Can Hydrostatic Pressure Damage My Home?

Bymaster

Long-time homeowners know that water damage is one of the most important signs to look for when inspecting a home. A flooded crawl space or cracks around the outside of the home are often indicators that lead homeowners to get an inspection. However there is another form of water damage that is harder to notice, but just as dangerous to your home foundation, specifically hydrostatic pressure damage.

What is hydrostatic pressure?

When it comes to foundations, hydrostatic pressure is essentially pressure from water in either the soil around the home or inside the porous concrete of the stem wall.

Soil, and to a lesser degree concrete, absorb water during the rainy season. As more water is absorbed the extra weight (due to gravity) of the waterlogged soil creates pressure, pushing the soil up against the stem wall or foundation concrete. Like a dam that holds back water, the more there is, the higher the pressure. Pressure from the soil can cause severe damage to stem walls, or even piers or posts in a foundation, and it can be hard to see the problem before it’s too late.

How to fix the problem?

The threat of foundation damage from hydrostatic pressure can be easy to address. Prevention is always the best protection. Make sure to consider the following.

  1. Maintain your gutters
    Channeling rainwater away from the soil around your home can decrease hydrostatic pressure and protect the home

  2. Install proper drainage
    Make sure the soil and yard area around your home have proper drainage. Having a proper grade to the yard can be the difference between acceptably dry soil and potential foundation damage

  3. Check for water leaks
    Water buildup can also come from inside the home. Have your water system checked regularly and inspect your crawl space and foundation perimeter for potential water leaks or damage.

What if there’s already damage?

If you have noticed damage around your foundation due to hydrostatic pressure or water leaks, contact Sure Safe. We can inspect the extent of the damage and help you build a plan to fix the damage and prevent future water damage. With our patented VR-1 system, we can get you a city-approved plan that, in most cases, actually increases the appraisal value of your home more than the cost of repair. Contact us today!

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