A major issue most homeowners must contend with is the possible deterioration of their foundations. Over time, foundations laid on readily expansible soils will begin to show signs of stress in their superstructures.
If left unchecked, a faulty foundation will result in more costly repair fees the longer repairs are delayed.
What Causes Foundation Issues?
Like mentioned earlier, placing a building foundation on subsoil that easily expands and contracts, poses the highest risk of foundation damage. Clay soils in particular tend to cause the highest amounts of foundation problems because they readily absorb and lose moisture.
This repeated wetting and drying will cause stress on any overlying foundations manifesting as damage to the building structures.
Other causes of foundation issues include:
- Natural movements of the earth crust
- Damage from unchecked tree roots growing beneath building structures
- Topsoil erosion resulting in cavities and pockets
What Are the Tell-tale Signs of Foundation Stress?
The major indicators of a faulty foundation are listed below:
- Cracks in walls and ceilings
- Jammed doors and windows
- Shifted door frames
- Twisting roof rafters
- Sinking floor surfaces
What Happens If You Don’t Fix Foundation Problems?
Failure to correct foundation deficits early can have disastrous consequences on the building structure which translates into increasingly higher costs of foundation repairs. The following consequences are examples of what happens if you don’t fix foundation problems.
- Further damage to a faulty foundation
- Escalating repair costs
- Water and mold damage
- Plumbing problems
- Pest and insect infestation
- Home sale complications
Further Damage
Foundational damage is a dynamic situation that continues to worsen if left unattended. A cascade of negative events follows unrestricted foundation damage spreading from the original problem are to unaffected parts of the foundation slab. The repeated weakening of the building base will eventually damage overlying structures (walls, door/window frames, beams, and arches).
Escalating Repair Costs
Quick detection and remediation of damage to a building’s foundation has the potential to save the owner significant amounts of money on more extensive future repairs. The longer a faulty foundation is left unattended, the more likely it is for the damage to spread.
With more widespread destruction, more material and manpower will be required to correct foundational deficits, and this translates into significantly higher costs of repair/maintenance. Use our foundation repair cost calculator to get a ballpark idea of what to expect.
Water and Mold Damage
Foundation slabs that develop cracks and crevices are more susceptible to damage by moisture than unaffected slabs. The penetration of water into these foundation defects with repeated wetting and drying further widening the cracks. Also, wood flooring may warp and suffer mold damage as the increased humidity encourages its growth.
Plumbing Problems
Water pipe networks running underneath building foundations are particularly susceptible to damage with the onset of foundation slab settlement. Plumbing lines can be broken from the weight of a settling foundation.
Also, unchecked structural damage reaching building walls may compromise above-ground water pipes that run within them. Repairing damage to these pipes can be particularly costly as they are in hard to reach areas where DIY repairs aren’t feasible. Damage largely depends on your under-slab plumbing layout.
Contact URETEK Gulf Coast if you’re in need of plumbing repair in Houston.
Pest and Insect Infestation
The humid environment created within foundation slab faults presents a suitable breeding ground for insects and household pests. Ants, termites, and other undesirable insects can find their way into breaches and gaps in foundation slabs The additional cost of hiring an exterminator to get rid of these pests will further raise the total cost of delayed repairs.
Higher Utility Bills
Breaches in house foundations will compromise home insulation systems allowing heat and moisture to escape through the damaged sections. Alterations in the ambient environmental conditions within the building will cause air-conditioning systems to work harder to maintain an optimal temperature. The consumption of more energy by home cooling systems will result in higher utility bills.
Home Sale Complications
A defective foundation will present a significant hurdle for homeowners seeking to sell their property. Delaying foundation repairs until the property is to be sold could significantly devalue it and complicate the selling process. A property with known foundation problems will most likely be appraised below market value once the structural defect is discovered on third party inspection.
Fortunately, URETEK Gulf Coast offers transferable warranties on foundation repair.
Who Fixes Foundation Issues?
URETEK offers the best quality foundation repairs in and around Houston. Our fully patented fast curing polymer reaches 90% strength within 15 minutes, and slab lifting operations can be completed within one workday. Learn what to expect before and after foundation repair, and get more details on our foam foundation repair method today.
Contact URETEK Gulf Coast for a Free Foundation Repair Estimate
At URETEK Gulf Coast, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the very best quality foundation repair and maintenance services. Our patented, fast-curing polyurethane foam is specifically designed to achieve the satisfactory, long-lasting foundation lift your building deserves.
Contact us online today for a free quote on our residential foundation repair services.