Foundation Support Issues and Cracks Caused by Water Damage

Home foundations that experience water damage may be at risk for serious structural and property damage. The longer water damage goes unnoticed or unattended the more expensive the problems may become. At Sure Safe we believe the best place to start is by knowing the signs and potential issues caused by water damage. Once you’ve recognized the problem Sure Safe can step in to help your home strong again.

Some of the signs of water damage are easy to spot, while others can be less obvious. Some of the obvious signs and their related issues include:

Water-saturated soil around the perimeter of the home
Depending on the soil conditions of the home, water may begin to pool in specific areas or be absorbed in large quantities. This makes it more likely that water will penetrate the foundation and cause issues. Improper drainage from gutters or landscaping can also lead to these issues. The ground surrounding your home should allow water to run away from the home.
Water within the crawl space or foundation
If water has found its way into your foundation or crawl space then you may already have foundation issues. Water inside the foundation area can be a sign of an internal source like broken pipes, but also external water entering through cracks in the foundation. It can also lead to weakened supports, especially with wooden structures.
Wood damage or mold
Damp or rotted wood components are usually a clear sign of water damage and are very serious signs of a potentially unstable foundation.

While these signs can be obvious warnings of potential foundation issues there are other red flags. Some of the less obvious signs of water damage include:

Cracks in the stem wall or foundation perimeter
When soil shifts or settles the changing support to the foundation can cause cracks to form. While there can be other causes of shifting soil, water is the most common, and is a clear signal for potential damage. Cracks in the stem wall can cause walls to lose support and lead to further damage by allowing more water into the foundation.
Cracks in the foundation floor
While it may seem strange that water under your foundation could cause problems, it is actually very common. Water levels deep in the ground can change with yearly weather patterns and even be affected by rainfall in other areas. Hydrostatic pressure can cause an upward force that can lead to cracks and weakened foundation support. As the problem worsens entire supports can cease to lift the home causing more stress on other structures.
Gaps in the foundation and perimeter
When inspecting the perimeter of your foundation, either inside or outside, gaps can be an indication of shifting soil. Water in the soil can cause it to expand or move, and when homes are on higher grades the soil can move downhill at a rate that can cause foundation support to weaken.

Water damage can lead to a weakened foundation and expensive repairs. Catching the problem early can help keep costs lower. Sure Safe offers complete foundation inspections and an engineer-certified repair plan the same day. If you see signs of water damage like cracks in the foundation or any of the other signs mentioned, contact us and see how we can help.