Crumbling foundations is an issue that can affect most homes and often depends on the way foundations were built and on the specific area in which the property is located. While you might not realize the existence of this issue for years, it is essential to address it as soon as you notice the first symptoms.
Indeed, crumbling foundations can significantly decrease your property’s value upon selling it, and they can represent a serious health and safety hazard. Let’s look into what causes this problem, what the telltale signs are, and how to address it.
What Causes a Property’s Foundations to Crumble?
The houses and properties at a higher risk of crumbling foundations are older estates that have been built with weaker materials and lower-quality techniques. However, modern homes in some geographical regions can also be prone to such an issue. Let’s have a look at what can increase the risk of crumbling foundations.
Water Damage and Humidity
Water damage and high levels of humidity are among the most common culprits for crumbling foundations. Indeed, homes that are older and built within terrains prone to high moisture levels can see their foundations deteriorating faster over time. Moreover, moisture and vapors bring out certain chemicals from the surrounding terrain that can speed up the deterioration of frameworks and structures.
Year of Construction
The construction industry, just like many other sectors, is developing fast and embracing new technologies and modern materials. This makes the year in which your house was built an influential factor in assessing the foundations’ quality.
For example, during the 1920s, constructors would use a type of concrete made with materials found on the construction site, causing them to produce lower-quality blends. Instead, today, all materials are tested against durability and reliability, and they only include higher-quality materials. This shows how older homes are more prone to crumbling foundations.
Geographical Area
Each geographical area is constituted by a certain type of terrain and soil composition. Today, the construction industry has adapted to the different types of terrain, and you can count on professionals using only materials that can extend the lifespan of foundations. However, most older homes are built with the same blend of materials, which will naturally react differently to the different kinds of soil compositions. In geographical areas where the soil is moist, foundations are bound to last much less than in areas where the soil is drier or made of sand.
What Are the Signs That Your Home’s Foundations Are Crumbling?
Some of the signs of crumbling foundations include:
- White powder escaping the bottom of the house
- Increased levels of humidity, especially in lower locations such as the basement
- Cracks and breakages
- Brittle joints between foundations’ blocks
- Pieces and fragments of concrete falling off the structure
- Larche cracks and disjointed bricks
Repairing Foundations
Repairing crumbling foundations might not be a DIY project, and you will need to get in touch with a professional to stop such adverse developments. Experts such as Pinnacle Foundation Repair will be able to assess the foundations of your home and create a bespoke solution to restore the level of safety, functionality, and livability of your family home.