Whether you have a block or poured foundation, water is one of the most destructive things to your building’s foundation.
Though most people think of heavy rain, flooding, or leaking pipes, when considering the effect of water on foundations, simple problems like overwatering your garden, or clogged gutters can also be an issue.
These common issues, though not as dramatic, can also lead to significant damage and the need for immediate foundation repair.
How does water affect building foundations?
There are three main effects water can have on a building’s foundations.
- Hydrostatic Pressure:
When water collects around a building’s foundations, it exerts what is called “hydrostatic pressure”. This pressure can cause the foundation to crack or bow, ultimately leading to damage to the rest of the building.
- Expansive Soils:
Water’s effect on a build’s foundations can be displayed through expansive soils. Expansive soils are when the minerals in the soil absorb water and expand, pushing against the foundations. This may cause the foundation to crack or shift. Excessive water can cause any sand to be washed out of the soil, leading to voids in the ground.
When the soil dries out, it will return to its normal volume which will cause the foundations to shift back. Over time, this causes a cycle of expansion and contraction which can lead to significant damage to your foundations. Expansion and contraction create voids in the ground which leads to subsidence.
- Erosion:
Erosion is one of the most common ways that water affects a building’s foundations. When water runs along or under your building it will often wash away the soil which supports the foundation.
This causes a void to form where the erosion has taken place and the building will often “settle” or sink into the void.
Erosion can often happen over long periods and the effects can often be subtle and easily ignored until they are too serious for non-professional intervention. Some of the signs of erosion include uneven floors, uneven windows, chimneys and doors, and cracking walls.
Though slightly different, each of these three things will cause your foundations to shift, impacting the structural integrity of the building and causing serious subsistence.
What are some signs of foundation damage caused by water?
There are many signs to look for when determining the effect of water on foundations and assessing the damage it has caused. These include:
- Uneven floors or slabs
- Cracks in floors, walls and ceilings
- Bowed or uneven basement walls
- Stuck doors or windows.
Though some of this damage may seem to be cosmetic, they often indicate much larger problems that may impact the structural soundness of your building.
And, if left to develop long enough, the damage may prove too difficult for the homeowner to fix by themselves and require the aid of a professional.
Preventing and repairing the effects of water on foundations
There are several ways to fix the effects of water damage on a building’s foundations depending on the source of the water, and the type of damage.
PREVENTING WATER DAMAGE
One of the simplest and most cost-effective methods of preventing the damaging effects of water on foundations is to keep water away from the foundations. It is critical to have effective stormwater drains and ag-drains because they redirect the risk of water reaching the foundations.
Easy steps such as cleaning your gutters and downspouts to prevent spillages, as well as proper grading and drainage can all help prevent excess water from accumulating around your building. All sewers and drainage must be checked by a qualified plumber.
If there is a more serious water issue, such as rising groundwater, a sump pump or drainage system may need to be implemented in either your basement or crawl space.
REPAIRING WATER DAMAGE TO YOUR FOUNDATIONS
Though expansive soil and hydrostatic pressure are ways that water may affect foundations, these are easily combatted by keeping water away from foundations.
Erosion, however, is generally more complex to solve as it requires filling in the voids with a stable and strong compound that will resist any further erosion. These voids can also be located in hard to access areas and may shift over time. This is why it is imperative that the right approach must be implemented to prevent any further effects water can have on a building’s foundations.
The most common solutions for filling in voids as a result of water damage are to use sand-cement grout, chemical soil stabilisation, screw pile or peri underpinning, and resin injection. Though each method has its pros and cons, resin injection, like that used by Resinject, offers the most value and effectiveness.
Resinject uses industry-leading techniques and resin technology to ensure that voids are filled and stabilised – counteracting the effects of water on your foundations.
HOW RSINJECT CAN HELP
At Resinject, we pride ourselves on being Australia’s market leader for ground consolidation and foundations solutions.
This means that when you approach us to repair the effects of water on your foundations, you are getting the highest quality service for a reasonable price.
All of our products are Australian made and manufactured to Australian standards. Contact our professional team to find out how we can help repair the effects of water on your foundations today!
