The Effects of Moisture on Foundation and How to Solve Them

When it comes to protecting your property value and ensuring for the lasting structural stability of your building, maintaining a healthy foundation is critical. Unfortunately, many different threats come along over the years that can lead to foundation damage if not properly treated in a timely manner.

One of the biggest culprits for foundation damage is water intrusion, which comes in a variety of forms. While water pooling on your floor or in your yard is a clear indicator of drainage system failure, there are other signs of water intrusion that may be less noticeable to the average homeowner. Today we’re going to explore the effect moisture intrusion has on your foundation, different types of moisture intrusion, and how to permanently solve your foundation moisture problems to guarantee the lasting health and success of your home.

Related: Benefits of Waterproofing Your Property

Even the most structurally secure building is still vulnerable to the effects of weather and time. Water is a main factor in foundation damage. One of the key ways it can wreak havoc on a home’s stability is by causing the moisture level in the base soil to fluctuate.

Excess moisture causes the soil to expand beneath the home, a predicament which drainage failure can exacerbate. This causes the soil to shift, which leads to the home shifting as well. 

If water is not able to be redirected from underneath the home, especially during periods of heavy rain, the structural stability of the home can become severely threatened. Coupled with soil shrinking during dry periods, the uneven state of the soil can create an imbalance in your home’s foundation that can lead to the home settling, sinking, or shifting. In order to avoid the costly repairs associated with such renovations, it’s critical to equip your building with a reliable drainage system.

Spotting the warning signs

In order to catch water intrusion before it has the chance to worsen, there are a number of warning signs that the homeowner should be aware of. To best guard your home against the threat of water damage, it’s important to conduct routine home inspections and be on the lookout for signs of damage.

Water intrusion signs include obvious water leaks, a ring of dampness around walls, condensation on floors and walls, damp air, humidity, stained walls, carpet or wood deterioration, rotting areas of the home, mold or mildew odor, and cracks in the home. The cause of most cases of water intrusion is due to construction failure, plumbing leaks, drainage system failure, extreme weather (such as heavy rains or earthquakes), extended dry periods, or the presence of trees too close to the home.

Related: Understanding the Causes of Foundation Damage

It’s extremely important to address any water intrusion in your building, and fortunately, there are a number of solutions for this issue based on the problem at hand. Below you can discover some of the most common types of water intrusion and how to address the issues within your home.

Interior water leaks

When attempting to identify the cause of water intrusion, it’s always best to rule out that it isn’t caused by a leak within the home.

Inside leaks can occur from showers, sinks, dishwashers, faulty piping, and other related areas.

In order to determine the root of the leak, locate where the moisture is coming from. If you discover that the leak is indeed related to an interior issue, the good news is that the repair process will be very easy. You will simply have to repair the leak or schedule a plumber to attend to the issue. Be sure to monitor the area to ensure that the moisture doesn’t reoccur. If it does, then you might have bigger issues to deal with. Another easy to solve the interior water issue is condensation. If you notice condensation due to moist, warm air coming in contact with your cooled exterior, be sure to check that your dryer and central air conditioner exhaust systems are flowing properly. If you find that these systems are not clogged, investing in an exhaust fan, better insulation, or increasing the air circulation should be able to help you with your issues.

Drainage failure

Without proper drainage system installation, rain and groundwater can find their way into a home. If water is accumulating in your yard and finding its way into your foundation, you are likely in need of a drainage repair or new system installation. A number of different drainage systems, such as French drains, sump pumps, catch basins, and drain boxes, work to redirect the flow of water so it is channeled away from the home. It’s crucial that your drainage system is able to pump water away from the home so it does not have the opportunity to collect and settle. Other drainage system repairs that your home might be in need of  include installing or repairing your gutters and downspouts to once again better facilitate the flow of water away from your property. Meeting with a drainage contractor will allow you the opportunity to better understand your unique drainage situation so that you can explore your options.

Related: Different Types of Drainage Systems

Sometimes water intrusion is the result of a more serious issue, such as cracks in the foundation.

If your foundation has become compromised, there is a very strong chance that water is taking advantage of the situation and finding its way into your home.

Cracked and improperly installed foundation can be the cause of water intrusion, a problem which will only get worse over time.

In order to avoid the risk of needing a complete foundation repair, it’s important to contact a contractor right away if you notice a cracked foundation.

The repairs will need to be addressed as soon as possible. A professional will be able to determine if a surface repair is satisfactory for your cracks or if larger underlying structural problems will need to be addressed to better protect your home.

Related: Cracks in the Wall? Here’s What You Need to Know

Routine home inspection benefits  

When it comes to addressing any home repair issues, it’s best to solve them as soon as possible before the issues have the chance to worsen. In all cases, the most cost-effective method of dealing with home repairs is preventative work. Except in the case of natural disasters, foundation damage doesn’t happen overnight. In order to catch problems in their earliest stages and provide the most budget-friendly options, be sure to be on the lookout for signs of foundation damage, including moisture intrusion. If you have spotted any of the foundation damage warning signs, be sure to contact a contractor right away in order to get your home examined by a professional. Don’t allow for a little moisture to turn into a major problem.

Related: Hiring a Foundation Waterproofing Contractor

Are you concerned about your home’s foundation? Have you noticed water intrusion or moisture invading your home?

At California Foundation Works, we’re dedicated to solving your home’s foundation problems in order to keep both your loved ones and assets safe.

Call today to book our free no obligation foundation inspection so that we can help you better understand your foundation moisture problems.

Are you ready to strengthen your home with a customized solution?