It is common knowledge that renovations and repairs are vital to homeownership. According to Abacus Data’s recent survey of 1,500 Canadians, almost 1 in 2 people had done or planned to do some home renovations during the pandemic in 2020. Cost is typically homeowners’ biggest concern when they think about repairs, and very few problems are more expensive than foundation damage. Fortunately, knowing the biggest threats to your foundation can help you avoid them. Listed below are four serious threats worth knowing.
- Invasive tree roots
Tree roots don’t directly cause foundation damage on their own. Instead, their effect on the soil is what causes serious foundational problems. Indeed, due to overgrowth and transpiration, tree roots can shrivel and dehydrate the soil under your home foundation, causing the entire structure to settle and shift. One of the best things you can do to prevent roots from destroying your foundation is to keep any trees in your family garden well-watered. Tree roots are known to grow towards moisture sources in any direction, and some can even crack rocks in their search. Therefore, watering trees ensures their roots are less able to extend towards your foundation in search of moisture.
- Water damage
Torrential rains and poor drainage can easily cause foundation problems. The soil beneath your house expands and contracts as the weather changes, usually causing a settling or shifting foundation. If water consistently accumulates around your foundation, this can cause heaving, which raises your foundation. It can also cause capillary action, allowing water to seep into your building on the lowest level. Poor drainage is one of the most common reasons why water pools around foundations. Consequently, consider investing in roof gutters or downspouts that will carry rainwater away from your house. However, it is prudent to invest in water damage restoration services to clear any remaining liquid before improving drainage.
- Overwatering and underwatering
Many people living in areas with unpredictable weather are guilty of overwatering their lawns. However, excess water can cause soil expansion, putting pressure on the foundation and destroying the concrete. Similarly, underwatering your lawn can cause soil to shrink in size, leaving many open gaps under your building. Your foundation can easily sink into these gaps. Therefore, it is advisable to frequently check the weather and set up an irrigation schedule to get your watering spot on.
- Substandard construction
Canada’s construction industry employs more than 1.4 million people and contributes roughly $141 to the economy every year. Homeowners who hire any of the contractors in this sector to build their homes trust that they will follow the right building codes. Regrettably, this isn’t always the case, as some contractors cut corners to lower their operating costs and enjoy more profits. They may use inferior concrete or insufficient steel in their construction, laying the foundation for future weakness and shifting. It would help to hire a reputable contractor to build your home or address problems of this nature, so keep this in mind.
