FOUNDATION PROBLEMS & FAQ'S
Recognizing Foundation Problems
Signs of foundation seepage:
- Water entering the basement through the walls or floor.
- General dampness or a must odor in the basement.
- Tiles lifting from the floor.
- White powder (efflorence) on the walls or floors.
- Warped paneling or dry rot.
- Mildew or fungus.
Signs of foundation movement:
- Cracks in walls and ceilings.
- Doors that stick.
- Windows and doors that are out of square.
- Floors cracking or not level.
- Cracks in brick works.
- Foundation wall bowing or buckling.
- Fireplace/chimney leaning away from house.
- Cracks in the walls or floors.
- Windows or doors sticking.
Q: My house has a crack in the foundation.
Most foundations will
experience some degree of cracking during its life. Some concrete cracks
occur as the result of the curing process.
Other foundation cracks can occur for various reasons:
- frost
- shrinkage or swelling of the clay supporting the foundation under the footing.
- Changing the loading on the structure (eg. Adding a second story to a single story dwelling. .
However, if these cracks leak water or if they appear to widen as time passes, it can be an indication of a developing problem.
Q: My house appears to be settling.
Foundation settling problems can occur for many reasons.
- Increased load on structure.
- Insufficient support under structure.
- Subsoil moisture change.
- Inadequate protection from frost.
As there are several repair methods available to correct settlement problems, each problem must be properly identified before a repair solution can be recommended. In many circumstances, raising the structure to original elevation can be accomplished.
Q: I have water in my heating ducts.
Water in heating ducts is a common problem in forced under slab forced air-heating systems. As these ducts are typically installed lower than perimeter weeping tile it is natural that water should want to migrate into them. To avoid the deterioration of these air ducts and the growth of mold and fungi it is important to correct this problem.
Q:
When it rains water comes through my basement
window.
This particular problem is most common with below grade windows. In most cases there is a Window Well. Due to the type of soils we have in Alberta and freeze/thaw conditions we encounter, water running through basement windows is a common problem. Essentially, the water is unable to penetrate through the soil to the perimeter weeping tile
Q: My basement floor has water coming through it.
A common problem in areas with high water tables. As water will take the path of least resistance, most often it is the basement floor. Most building codes and residential by-laws do not deal with this issue. Should it be left unrepaired further more serious damage can occur. This problem can be easily repaired by properly installing under slab drainage.
Q: I have a white fungus on my wall/floor.
More commonly called efflorescence, it is not a fungus. Essentially, this problem is caused by the minerals in the ground water seeping through cracks or the concrete its self. Once the water evaporates the mineral are left behind. The white color is typically sulfate deposits. These deposits are basically warning signs. Although older homes are at risk to sulfates, most concrete installed in basements today are sulfate resistant.
Q: Our basement was dry for over 5 years then one day it began to leak. How could this happen?
Problems can develop in the best built homes. Over time walls settle and crack. protective coatings that were applied during construction to help make the foundation water tight may deteriorate and/or crack. Exterior drainage systems can fill up with silt. Homes that were originally built to be water tight can begin to leak without notice.
Q: Do I need to take care of my wet basement now or can it wait?
Many home owners postpone repairing their basements because they are unaware of the severe damage that can be caused by water penetrating the foundation. Neglecting a basement water problem can result in costly foundation structural repairs. It is wise to have a professional inspect your basement if there is any question that you might have a water problem.
- Weeping Tile (See weeping tile and sumps)
- Sump Pumps (See weeping tile and sumps)
- Under Slab Drainage
- Wall Repair
- Underpinning
- Contact Abalon for solutions to your foundation problems.