharge lines are frozen. The water pumped by the sump pump will be forced back into the basement.

Have a look at the discharge lines and ensure that there is no frozen ice within them. You can pour hot water in the lines to melt the ice and reopen the discharge lines. A contractor can help you do this.

Bowing Walls are Serious Business

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The foundation of a building is the most important part of the structure. When foundations fail it is serious business. In concrete block foundations the most common failure is when pressure builds up on the outside wall pushing against the wall making it bow. Bowing walls are dangerous. If left alone, a bowing wall can collapse. 

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Because of its dangerous nature, a professional foundation repair contractor should fix the work. It is not recommended for the average homeowner to do a foundation repair on a bowing concrete block wall himself. Unless you are professionally trained and skilled, do NOT try a DIY foundation repair.

Bowed concrete block walls need to be braced. Contractors have different techniques to accomplish this. Steel I-beams have been around for decades and are still used today. They basically build a steel frame to brace the bowing wall so it doesn’t move any more.

Carbon Fiber uses this same idea to hold the bowing wall. The difference is in the application, labor and final look. Carbon Fiber is quicker to install. Because it is lightweight it doesn’t take as much labor. Carbon Fiber is flush with the wall so it can be covered with wall board or painted to blend in with the basement wall. Steel I-beams don’t hide as easily.

Wall anchors are another option to fix bowing concrete walls. Helical wall anchors come from the outside of the foundation wall and essentially realign the bowed wall. They stay in place to prevent future movement. This technique is for severe damage. It is an invasive system that excavates part of the yard. There are different types of wall anchors. Some are installed on the interior side of the basement and go through the wall and anchored in the soil. Some are installed only on the exterior side of the wall. That depends on the manufacturer and the individual wall anchor systems.

The other course of action is completely replacing the foundation wall. This is the most expensive and most invasive option. This is where a contractor will support the house with piers, take down the damaged block wall foundation and rebuild that portion of the foundation wall. This option is only considered when there is so much damage and deterioration that the other wall support options will not work. If there is extensive damage that has been ignored this may be the only option left.

5 Reasons You Should Invest in Foundation Wall Repair

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foundation wall repairPeople understand the metaphors about the necessity of a sure foundation; however, when the literal foundation of a house may be compromised they question if it is worth fixing. There is a reason the metaphors make sense. Your foundation is literally the most important part of the house. Without a strong foundation, the whole structural integrity of the house could be compromised. While investing in foundation repair may not be a fun remodel, it is definitely necessary. Here are five reasons why you should invest in foundation wall repair.

1.) It is dangerous to ignore it

Foundation problems can lead to foundation failure. Yes, while some cracks and foundation issues are slow moving, if you never solve the issues they will get worse. As the problem gets worse, it will cost more money to fix. If the damage is extensive enough it may need to be completely rebuilt. Ignoring foundation damage will become increasingly more dangerous and could completely collapse resulting in major repairs to your entire home.

2.) It impacts the resale value of your home

You may have a great house but if you have foundation problems, it is going to be hard to sell. If you ever want to sell your house, you will have to either take a major loss on the house or fix the foundation. Most of the time the buyer will force the seller to repair the foundation before a deal is finalized. While the laws vary state to state, most places have strict laws about sales disclosures and the condition of the foundation is definitely an item on the disclosure form. If you don’t disclose a problem it can turn into a costly lawsuit or at least blow the sale.

3.) The problems will not go away on their own

Foundation problems will not fix themselves and it isn’t safe for a homeowner to do it themselves. They don’t have the right tools or the right experience to have a foundation repair job. Homeowners need to call a professional. A professional’s repairs will be certified. A home inspector will know the difference between a professional job and a DIY foundation repair and it will impact the value of your home.

4.) The issues don’t stop with the foundation

If you have need foundation repair then you probably have cracks in the foundation. If you have foundation cracks, you most likely have water issues, too. If you have water issues, you most likely have mold and mildew issues. If you have mold then you probably have indoor air quality issues. Foundation cracks could also be letting in radon and other dangerous soil gases. Basically, you need to understand that foundation cracks are actually causing your families health and breathing problems or even worse, lung cancer if you have a radon problem that you don’t know about.

5.) Fixing the foundation will fix your house

If you are in need of foundation repairs, you have probably been living with windows and doors that stick, unsightly cracks in your walls upstairs, or gaps around doors and windows letting in serious drafts or even rodents and insects. Your chimney could be leaning, tilting or even cracked. The bricks on your house could be cracked or with cracks in the mortar joints. These are just symptoms of foundation and settlement issues. You need to fix the foundation to permanently fix these issues. If you try to fix these issues before you fix the real cause you will end up refixing the same problems over and over again.

Overall, the health of your foundation impacts your whole house and the health of the home environment. The foundation should be treated and maintained as the important part of the home that it is. Don’t ignore foundation repairs. Don’t wait for it to turn into an emergency. Invest in the foundation repairs your home needs sooner than later.

