What Causes Foundation Failure?

Understanding the causes of foundation failure will not only create a safer environment but may save you money in the long run. Are your trees too close to the foundation? Do you have drainage problems or plumbing leaks? Is it possible you have expansive soils?

Knowing what causes the problems you may be able to prevent problems from occurring. ECP is dedicated to providing the most extensive information about structural repair issues and their comprehensive solutions.

Evaporation

Hot and dry conditions may cause the soil to pull away from the foundation.

Settlement due to this foundation moisture imbalance could cause cracks to
appear throughout the structure.

Transpiration

Vegetation, such as trees, shrubs, or other plants, near a foundation can affect moisture levels. Tree roots can dehydrate the soil beneath a home causing soil shrinkage and settlement of the home.

Plumbing Leaks

Water from leaky plumbing is often a major contributor to foundation problems including heaving.

Drainage

Improper drainage will lead to excess moisture build-up, which could erode or consolidate soils. Excessive moisture may cause heaving of expansive clay soils.

Poor Building Site Preparation

Cut and fill situations, where the soil is removed from part of the building site and stacked on another, needs proper soil stabilization before a structure is built; otherwise unexpected movements of the soil beneath the foundation may occur.

Poor Ground Preparation

Cut and fill situations should be properly prepared before the structure is started or it may result in improperly compacted soil beneath the foundation.

Poor Soil Conditions

Poor soil, organics, debris, etc., may cause expansion or consolidation, which contribute to foundation failures. Using the correct foundation repair system can counteract the above conditions. Steel piers and helical piers are often the solutions for your basement or foundation.

The causes of foundation failure require you to protect your largest asset with the highest quality piering and basement wall repair products. These piers need to be installed by underpinning experts that have been trained by our staff. Insist on foundation repair products designed and engineered to perform by ECP.