The stability of our houses is affected by the ground under our homes more info. Homeowners must be aware of these changes and when to seek underpinning or make other repairs in order to maintain their property. Here’s what each season does to your foundation and how you should respond.
In winter, freezing temperatures can cause the soil to contract. In cold climates soil expands and contracts. This cycle can cause the foundation to crack or shift. If doors and windows are difficult to open or shut, this could indicate foundation problems.
The spring thawing of the earth and the rain can be very hard on your foundation. As the earth thaws it may become saturated, especially if there is poor drainage around a building. The hydrostatic pressure increases when the earth is saturated, which allows moisture to enter basements and crawlspaces. Signs of concern include new or growing foundation wall cracks, water seepage at the junction of the walls and the floors, as well as pools of water around the property.
The summer heat can shrink and dry soils. This is especially true for clay soils that are very sensitive to changes in moisture. When soil dries out, it pulls away from the foundation and loses contact. Subsidence is caused by foundations that settle unevenly and cause structural damage. Look out for diagonal wall fractures, sloping flooring, and a chimney that is moving away from your home.
Homeowners may experience settlement of the ground as temperatures fall and moisture levels stabilize in autumn. In very wet fall, the soil can become saturated again and cause similar problems to spring. To avoid problems, this season gutters should be cleaned and downspouts diverted water away from the foundation.
Homeowners should always evaluate their foundations, no matter what the season. If you notice new or growing cracks in the foundation, water damage and misaligned windows, doors and flooring, this could be a sign of failure. Early detection of these signs will save you money and headaches.
Contact an expert if you notice warning signs. They can determine whether underpinning is needed or if other foundation repairs will be required. Underpinning stabilises the structure and corrects uneven settlements by extending the depth or width of the foundation to more supportive soil.