Foundation Problems Overview

Foundation problems are caused by the continuously changing conditions of the soils around your home. Clay soil expands as it absorbs moisture, and contracts as it dries. That can cause foundations to move, settle and crack.

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Seasonal Weather Changes
Poor Drainage
Expansive Clay Soils
Trees and Tree Roots
Under-Slab Plumbing Leaks

Seasonal Weather Changes: Dry and wet weather cycles produce a constantly changing soil bed under your home’s foundation. The expansion and contraction of the soil over time can weaken the support for your foundation and cause it to settle and crack.

Poor Drainage: Foundation drainage problems can be caused by too much moisture as well as too little. Standing water around your home, large amounts of water dumped by gutter downspouts or a negative slope of the area around your home can cause saturated soil.

Expansive Clay Soils: Different soils have differing potential to shrink and swell. The more expansive the soil around your home, the more your foundation may by subject to movement.

Trees and Tree Roots: Beware of trees and tree roots. A large tree may drink up to 150 gallons of water per day through its roots. When these roots are under or near your foundation, the drying process may cause a portion of the soil to shrink. The differential in moisture content below the home may cause one part of the foundation to move more than others.

Under-Slab Plumbing Leaks: A water leak under slab will create excessive moisture in one area under your foundation and may cause that area to heave upward or disturb the stability of your slab.

These problems worsen if left unaddressed.

A thorough and proper concrete foundation repair solution addressing all of these issues is the surest way to reduce symptoms such as cracks. Click here to view Olshan's comprehensive library of information on foundation problems.