Homeowner Activities that Can Lead to Foundation Wall Cracks
Dealing with foundation wall cracks can be costly. However, many homeowners continue to engage in activities that put their foundations at risk. Understanding these activities and their potential impact on our foundation will help you mitigate their effects. The following are some activities that have a negative impact on your foundation and can result in the formation of foundation wall cracks. 1. Overwatering near the foundation A foundation’s biggest enemy is water. Exposure to too much water can cause damage to the foundation as well as flooding. It is therefore
important to be cautious of how you water your landscape. Avoid applying large volumes of water too often on the landscape that is immediately outside of your foundation. If you apply too much water, the soil will retain this water. This will result in increased hydrostatic pressure acting against the walls. The walls will bow inward and form foundation wall cracks. 2. Planting trees and shrubs near the foundation It’s great to have lots of greenery in your landscape. However, you should also consider their impact on your foundation. Planting trees and shrubs too close to the foundation can result in foundation damage. The roots of the trees and shrubs will take up water from the soil and may dehydrate the soil. This results in the soil shrinking and the foundation shifting as a result. Tree roots have also been known to cause physical damage to foundations. They can penetrate foundations and cause damage to their structure. 3. Piling snow at the foundation If you’re like many people, your first priority after a heavy snowfall is to clear your path or driveway in order to be able to exit and access your home. Many people resort to shoveling the snow and piling it along their foundations. The problem with this is that when the snow melts the
water will be absorbed by the soil. The soil will become waterlogged. This will increase hydrostatic pressure against the foundation walls leading to the formation of foundation wall cracks. 4. Remodeling your home Remodeling that results in increased weight on your home’s foundation can result in the formation of foundation wall cracks. Projects such as adding new countertops and cabinetry have an impact on the foundation. They can increase the weight on the foundation and cause the foundation to shift or buckle. It is important to consider the impact of your project on your foundation. If you notice wall cracks, contact a foundation repair contractor to have your foundation repaired.
