Foundations on structures fail for a number of reasons such as water issues and aging. Water can create damage to a foundation by weakening it as the water seeps into cracks. Aging is another matter that can weaken the foundation and in turn weaken the structure. Foundation health is an essential condition for the structure built above and when in disrepair problems can happen with the structure and load bearing walls.
Aging Foundations
Older homes or business structures were often built with a brick and mortar or stone foundation. Overtime the mortar weakens and in some cases, the bricks can deteriorate. The weakening due to age can cause the structure to weaken and become unsafe. The foundation as it ages and the mortar begins to deteriorate it can be noticeable; but, once it reaches a certain point of deterioration, the walls may appear to sag. The mortar can be replaced by a foundation repair lexington ky professional. Bricks or stones may need replacement if damaged and if the foundation, is sagging cement may be a better choice of materials instead of mortar for stability.
Water Foundation Issues
Water issues affecting foundations are of two types. The first is the newer construction with water seeping into the foundation, which is generally caused by waterproofing done incorrectly. This water issue will continue until the waterproofing is done correctly and overtime it can cause structural issues if not corrected. The second type of foundation water issue is older foundation that has gotten small cracks. The water seeps in through the cracks usually caused due to fluctuating temperatures during different seasons.
Understanding Foundation Cracks
Foundations get cracks and this is how the damage starts in certain cases, but not all. New foundations can get hairline cracks that do not actually ruin the foundation. They are the result of shrinkage of the concrete as it cures over time. Shrinking does not continue as the foundation ages. Cracks in older foundations constitute a problem because these are not due to the shrinking but an actual problem.
There are signs of why the crack may have started and includes the structure settling. If the crack appears as vertical in a cement or block, foundation is a sign of a structural problem. In the event, the crack is larger at the top than it is at the bottom it can mean one or both ends of the foundation has dropped. This can be also possibly the case if the middle of the foundation is rising. When the crack is greater at the bottom, it can mean the middle is sinking. Horizontal cracks can be accounted for due to the pressure of the soil causing the foundation to fail.
Any type of crack appearing in a foundation needs to be inspected and repaired before, it can worsen. Permanent damage can happen if repairs to the crack going unfixed will weaken the structure. Repairs can bring the foundation to the standard the structure requires since the foundation is load bearing for the structure.
