You know that moment when you’re enjoying a quiet evening on your couch but you notice a tiny crack in the walls? This isn’t always a sign of good things to come. Even though foundation issues are often ignored, they can cause significant problems for your home. The good thing? The foundation could be the answer you’re looking for – get the facts!
Let’s take a look at the root causes of foundation issues. It’s possible that trees are the cause. Your beautiful oaks or maples may cause you more trouble than good. The roots of these trees can extend under your house, causing soil issues. When it comes to soil, clay can be problematic. It absorbs moisture like a sponge and then dries up, causing your ground to shift. Isn’t that a real drama?
And there’s more. Plumbing leaks are another common issue. Broken pipes can cause the soil to erode, leaving voids below your house. Mother Nature, too, isn’t innocent. Seasonal changes, heavy rains or other environmental factors can impact the soil’s ability to hold your foundation.
The hero of the story is now here: underpinning. What exactly is underpinning? What it does is give your house an essential lift. Imagine a chiropractor adjusting the spine. Underpinnings stabilize and strengthen the ground under your house.
Interested in how it works? Although it’s not rocket technology, precision is key. Contractors excavate beneath the foundation and pour concrete or add additional piers as extra support. Like putting the house on stilts. This isn’t a quick-fix but a lasting solution.
Did you ever wonder if you needed to leave during the entire process? Relax. It is usually completed while you are still in the same place. It’s not necessary to ask for your inlaws’ couch. A surprising amount of time can be saved. Depending upon the scope of the project, it can be finished in a matter of days.