Causes of foundation Settlement
June 8, 2021

When you see that your property is developing cracks, uneven flooring, and tilting walls, then there is a high possibility that your foundation is damaged. This structure is the only thing that is keeping your home from sinking underground. Although it would be ideal that it could withstand all types of pressures, placing too much stress on it will surely make it break. However, the age of the foundation is the least of your worries, because there are other external elements that could weaken its form.

Trees and Vegetation

If you like tending to your garden, then you should start thinking about where you place your plants. When trees and other big shrubberies are planted too close to your foundation, their roots can penetrate it as they grow. Once this happens, cracks and other fissures are formed, allowing foreign debris (e.g. dirt, vermin, and rocks) to enter the foundation’s core weakening its structure.

Moisture Content of the Soil

When a foundation is being built, workers make sure to keep it compact so that a sturdy base can hold it. However, if your area often experiences heavy rain and floods, the moisture can weaken the soil. With the support of the ground slipping, your foundation can also sink or shrink, bringing your property with it.

Poor Compaction

Soil compaction is an important step when creating a foundation because it helps keep the foundation’s bearings steady. If it was created poorly (meaning that there are still air pockets after the compaction job) it is not strong enough to hold the accumulated weight of your property and foundation causing your foundation to weaken and sink.

Weak Soils

Not all soils are ideal for property development. Depending on its molecular composition, the soil can be too soft to be constructed on. However, there are some people who still insist to build on such situations and thus, must face the risks that come after damaging their foundations.

Soil Consolidation

Soil consolidation occurs when weight is added and compresses the lower, weak clay soils. The pressure forces moisture out of the clay soils, which causes it to be densely spaced. This downward movement can be experienced at an uneven rate that can stress the composition of your foundation.

Inspect Your Foundation Regularly

The causes of foundation settlement vary. Some can be detected immediately, while others do not. Whatever the cause, it is best that you contact the professionals immediately, to have the situation dealt with pronto.

At KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair, we are just the people you need to solve such a task. We are well-equipped and are knowledgeable about all things that deal with your foundation and its problems. With our services available to the Greater Kansas City Area, contact us today for a free consultation to determine the cause of your foundation problem and offer up our expert solution.

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15 Preventative Maintenance Tips For Your Foundation

This Preventative Maintenance Guide shows you the top 15 causes of foundation problems. Download now to protect your home, add value, and prevent damage to your home’s foundation.

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Satisfied Customer Reviews

He checked everything and was very nice. No problem with the work that was done last winter. Thank you
Mario came and re-checked our foundation numbers from previous piering. He was very knowledgeable, reassuring, and professional. He made sure we got our results quickly and was very responsive to communication. I appreciate Mario’s effort!
KC Waterproofing is a highly professional organization. Their staff is friendly and helpful. Not surprising they’ve been in business for many years.
Hal was professional, courteous, and efficient. When he arrived he said what he planned on doing, how long it would take, and was able to evaluate my basement in an hour, providing several good options for waterproofing, with details on the costs and benefits of each. I highly recommend KC Waterproofing when you look for options.
We called about a crack in the basement wall that would leak after heavy rains. Mario came out and went above and beyond on the repair to where I’ve got complete piece of mind knowing I won’t have any further issues with leaks.
Pleasant experience. Competent and nice crew. I’ll definitely use their services again for any foundation needs
Mario was very helpful on his visit to my home. I was concerned about one of the anchors that was installed this summer. He assured me that all was intact and doing like it is supposed to be doing. Thank you Mario!
Mario and Angel did an outstanding job on my outside drainage problem. Mario also does a great job on keeping my sump pump operating.
Professional organization and representative
Great all around service. Very informative consultation with Hal. Keith and his team were efficient and very clean when installing a new sump pump system. Highly recommend this company.