What Happens if Water Gets Under a Foundation?
Water under a house’s foundation can cause significant damage by putting pressure on the foundation, resulting in cracks, leaks, and structural issues. If you want to prevent water-caused foundation damage, read on to learn how to detect and mitigate it.
Effects of Water Under a Foundation
Foundations support the entire structure and protect it from natural shifts in the ground. However, they are not impenetrable to damage, particularly from water. Water under a foundation can lead to severe issues that can cost a lot of money to fix.
Concrete is naturally porous, which means that water can penetrate it on its own. When water accumulates in the ground around your foundation, it can cause hydrostatic pressure to build up and push against the foundation walls. This pressure can lead to cracks in the walls that vary in size from minor hairline fractures to more noticeable gaps. The development of these cracks allows small amounts of water to seep in. The gradual weakening of the foundation leads to more water seeping in over time, which can eventually cause irreparable damage.
Water can also erode the soil beneath the foundation, causing it to become unstable. Additionally, some soil types, like clay, expand when wet and contract when dry. These fluctuations can cause the soil to shift dramatically, and the instability can lead to uneven settling or sinking of the foundation, manifesting as cracks in walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that jam or fail to close correctly.
Types of Foundations
Foundations come in various types, including slab, crawl space, and basement. Each type has unique vulnerabilities to water damage, influenced by their construction and environmental factors.
1. Slab Foundations
- Construction: A slab foundation is a single layer of concrete several inches thick that rests directly on the ground. It is commonly used in warmer regions where the ground does not freeze and is considered the most cost-effective type of foundation.
- Vulnerabilities: Since slab foundations are directly on the ground, they are vulnerable to water damage from surface water runoff. Flooding can lead to water pooling on concrete, causing seepage if improperly sealed.
2. Crawl Space Foundations
- Construction: This foundation has a small gap (often around two feet high) between the ground and the home.
- Vulnerabilities: Moisture is the primary concern for crawl space foundations, resulting in mold, rot, and deterioration of wooden supports. Moisture barriers are usually necessary.
3. Basement Foundations
- Construction: Basements are built below the ground level and offer extra living or storage space. This type of foundation requires more complex excavation and construction techniques.
- Vulnerabilities: Basements are particularly prone to water damage through hydrostatic pressure, which occurs when groundwater levels rise and exert pressure on the basement walls and floor. Leaks and structural damage can result. Proper waterproofing and drainage systems protect basement foundations from water damage.
By being aware of your foundation’s vulnerabilities, you can make informed decisions to improve the safety and durability of your home.
Sources of Water Damage
Water intrusion can occur from multiple sources, both natural and human-induced, each contributing to foundation issues in different ways.
Natural Sources
Excessive rainfall, flooding, and rising groundwater levels are natural occurrences that can result in soil saturation around and beneath the foundation, which can cause swelling, shrinkage, or erosion.
If the house’s water drainage is lacking, it can result in water accumulation under the slab. The absence of disconnected gutters or downspouts leads to excessive water dumping into the soil closest to the foundation during heavy rains. When there is no proper drainage, the soil becomes oversaturated, and this water then applies pressure against the foundation’s walls and can eventually seep through. If you look around, you might see some puddles or wet spots.
Water can enter a crawl space in various ways, such as through roof drainage issues, grading issues, or leaky basement windows and window wells. Regular moisture in your crawl space during rain or snow could indicate a significant problem. Efflorescence, a white, powdery residue that appears on walls, is a visual indicator of moisture infiltration.
Human-Induced Sources
Plumbing leaks and burst pipes are also common causes of water damage. Signs of a leak include pooling water, high water bills, buckling floors, mold growth or smell, and low water pressure. Prolonged exposure to water can weaken wood that is part of or supports the foundation, eventually leading to rotting. It can also corrode metal components in the crawl space. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help prevent more serious issues.
Mold and Mildew
Even a minor leak can lead to mold growth and recurring problems. People often think that only extensive water damage can cause mold, but this is not true. Mold thrives in damp and humid conditions, which can degrade building materials and adversely affect indoor air quality. Mold can also cause health problems for residents, particularly those with allergies or respiratory issues. So, it is essential to fix any water damage promptly to prevent mold infestation.
Solutions and Prevention to Fix Water Under a Foundation
Addressing water damage involves immediate actions and long-term strategies to prevent future issues.
Immediate Actions
It’s important to promptly address any issues with standing water around your home’s foundation through professional repair to avoid serious problems, like expensive damage and mold growth.
When you find water in your basement, your top priority should be safety. Avoid standing in water while handling any electrical device, as it can lead to electrocution. Try to identify the source of the water and have standing water pumped out immediately. Additionally, remove any materials and items that may attract mold. In some cases, professional assessment may be necessary to determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action.
Long-term Solutions
When dealing with water under a foundation, a professional will eliminate water under your house by applying preventative measures that include:
- Routine maintenance and inspections
- Crack sealing and patching
- Dehumidifying affected areas
- Grading and proper landscaping around the foundation
- Fixing leaks
- Fixing gutters and downspouts
- Installation of a sump pump or other moisture control systems
- Installation of a moisture barrier
- Improving drainage with a drain tile system
In the event of significant structural damage, advanced repair techniques may be necessary to restore the home’s integrity. For example, if the damage has impacted the foundation, underpinning may be required to stabilize it. Underpinning involves excavating the soil around the house and reinforcing the foundation using push or helical piers.
Importance of Regular Professional Evaluations
Professional evaluations are critical as experts recognize and diagnose issues that may not be apparent to the average homeowner. These specialists use tools and techniques to assess the foundation accurately, ensuring that any underlying problems are identified and addressed promptly. Regular checks help in:
- Preventing minor issues from developing into major repairs
- Ensuring the safety of the structure
- Maintaining the value of your home by addressing foundation issues before they worsen
Adhering to a schedule and checklist can significantly extend the life of your foundation and help you avoid unexpected disruptions or expenses. Always consult a qualified foundation repair specialist to tailor these recommendations to your home’s needs, as local climate and soil conditions can significantly influence foundation care requirements.
Think of maintaining your home’s foundation as part of your legacy. It’s not just about living in it today; it’s about ensuring it stands strong long into the future. You’re setting yourself up for a more secure and financially stable tomorrow by preventing water damage.
Do you reside in Southern California, Arizona, or Nevada? Our free foundation evaluations and customized repair solutions ensure your home’s stability. Contact us today!
