We need the sun and the rain to survive. Unfortunately, your home’s foundation has a more complicated relationship with weather patterns. Primarily, the soil beneath your foundation affects the manner in which your foundation moves and shifts. A little foundational shift is to be expected over time, but larger shifts can result in expensive and dangerous consequences. Foundation Pro has the tools to track foundational shifts and tell you if you need immediate repair. The following are ways weather can impact your home’s foundation and the steps you need to take to protect your property!
How Rain and Heat Affect Your Arkansas Soil
Moisture and heat have a symbiotic relationship in nature and a destructive relationship underneath your home. Foundation repair in Arkansas is different than repair across the country. If you have a slab concrete foundation that is built on soil with clay minerals, you may be more susceptible to foundation damage. For this reason, Arkansas homeowners atop Expansive Soil need to be especially attentive to foundational movement on their property.
What is “Expansive Soil,” and When Should You Worry?
Expansive Soil is defined as soil containing large amounts of clay minerals. This variety of soil can increase by 10% in volume when saturated with moisture. This means that when the soil dries and contracts, it can cause the foundation to shift. Specifically, expansive soil that has absorbed moisture swells and lifts the foundation, causing distress on concrete and floor slabs. When it inevitably dries, it can create weak spots in the soil in which the foundation can collapse. These shifts can be imperceptible, or they can result in little cracks or other signs of damage.
What Areas of a Home are Affected by Foundational Shifts?
Many homeowners witness signs of foundational damage and are unaware these symptoms are caused by foundational shifts! Floors, basement walls, and even the upper floors of your property can be impacted by swelling and contracting soil. The following are some common warning signs of foundation damage:
- Cracked Bricks
- Bowing or Cracks in Walls
- Concrete Sinking
- Uneven Floors or Sagging Ceiling
- Window or Door Gaps
- Sidewalk, Driveway, or Patio Cracks
Detect Foundation Failure with Foundation Pro Benchmarking Services
Benchmarking technology uses advanced reporting to track your foundation changes over time and can help professionals determine the best course of action to protect your home against future damage. Benchmark reports are composed of collected data through the use of benchmarking software and survey equipment and can help pinpoint areas of concern. Ask Foundation Pro if Foundation Benchmarking is right for your project!
Drainage Solutions to Preserve Your Foundation
Foundation professionals will be the first to tell you that foundation repair and maintenance is a multi-faceted project. One solution our Pros recommend after a foundation repair project is to install French Drains to encourage healthy moisture flow away from your property. These specific drains are helpful if you notice standing water in your basement, you experience frequent rain, or your yard and driveway are commonly soggy.
What are French Drains?
A French Drain is a small trench filled with gravel or rock and contains a pipe that redirects water away from your home. The rock and gravel allow the water to filtrate down into the drainage line. The sleeve restricts the migration of dirt and pebbles from entering the system.
It is worth noting that French Drains are not a “fix-all” solution and are often suggested after foundation repair to protect the newly enforced foundation.
Call Foundation Pro Today for Concrete Foundation Repair in Arkansas!
Go with the Pro! Foundation Pro will start your foundation repair off on the right track with advanced technology such as Benchmarking. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation. The sooner you fix your foundation, the sooner you can get your home back to normal. Call Foundation Pro today at 501-753-1009.
