Damage to a building’s foundation can occur over time due to issues with the soil, drainage, or even nearby trees. Understanding what causes these issues and being able to recognize the warning signs can save building owners a bundle on industrial foundation repair in Washington DC, so be on the lookout for these common problems!
Because the foundations of most buildings in the north east are laid well into the ground, the condition of the soil around them can drastically impact how they age. Inadequate soil compaction at the time of building can cause the foundation to become uneven, shifting and settling over time. This can create cracks in the floor and walls, and create uneven or sunken in floors.
Even well compacted soil can end up shifting with changes in moisture. Drainage problems above ground are often the culprit, so foundation issues caused by soil moisture often begin to appear in times of inclement weather, manifesting in their most serious form as water leaks. But even if the basement is dry, it doesn’t mean these changes in soil moisture are innocuous. The constant shifting of the dirt that results can cause the foundation to shift as well. Again, look for cracks and uneven surfaces, buckling of or damage to any flooring tiles, and misaligned trim around entrance and exit ways.
In addition to surrounding soil, nearby trees and shrubs can also be the culprits. Most people know that nearby roots can cause cracks in foundation walls. The preemptive solution to this problem is fairly straightforward: don’t plant trees where their root radius will be likely to venture into the building’s territory. But what some people don’t realize is that even if the roots are not directly coming into contact with the foundation, they can sap water from beneath it, drying out the soil. This will create voids as dry soil takes up less space, and the foundation will be more likely to shift and sink into these voids.
Identifying problems and performing repair on industrial buildings requires a specialized skill set that not all residential contractors are familiar with. Those noticing signs of damage should trust these important repairs to someone with experience. Check out website domain to find contractors specializing in Industrial Foundation Repair in Washington DC.