How Poured Foundations React to Freezing Weather

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poured foundationFreezing weather may be taking a toll on your foundation. Concrete poured foundations and block wall foundations are affected by freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete expands as it freezes and contracts as it thaws. Same goes for the ground around the foundation changing the pressure in the soil. As the concrete expands and contracts it tends to crack. This is why expansion joints and control joint were created. Control joints give the concrete a place to crack and expansion joints give the concrete some space to expand.

Even though concrete is still one of the strongest and most versatile building materials it is still not perfect. The weather can also impact concrete during the construction process. Pouring concrete in extreme weather can affect how it cures and therefore the concrete’s overall strength in the end. Concrete is made with water. So, if concrete is poured in freezing weather that water in the mix can freeze. If it freezes it produces pressure in the pours of the concrete and can ultimately cause cracking, spalling, and the cured concrete to crumb off. The Portland Cement Association has developed deicers and recommends techniques for pouring concrete in cold temperatures but it is still not the best practice.

Masonry walls are not immune to the negative affects cold weather has on a poured foundation. Even though they don’t have to cure out in the elements they still expand and contract with freeze-thaw cycles. Cinder blocks are porous by nature and if they get wet and stay wet for too long freeze-thaw damage can occur. This issue is more common in retrofits and basement remodels. Commonly modern energy efficient remodels typically add interior insulation causing the exterior masonry to stay colder and wetter. The water staying in the block wall can cause potentially more freeze-thaw damage. For more information see the Portland Cement Association research on cold weather concrete.

Concrete Cracks

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DEALING WITH CONCRETE CRACKS

Sooner or later, concrete cracks.  Sadly, there is not a lot of ways around it. There is technology to control where concrete cracks and fix them when they happen but there is not a lot of tactics for preventing cracks. However, when it comes to your foundation it is important to understand what causes foundation cracks. That way you may be able to control some of the elements to prevent cracks before they happen. Here are some of the common causes of foundation cracks:

Tree Roots

Trees and bushes that are planted too close to the foundation wall can cause foundation cracks.  Basically, the roots keep growing naturally and when they hit the concrete wall they keep pushing against the foundation causing it to crack.  To prevent this scenario, avoid planting trees and deep root bushes too close to the foundation wall.  It is easier to remove the tree than it is to move your house.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure happens when water builds up in the soil. As water saturates the ground, the soil expands and increases the pressure that is pushing up against the foundation wall.  This pressure can crack the foundation wall which typically manifests itself in horizontal cracks.   To prevent this, don’t let excess water build up along the foundation wall.  Make sure the gutters and downspouts are working together to channel the water away from the house.  The soil grade should angle away from the house to let any water fall away from the foundation not toward it. French drains can also help relieve hydrostatic pressure by channeling water away from the house.

Freeze/Thaw Cycle

Concrete naturally expands and contracts with the elements.  As the ground around the foundation freezes and thaws the concrete expands and contracts often causing small vertical hairline cracks.  Most of the time, these cracks are not serious but should be fixed before they let in water, soil gases, or insects and pests.  Sometimes when a contractor pours a concrete foundation they include expansion joints to allow for the natural movement of the concrete to happen without causing the concrete to crack.  If your foundation cracks due to the freeze and thaw cycles, just get the fixed as soon as possible so they don’t get worse or cause other problems.

Settlement

Soil settlement can also cause foundation cracks.  This usually happens if the footing was not properly supported, backfilled, or if the soil under the foundation was not properly compacted.  Settlement cracks can also happen if there is excavation work going on in the area.   This sometimes will change the soil environment and cause the ground to shift under the footing.  You can know if the crack is from a settlement issue if the crack is actively moving.  It is hard to prevent this from happening but if it does foundation repair contractors have systems to stabilize the foundation and prevent the crack from moving anymore.

If you have a foundation crack, it is important to call a professional to repair the crack and assess the situation. If it is a structural crack that is affecting the integrity of the building or house, you may have to consider shoring up the foundation with anchors, underpinning, or carbon fiber systems.  A professional foundation repair contractor can help diagnose the problem and recommend the best systems for your situation.

Basement Cracks and Finished Basements

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basement cracksBasement wall cracks are the most common source of seepage problems.  If you have a foundation that is constructed of poured concrete, there’s a very high likelihood there is a crack somewhere in your foundation.  If your basement is finished, it can become a challenge to find them.

Before you start ripping down your drywall or paneling, take a walk outside.
Walk around the exterior of your home.  It’s best if there is still daylight.  Otherwise, grab a powerful flashlight.  And make sure to bring your eyeglasses with you.

The first thing you want to do is locate the top of your foundation wall.
Ideally, it should extend above your grading at least a few inches.  If not, grab a shovel and pull back the soil enough so you can expose the top of the foundation.

Once the foundation is exposed and identified, clean off the surface of the wall.
A wire brush will usually do the trick.  Now, slowly scan the exposed portion of the foundation and look for hairline cracks.  When I say hairline, some cracks are just 1/16 of an inch wide.  Now you know why I said grab your glasses!  Here’s a photo to give you a better idea:

Spend some extra time on the sections of the wall that correspond with basement seepage.
Say, for instance you noticed the carpeting was wet about ten feet to the left of your chimney inside your basement.  When you go back outside, measure ten feet to the right of the chimney.

