Most homes have solid foundations; however, they often sustain cracks, mainly caused by wear and bad weather. These cracks can be benign, others much less so. During a flood, damaged soil can cause a much higher level of water infiltration.
Discover the importance of having a foundation in good condition when floods arrive.
The role of foundations in our homes
Foundations are essential. They allow our home to stand upright despite bad weather. They are a physical barrier to what lies beneath the floor tiles and provide some stability against possible ground movements.
Of course, foundations in good condition will limit any water damage. The more solid a foundation is, the less chance there is that it will crack and allow water to seep inside. However, even if your foundations are solid, they will not prevent 100% of flood risks. Noticing damage when there is bad weather also does not necessarily mean that there is a construction defect. If your basement is closed in by walls, it’s even possible to only notice a crack once it’s too late.
Signs that your foundations are not in good condition
Concrete foundations are strong and durable. But some signs can still alert us to their condition.
Openings that don’t properly close
Doors or windows that don’t properly close can be due to worn down wood or poorly done paint jobs. However, it is recommended to check them regularly since this can be indicative of a foundation problem.
Horizontal cracks inside and outside the home
Foundations sometimes move and cause cracks to appear inside and outside the home. Generally, these cracks are due to moist soil that freezes.
Trees planted too close
We sometimes have trees planted very close to our houses. In some cases, they may be the cause of sloping floors, a damaged sewer system or damaged safety lines. When there is liquid involved, it can infiltrate much faster if ducts are damaged.
Mold smell
The smell of mold is already a general sign that basements are infiltrated with water. This phenomenon is caused by a foundation beginning to erode. As a result, water can penetrate concrete and create mold on walls and floors.
A cracked chimney
If you have a chimney inside your house and you notice cracks on it, it is possible that you have a damaged foundation.
What if you doubt the waterproofing of your foundations?
First and foremost, precautions should be taken concerning floods:
- Find out if your residence is located in a flood zone by consulting your area’s planning documents
- Find out about flood risks in your area
- Understand the actions required and the approaches to take to effectively intervene during a flood
If the foundation damage requires renovation or reinforcement, it is essential to use professional services. Foundation Crack Expert has many solutions and techniques to best solve to your water infiltration problems. Contact our team for more information.
