Foundation Failure? Kunkel Moving and Raising, a foundation repair company Bellevue, WA can help!
Foundations fail for a variety of reasons. When the damage occurs, you can see the warning signs of failure in the form of cracked walls, disjointed doors and windows, cracked floors, damp basements and musty indoor smell. Whatever the cause of foundation damage, you should get in touch with a foundation repair Bellevue company to get the problem solved immediately.
Poor construction
The most obvious cause of foundation failure is poor construction. For the foundation to be strong, it is important to compact the soil well. Furthermore, you need to use the best quality construction materials. The design should be such that the foundation can safely take the load of the building. If the foundation is not built as per safety and quality standards, it is likely to be damaged sooner or later.
Soil Type
Different soils have different characteristics and different capacities to bear loads. In fact, some types of soils are not suitable for construction. In order to avoid foundation problems caused because of poor soil, it is important to get the soil tested before the construction work begins. Soils such as clay soil and black cotton soil are unfit for construction because they tend to absorb water and swell, which causes the foundation to heave. When the moisture content is less, the soil shrinks. If a house has to be built on these types of soils, special precautionary measures need to be taken to ensure that the foundation does not fail. If the failure occurs because of problematic soil, your foundation repair Bellevue company will install proper support structures to protect the foundation.
Soil settlement
If the soil is not properly compacted prior to construction, it settles over time. As a result, the foundation loses its support and structural stability. You can notice signs of failure in the form of uneven floor surface and cracks in the walls.
Moisture loss
Loss of moisture is called transpiration. This is a condition that takes place when the plants and trees around the house absorb moisture from the soil. As a result, the soil becomes dry and settles, leading to an imbalance in the foundation. You can notice this situation in the summer months since soil moisture is low in this season. Most foundation repair Bellevue companies will be able to give you advice so that you can minimize this risk.
Plumbing leaks
A leaking plumbing system could be another cause for foundation damage. The leaking water will seep into the foundation and damage it. The leakage causes soil erosion as well. The extent of damage caused by moisture depends on the characteristics of the soil like type, density and moisture content. Kunkel Moving and Raising, a foundation repair Bellevue company can help you.
It is important to correct the damage before it turns serious and becomes a threat to the stability of the building.