Don’t expect to find cracks all over the place.
The average house has between two and eight foundation cracks.  Don’t be fooled by form lines in the foundation.  They are superficial and don’t leak because they don’t go all the way through the wall.  Form lines are left in the concrete when the wood forms are pulled.  They are found at fixed intervals.

Don’t Patch Your Cracks

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foundation crack patchThere are a lot of companies that do foundation wall cracks and repair them from the inside or outside with a patch method. If the basement is unfinished (no drywall or paneling) and the crack is exposed on the interior, companies typically recommend epoxy/urethane injection process. This is a two step process which involves sealing the crack on its inside face with an epoxy paste and injecting a urethane resin which fills the entire crack to the outside soil.

If the crack is obstructed by paneling or drywall, then companies address the problem from the exterior utilizing wall-clay process or using the epoxy/urethane injection process. This involves coring a small hole in the earth at the crack location and filling the hole with a granular clay to form an impermeable water barrier or injecting the urethane and using the epoxy paste.

Both foundation crack repair processes are minimally invasive and minimally effective. Most foundation wall cracks do not pose any structural concerns, but solving them correctly the first time will prevent any future needs or worries about the cracks. Certain crack pattern formations and those wider than 1/8”, however, can be a sign of a structural problem that should be further evaluated by companies who offer foundation crack repair and structural repairs.

 

Tips For Choosing A Foundation Repair Contractor

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foundation repair contractor

We know choosing a foundation repair contractor can be a bit difficult as well as nerve wrecking.

Here are ten questions to ask the company. These will help you make your decision a little easier:

1.)  Years in the Business?
2.)  What Is Their Warranty?
3.)  What Type of System Do They Use?
4.)  Are They Insured?
5.)  Part of any Affiliations/Associations?
6.)  Price Compared to Benefits?
7.)  Sales Rep Certifications/Awards?
8.)  Sales Rep Knowledge?
9.)  Sales Rep Badmouthing Competition?
10.)  Companies Reputation?

The answers to these ten questions will give you all the answers you need to make your decision if the company is right for you. For more      information about foundation repair contractors, visit our homepage stablwallcarbonfiber.com or give us a call at 866-782-5955.

Time to Start Paying Attention To Your Aging Foundation?

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Carbon Fiber Wall Repair

According to a recent American Housing Survey administered by the United States Census Bureau, the average age of a home in the US is approximately 38 years old.  Considering the life of the average concrete footing/foundation is considered a single lifetime by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB––source), 38 years is a significant portion of the life of a foundation!

It’s clear our homes are getting older, and the increased extremity of droughts and rains in recent years certainly hasn’t made things any easier on our foundations. Droughts can cause excess soil shifting, while excess moisture can put dangerous amounts of pressure on your foundation walls, causing them to bow inward. Homeowners are increasingly turning toward carbon fiber wall repair, steel beams, and wall anchors.

The good news is, there are often early warning signs that can point to a larger potential structural issues. The bad news is, many of us simply ignore them! Here are some things to be aware of:

  • New or Worsening Leaks From Walls or Floor
  • Vertical Hairline Cracks
  • Horizontal Cracking
  • Cracking of the Block Mortar Joints
  • Doors and Windows Out of Jamb
  • New Cracks in Drywall Throughout Home
  • Shifting/Separating Floor Slab

Avoid unwanted surprises, and develop a system of checking your foundation walls a few times a year. You may just save thousands of dollars and tons of stress and hassle!

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Potential Causes of a Failing Foundation

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Foundation wall repair  becomes more and more of an issue the older your foundation becomes, and with so many aging foundations in many areas throughout the U.S., it’s no surprise many homeowners are turning to more and more solutions for their failing foundations.

But what causes a foundation’s structure to fail over time? Water is actually an important piece in the puzzle when it comes to structural foundation damage. Below we will go over some scenarios in which the structural integrity of your home may be affected over time.

1. Addition of water to the surrounding soil. Soil expansion can be attributed many foundation problems, including cracking along the mortar joints, horizontal cracking, and walls bowing inward. These are considered potential serious structural risks, and should be addressed immediately.

2. Subtraction of water form the surrounding soil. In some cases, a home’s foundation can be damaged by over-settling due to water leaving the soil around the home. This over-settling can large cracks in the concrete floor slab, as well as large diagonal cracks near the corners of your foundation.

3. Poor construction. Sometimes, a home is built upon soil that was poorly compacted, setting the home up for continued foundation troubles for decades to come.   Poor wall construction methods and materials can also contribute to ongoing structural damage.

The earlier you can identify and resolve a structural foundation issue, the better. For the most part, the problem will only become worse, forcing you to pay for more expensive repair solutions or worse–a total wall rebuild. If you have any questions about your foundation wall repair options, feel free to contact us!