Foundation Maintenance and Footing Performance

The most common cause of residential foundation problems is water. Keeping moisture away from the foundation and house is the best way to prevent future problems. Water that leaks through cracks in the foundation or walls can cause fungus and mold growth which damages the materials used to build the home. This can cause sagging of the structure, movement of the foundation and even structural failure. Having proper drainage on your property will help minimize moisture and ensure that water is not ponding around the foundation or migrating through soils that are too wet. This is particularly important during wet cycles. Changing the site with additions such as flower beds, patios, swimming pools and fencing can also affect drainage. These changes can exacerbate the wet cycle and create more moisture and migration of water into the soils under the structure.

Generally, it is recommended that the soils under a building be graded for proper drainage away from the foundation maintenance and footing performance to avoid ponding near the structure and possible moisture fluctuations or migration within the soils. A minimum slope of 1% (approximately 1/8" drop for every foot of distance) should be maintained from the foundation to the backfill soils. The type of vegetation may require a greater slope to avoid over saturation of the critical perimeter soils.

It is recommended that a foundation log be kept to record the conditions of the foundation after repairs and during maintenance procedures. This will allow the homeowner to keep track of the performance of the foundation and identify issues before they become a serious problem.

An annual plumbing test should be performed to check for sewer leaks and other plumbing problems. Leaks in the sewer lines can change the equilibrium of the soil under the foundation and cause differential movement/damage to other parts of the structure.

The best method to prevent future damage to a foundation or house is to ensure that the foundation and footings are constructed on soils of adequate strength and moisture content. Often this will mean that the soil will need to be amended during construction to achieve these requirements.

The use of splash blocks, properly sized and sloped drainage ditches and downspout extensions are important to channel all roof and ground runoff away from the foundation. Usually the downspouts should be extended to discharge the water at least five feet from the foundation. It is also a good idea to use special roll-up type downspout extensions that can be easily lifted and rolled down when they are not being utilized.

Precise Restumping & Underpinning successfully maintains a reputation for delivering quality, reliable and sound services to clients all over New South Wales, with a licensed builder that personally oversee all works.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Fix Cracked Brick Walls

If you have noticed cracking along your brick wall, you may be worried about what it means for the structure of your home. It is not uncommon for brick to crack due to natural and unnatural factors, but it can be alarming to discover. The good news is, you can often fix cracked brick wall  a cracked brick wall by making a few simple repairs. If a brick wall is structurally damaged, it is important to call a professional mason right away. This is not a repair you should try to do on your own, as it can result in significant and costly damage throughout the home. In addition, if the wall is load-bearing, it could lead to major foundation problems for the entire house. A pro can inspect the damage and make recommendations for proper repair to ensure the stability of your home’s foundation. When it comes to the aesthetics of your home, a professional builder can also apply color-matched patches that will make your brick look new again. The most common cause of brick wall cracking is th...
Read more

Restumping Wangaratta

A well presented two bedroom weatherboard home on a large allotment. This affordable home offers a great opportunity for first home buyers, investors or renovators. Situated close to shops and schools on a 722m2 block with a spacious rear yard, this home will appeal to anyone looking to enter the market in this popular area. Featuring ducted gas heating and evaporative cooling, this home also has the potential to be further enhanced or expanded with future development. Articles about this Business Reblocking, or restumping Wangaratta , is the process of replacing old wooden stumps in a house built on a stump foundation rather than a concrete slab. These types of homes, often older style weatherboard houses, will sink in certain areas over time due to the weight of the house on top of the stumps. Precise Restumping & Underpinning successfully maintains a reputation for delivering quality, reliable and sound services to clients all over New South Wales, with a licensed builder that ...
Read more

The Basics of Restumping Dandenong

Restumping or reblocking is the process of replacing and restoring the foundations of a home or commercial building. It involves lifting and shifting the existing stumps, then installing new ones to better protect and support the foundation of the building. This is usually done to ensure the safety of occupants and prevent structural damage. It is important to hire a professional restumping contractor that has a good reputation and experience in the industry. This will ensure that the job is performed correctly and to your satisfaction. It will also help to save you money in the long run by preventing further damage to your property. The first step in the restumping Dandenong process is to assess the site and determine what type of work needs to be completed. This includes determining the condition of the existing stumps, assessing the soil composition and the location of the site. Once the assessment has been completed, the existing stumps are removed using specialised equipment. Thi...
Read more