Almost everyone has an inkling of how expensive and calamitous foundation water damage is to your residence.

But only a few people have adequate knowledge of all the relevant signs, causes, and prevention.

But don’t worry! Because we’ve got you covered and will tell you all you need to know about foundation water damage.

Signs Of Water Damage To Foundation:

Whenever home maintenance and renovation come to your mind, start from the ground level and then move upwards, even literally.

The soil just below your foundation expands when it becomes saturated with water or contracts in the opposite case.

This contraction or expansion due to changes in the water content can lead to misalignment and fractures and sometimes you will need a foundation water removal service to remove the problem, this is where we coming in.

To know more about our restoration water damage expert’s services give us a call at (214) 624-6232.

These issues are fairly common in Dallas, Texas, and the surrounding areas, especially those that experience consecutive rain followed by long periods of droughts.

If you’re looking for any obvious signs of foundation water damage, here are a few that you should keep an eye out for:

• Doors that require extra force to open and close, including garage doors
• Windows that bind whenever someone tries to open them
• Cracks that appear near the drywall, especially next to window and door edges
• Nails that protrude out of the wallboard
• Cracks that appear in fireplaces
• Any cracks, depressions, or elevations that form on the floor
• Ceiling joints that are raised more than usual
• Wallpaper that has become loose or curled
• Cracks that form in the foundation exposed to the outer environment
• Similar cracks and raised areas in places attached to your home
• Termites, ants, and other pests in and around the house
• Caulking pulling away from tubs, fixtures, and other exterior surfaces
• Visible cracks that appear in brick or mortar

Water Damage To Foundation Why Does it Happen:

Now that we’re well aware of what foundation water damage looks like, let’s talk about some causes that are the root of this problem:

Water On Foundation Surfers

Water has been the most frequent causative agent that leads to foundation problems. As we discussed, there might be too much water in the soil, causing it to swell and expand, or too little, causing it to shrink and contract.

Either way, it causes the soil to move unevenly, which eventually leads to cracks, elevations, and other forms of damage. Hence, if you have a water problem, whether a leaky faucet or a mismanaged water source, it will spell catastrophe for your foundation.

Poor Drainage

Another cause of foundation water damage is poor or blocked drainage. Many people have suffered basement and foundation damage at the hands of clogged gutters and blocked downspouts.

Instead of going through the same thing they did, learn from their mistakes, and make sure your drainage remains uninterrupted.

If there is any runoff from the roof, try to direct it away from your home. Another hack to prevent this disaster is using any gutter extensions.

That way, you will redirect water away from the foundation. Ensure the ground next to the house also slopes away from the foundation so that the runoff does not mess things up.

If your gutters drain into an underground downpipe, get it checked and maintained at least once each year or two. The Duct Kings of Dallas can help you out with that.

Underground Water

If there’s a nearby underground spring or creek near your home, the underground water could cause a significant amount of damage.

Leaky or broken plumbing beneath your home can also lead to all sorts of foundation damage and most of the time will damage your floor, in that case, you will probably need to fix laminate floor water damage.

Contact your nearby municipality to get an underground water inspection. Or, contactThe Duct Kings of Dallas for a professional analysis and examination.

Trees

Mostly, trees have a beneficial impact. But, sometimes, the deep roots of trees, especially those near the homes, can clog gutters and sewage lines and, consequently, damage the foundation. As a result, you might experience flooding and sewage backflow.

Poor soil foundation

If your home is built on an area that was once occupied by trees, removing them during construction can often cause the soil to sink, which in turn leads to the sinking of your foundation as well.

Moreover, if the soil beneath your foundation is filled with dirt and not compact soil, it can also wreak havoc on your foundation.

How to Prevent Foundation Damage From Water:

It’s easy to prevent foundation water damage once you know all the most common causes of water damage.

Other than avoiding them, here are some helpful hacks that can go a long way in preventing foundation water damage:

• Reduce moisture levels: The first tip that can help keep your foundation safe from water damage is reducing the moisture levels and discouraging excess. Look for any water puddles near the house after rainfall.
  
  Similarly, scrutinize your gutters and downspouts and ensure they don’t carry water toward the foundation. If you’re installing new gutters, don’t let them affect the moisture levels.
  
  The team of experts at The Duct Kings of Dallas makes sure the new pipes don’t cause any spot to become too dry or moist while ensuring that the water drains at an even rate.
  
• Regular foundation and lawn watering: If excessive water and saturation of the soil can bring harm to your foundation, so can decreased water levels and dehydration.
  
  Hence, it is imperative to water your lawn and foundation to prevent soil shrinkage, especially during drought.
  
  Don’t wait for the fall season to start and the signs of water damage to appear to implement this.
  
  As soon as the Spring season reaches its end, start watering your lawn and foundation until the end of Fall.
  
  The best way to keep the soil moist is to use a soaking hose a few feet away from the foundation and house.
  
• Add plants and trees: We just discussed that plants could be the culprit behind your foundation’s water damage.
  
  For instance, finger-like roots don’t go that deep and suck all the water, causing the soil to dry and shrink. But, when planted at the right distance, trees can prove beneficial and help prevent your foundation from being damaged by altering moisture levels.
  
  Most botanists suggest planting trees as far from the house’s foundation as their potential height.
  
  Moreover, watering the trees from the side opposite the sewer line and foundation also promotes root growth in the opposite direction, protecting the soil from being sucked dry by the tree’s roots.