Quebec’s unpredictable climate and abundant rainfall can affect waterways, sometimes leading to the overflow of rivers. This can cause extensive flooding in residential neighbourhoods, devastating for inhabitants and the affected buildings.
House foundations are especially vulnerable to water infiltration.
The power of water on foundations
An abundance of water around a house can exert a strong pressure onto it. To understand its power, know that water moving at 10 mph is as strong as 270 mph wind.
The main problem with floods is that water seeps into the earth around your foundation, which can crack it and damage your entire house. Foundation crack repair is necessary in these cases. In addition to structural problems, various debris or chemicals can accompany a flood and cause even more damage to your home.
Consequences of floods on house foundations
The force of nature is unmatched. You should therefore check the potential damage to your home after being a victim of flooding, since it brings its fair share of risks.
The swelling of pyrite leads to structural deformation
A real scourge in Quebec, pyrite poses many risks for foundations. It is found in many structural base fillings and swells significantly when in contact with water. Foundations can therefore undergo physical stresses caused by the expansion of the fill when flooding occurs, leading to deformation or efflorescence at the base of the concrete.
If flooding causes abnormal damage, contact a foundation inspector. Cracks on house foundations can usually be fixed if the problem is detected on time. If cracks appear in your basement or garage, contact a crack sealing specialist for the appropriate solution.
Water in foundations leads to moisture and mold
In addition to immediate consequences, floods can lead to irreversible house foundation damages.
Removing all traces of moisture will be very difficult if water infiltrates deeply, which can cause health problems for those living in the house. Fungus and mold can grow, leading to risks of developing very serious respiratory diseases.
Before this type of damage affects your home, there are solutions to make your house less vulnerable to floods and avoid disasters. For example, well insulated floors and a foundation in good condition help prevent major damages.
What are the signs of foundation damage?
Although you can analyze the pattern of a crack, checking and diagnosing the condition of your foundation can be complex. A poor assessment on your part could lead to problems in the near future.
Here are some signs of foundation damage that are easy to identify:
- Cracks on your walls, ceilings or floors, or torn wallpaper.
- Windows or doors no longer open and close properly and their frames have cracks.
- The foundation appears uneven with the level of your lawn.
- The bricks on the outside of your foundation are cracked.
- The garage is hard to close or does not close at all.
If you notice any of these things after a flood, the water probably affected your house foundation. This can lead to serious problems if you do not act fast. The fact that your home was spared by the last flood does not mean that it won’t be affected by the next. Prevention is better than cure, so make sure to protect your foundations from heavy rain.
Restore your foundations with Foundation Crack Expert
Flood victims can spend years dealing with the consequences and house foundation damages can be irreversible in some cases. Many homeowners hesitate between selling or repairing their home, especially since repairs are not always covered by insurance.
Pay attention to the condition of your home’s foundations, especially after a flood. You are better off dealing with the problem immediately instead of letting it get worse until it is too late to do anything without giving up your home or your savings.
Contact us for a house foundation inspection or repair. Our team will gladly offer the right solution for your situation.
