Are you dealing with foundation issues? Without question, problems with your home's foundation can be some of the most concerning for any homeowner. What many homeowners don't realize is just how different problems can be depending on the type of foundation the house has.
Before contacting a foundation repair contractor, it can be helpful to have a better understanding of the problem. This allows you to find a foundation repair company most equipped to tackle the issue. Take a look at a few of the most common foundation types and the most prevailing problems with each type.
Basement Foundation
Basement foundations are created out of either solid concrete walls or concrete blocks. the walls of the basement are paired with wooden or metal beams to create sufficient support for the structure that is on top. Basements can face a number of different issues that can require the help of foundation repair contractors. However, one of the most prevalent issues is water. Because the walls (whether solid concrete or blocks) extend so far beneath the ground, the walls of these foundations can be vulnerable to heavy water exposure. Common basement foundation problems include:
- Cracks in the walls
- Water seepage through the walls or wall joints
- Wall bulging or floor settling
Concrete Slab Foundation
Concrete slab foundations are one of the most common types of home foundations, and they are considered highly resilient. With a concrete slab, essentially a solid slab of concrete is installed directly on the ground. The slab then becomes the primary support structure for the rest of the house. While this makes for a solid setup for most homes, the slab is left vulnerable because it is directly on the ground. If the ground shifts or settles, so does the home's foundation. Common problems with concrete slab foundations include:
- Cracks due to ground shifting
- Slab settling that causes the home to be unlevel
- Water-related issues that cause slab erosion
Crawlspace-Type Foundation
Crawlspace-type foundations are created with either lumber and bricks or concrete blocks in most cases. With these foundations, the home sits high enough off the ground to create a space just tall enough for crawling through to make repairs from beneath. While crawlspace foundations are resilient, they can also come along with common problems. A few of the most common problems with crawlspace foundations include:
- Primary support footer settling
- Erosion problems that detract from the load capacity of concrete footers
- Problems caused by pests
Do you need a foundation repair contractor to help with proper problem diagnosis? Be sure to look for residential foundation repair contractors in your area to find out what steps you need to take. Contact a company like Straight Line Construction for more information.
