Basement Piering | Soil Saturation Causing

Basement Piering

What Causes Foundation Failure

Foundation failure is not an uncommon problem that can be attributed to several things. Expansive soil is one of the problems where the soil expands when wet and shrinks and drops when dry. So in dry periods the foundations have a tendency to crack and settle here and there, causing internal walls to crack and sometimes pull apart, also doors and windows do not open and shut properly. Furthermore floors can crack, often settle and even pull apart. The foundation walls and brick work will show cracking and settling.

In addition to expansive soils, subsurface peat, which has a low bearing capacity and deteriorates over time, can also cause settling. Other soil types such as slit and sands also have lower bearing capacities. Poor landscaping and gutter system can contribute to soil saturation causing sinking of the structure. Plumbing leaks can be another source for soil saturation and structure settlement. If soil and water control problems aren't bad enough, there is the issue of transpiration. Transpiration is the process of trees and large plant roots absorbing the water from the soil beneath and crowd your home. Again where expensive soils exist this removal of moisture will cause soil shrinkage and settlement. It's even possible to have a plumbing leak that could cause expansion and contraction of the soil relating to possible settlement in parts of the building. Stabilization or raising of the building structure will be necessary to prevent further damage to the settling building. Stabilization is the process where the piers are installed in specified distances apart under the building structure footings to hold the building from sinking any further. In cases where part of the settling building has tipped away or has settled lower, it can be lifted to the correct level by pier stablizing that portion of the building. This will prevent any future possibilities of any further settlement. Don't delay, the problem only gets worse and doesn't correct itself. For the security and the stable home you desire have a quality system installed in your home. It is unsettling to have a settling home! Have our trust worthy and proven piering system give you the assurance of a stable and secure home you desire.