How to Repair a Crumbling Concrete Foundation
- by Alec Schoen
A foundation is one of the most important parts of any house or building. When it begins to crumble, the problem can become more severe and lead to other problems.
Knowing how and why foundation concrete crumbles can help you prevent it. Read on to learn more about what causes foundation damage, how it is repaired, and why you should consider annual waterproofing and sealing of the basement or crawl space.
Water Damage
Many foundation issues are caused by water damage. This can be from groundwater leaking into the basement or through the concrete itself, especially if it was not mixed with enough water. It can also be due to de-icing salt corroding the steel rebar in the concrete. To avoid this, homeowners should invest in gutter downspout extensions, French drains, and proper grading to prevent water from pooling around the foundation. Waterproofing and sealing are also vital to protect your concrete from water damage.
If a foundation is starting to crumble, it is important to act quickly. Foundation damage only gets worse the longer it is ignored and could lead to secondary problems such as wood rot, mold, or a sinking or settling home. Luckily, there are several products on the market that can help with concrete repair. Some companies even offer a service that involves pouring a new wall inside the existing foundation, which can save homeowners money and time on replacing their entire foundation.
Soil Shift
The soils around a foundation can change, and this can have a significant impact on the strength of concrete. A soil with high moisture content may cause the concrete to crumble. Also, a high amount of clay in the soil may have an adverse effect on the foundation.
Another reason for a crumbling foundation is a repeated freeze-thaw cycle. This causes water to seep into small cracks and fractures in the concrete. This will then expand in colder weather and create a large amount of pressure on the blocks of the foundation.
A professional should be called if there are signs of crumbling on the foundation of your home or business. This is often a sign of more serious issues that can affect the overall structure. Having the issue addressed early by an experienced professional will prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs in the future. A foundation expert will know the best solution for your specific situation.
Temperature Changes
Concrete is not indestructible and, over time, even the highest quality concrete can deteriorate. When this happens, the resulting crumbling and chipping of foundation concrete is a clear sign that a home’s foundation needs to be looked at by a professional.
A crumbling foundation can cause significant problems for your home if it is not addressed early on. This is because foundation damage only gets worse over time and may eventually result in secondary damage such as wood rot, mold, sagging floors, or sinking and leaning chimneys.
The best way to prevent crumbling concrete is by addressing any drainage issues around your home. This can be done by implementing solutions like French drains, gutter downspout extensions, and proper grading. You can also use products that will help to strengthen and seal the concrete and prevent it from further deterioration.
Sediment Buildup
A concrete foundation is the structure that a building or home is built upon. When this part of the building begins to crumble, it can cause serious problems that may affect the entire building or house. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, including freeze and thaw cycles, water damage, soil shifts, and more.
It can also be caused by a buildup of sediment. This sediment is made up of iron sulfides and pyrrhotite, which can corrode concrete over time. It is important to make sure that the soil around the foundation of a home or building is free of sediment to prevent this from occurring.
If you notice that the concrete foundation of your home is crumbling, it is important to contact a professional immediately. They can inspect the foundation and recommend the best course of action to repair it. This could include sealing, injection, or even replacement of the concrete.
https://www.foundationrepairtulsa.com/
A foundation is one of the most important parts of any house or building. When it begins to crumble, the problem can become more severe and lead to other problems. Knowing how and why foundation concrete crumbles can help you prevent it. Read on to learn more about what causes foundation damage, how it is…
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