The Surprising Culprit Behind Foundation Damage: Water's Sneaky Role
Believe it or not, the leading cause of foundation damage is none other than water itself. But how does this happen?
Well, water exerts a significant influence on the soil beneath our homes, whether it's too little or too much of it.
Let's delve deeper into the specific types of damage and how they occur:
Water Damage: Excessive water can create concentrated areas beneath your home, causing soil expansion in certain spots while leaving others unchanged. This imbalance wreaks havoc and leads to a host of issues. Conversely, insufficient water leads to soil shrinkage, further contributing to the imbalance conundrum.
Temperature Fluctuations: Throughout the year, temperature variations can cause the soil and water surrounding your foundation walls to expand and contract. This constant movement against the walls can result in unsightly cracks, as the soil and water flex under the stress.
Moisture Content and Soil Composition: If your foundation rests on varying surface densities, brace yourself for uneven settling and the inevitable onset of cracks. Those mysterious creaking floors you've noticed? They're likely indicators of foundation movement.
When all is said and done... water emerges as the primary culprit behind foundation woes. It's time to acknowledge its deceptive influence and take preventive measures.