The Amazing World of Concrete

Foundation Repair: Flood And Erosion Damage

3 July 2023 by Samantha Robinson

The foundation is the bedrock of any building, bearing the weight and ensuring the stability of the structure. When this critical part of a building becomes compromised, it's more than just the building's physical stability at stake—its value and the safety of its occupants could also be affected. Two common culprits that can damage foundations are flooding and erosion.

Flood Damage

Flooding can have a significant impact on a building's foundation.

• Flooding: When water permeates the soil surrounding the foundation, it causes the soil to expand. This can exert pressure on the foundation walls, leading to cracks and potential structural compromise.

Moreover, flooding can lead to the saturation of the soil under the foundation. As the soil loses its ability to bear the weight of the structure, it may cause the foundation to sink or shift, resulting in uneven floors, cracked walls and ceilings, and doors or windows that no longer align properly.

Erosion Damage

Erosion, the gradual wearing away of soil by water, wind, or other natural agents, poses another threat to building foundations.

• Erosion: Over time, erosion can wash away the soil supporting the foundation, leading to settling, sinking, or even collapse.

Erosion is particularly problematic on sloping properties, where runoff water can quickly carry soil away. Signs of erosion damage can be similar to those of flood damage, including cracks in walls, uneven floors, and misaligned doors and windows.

Foundation Repair Strategies

Professional foundation repair services use a variety of methods to fix and protect foundations affected by flooding and erosion:

• Foundation Leveling and Underpinning: This technique involves driving supports (or "piers") into stable soil beneath the compromised foundation to bear the weight of the structure and raise the foundation to its original level. There are several underpinning methods, including helical piers, push piers, and slab piers, all designed to stabilize a sinking foundation.
• Foundation Crack Repair: Cracks in the foundation resulting from pressure or settling can be filled with epoxy or other sealants. For larger cracks or those signaling serious structural issues, further reinforcement, such as carbon fiber straps or steel braces, may be necessary.
• Waterproofing and Drainage Solutions: To prevent future flood damage, foundation repair services may recommend installing a drainage system to redirect water away from the foundation. This could include French drains, sump pumps, or drain tiles. Applying a waterproofing membrane or coating to the foundation walls can also help keep water out.
• Erosion Control Measures: To combat erosion, professionals may use strategies like grading (reshaping the land to direct water away from the foundation), installing retaining walls, or using erosion control mats and planting ground-cover plants to keep soil in place.

Flood and erosion damage can compromise a foundation's strength, but with professional foundation repair services, these issues can be addressed, and preventive measures put in place to protect against future damage. By investing in the health of your foundation, you're ensuring the longevity and safety of your structure for years to come. 

For more info about foundation repair, contact a local company. 

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