Water damage to your home’s foundation can be a serious issue. It is important that you take steps to avoid water damage to the foundation of your Dallas property. We have put together a list of its effects, as well as tips and tricks to help you avoid water damage.
If you think you there may already be damage to your property, then you should deal with it as soon as possible. Contact a professional to do an inspection and ensure that your home is safe.
The Effect of Moisture on Your Foundation
1. It creates external pressure.
After heavy rain, water that is not efficiently drained can cause ground swelling around the periphery of your home. This creates cracks and gaps, paving the way for water to seep into your basement. This pressure can also result in cracks in the walls.
2. It causes “hydrostatic pressure.”
A strong force of rising groundwater will affect the underside of your foundation. The water will find its way into your basement through cracks and joints. Over time, this can widen and destroy your property’s foundation.
3. It results in pooling.
When water does not have anywhere to go, it can pool and destroy your concrete and mortar foundation. This often occurs when your rain gutters are clogged and overflowing. It could also be the result of landscaping that slopes down to your house instead of being directed away. Pooling water will cause your clay soil and foundation to heave. Eventually, the soil will turn to mud and lose its ability to support the foundation.
Common Causes of Water Damage
Understanding the causes of water damage will help you know if you need to make any necessary changes to avoid it.
Here is some information about how water damage can occur:
Lack of proper drainage
When your drainage is inadequate in your Dallas property, the soil areas around your home will be affected, causing uneven shifting of your foundation.
Heavy rainstorms and melting snow
Heavy rainfall can cause flooding, resulting in the tilting or shifting of your foundation.
Extended dry season
During an extended hot summer, soil shrinks and contracts. This can affect the foundation of your home, making it uneven and cracked.
Occurrence of earthquakes
Earthquakes can be particularly damaging to the foundation of a structure. It causes large cracks that can lead to water leaks. This makes your home even more vulnerable to water damage.
Plumbing leaks
Damaged/faulty pipes can lead to excessive leaking, causing upheaval to your foundation.
Improper construction
If the housing contractor for your Dallas property did not follow correct procedures during your home construction, it is likely foundation issues will manifest. Places, where weather is extreme, can be more vulnerable to damage. Soil testing and preparation should be completed before construction begins.
The proximity of trees to your home
Trees should be a good distance away from your house. Otherwise, its roots can damage the foundation by absorbing moisture underneath the soil below your property. This can lead to foundation issues over time.
Reasons to be Attentive to Water Damage
Water damage can be a significantly large financial strain. Here are a few reasons why you should prioritize solving your water damage problems:
1. Water damage can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew in your Dallas property.
This is a health concern for residents of the home.
It is important to invest in foundation sealing to avoid the growth of mildew and bacteria.
2. Water damage destroys the structure of your home.
This could potentially result in a collapsed ceiling, and water can ruin wood and plaster. It is best to hire a company whose expertise lies in waterproofing or foundation sealing to resolve this problem.
3. Water damage can result in electrical damage.
This can be particularly hazardous to people living in the house. Once water touches the home’s electrical system, it causes electrical damage.
4. Water damage can be costly to a property owner.
Foundational water damage can greatly impact your budget. If you feel that there may be a foundation problem, it is best to catch it early before it spreads.
Signs of Foundation Problems
The earlier you spot the signs of water damage, the easier it is to repair it. Here are some signs that suggest foundation problems:
- Cracks in walls and floors
- Bowed walls
- Water leak spots
- Gaps in the soil outside your house
- Pools of water resulting from inadequate drainage
- Cracks in concrete slabs and chimney bricks
- Misaligned or uneven doors that are hard to close
- Stuck windows that will not fully close
Tips for Preventing Foundation Issues
There are great options for property owners in Dallas to address foundation problems caused by water damage. It is important to observe and be attentive to signs of water damage to prevent further structural problems.
1. Find time to conduct regular inspections.
Check for the signs of foundation issues cited above.
Periodically monitor for cracks, water leaks, etc.
2. Examine your water drainage.
Check your gutters for clogging to ensure they adequately drain water and do not create damaging pools of water around the exterior of your home.
3. Schedule time to water the foundation.
When your soil gets too dry, especially during the hot summers in Dallas, ensure to properly water your foundation. Soil can also get too dry during the winter.
4. Hire a professional foundation inspector.
It is advisable to have an expert from a foundation company check your Dallas property annually. Their experience allows them to quickly assess foundation problems. This will help you spend less by conducting preventive maintenance of your property foundation.
The Bottom Line
If you see signs of foundation deterioration caused by water damage, consult a professional foundation repair company. We offer a free foundation inspection for all properties in the DFW Metroplex.