Tips to Minimize the Risk of Foundation Damage

Common causes of foundation issues

Some of the most common causes are:

• Inadequate drainage systems that allow water to pool near the foundation
• Issues with soil composition like clay soils prone to swelling or shrinking
• Overgrown vegetation putting pressure on foundation walls
• Constructive defects from prior work
• Damage from nearby excavation, flooding or other natural disasters
• Deterioration of materials over time from weathering and vibrations

Tips to prevent foundation damage

Maintain proper drainage

One of the main culprits of foundation damage is water. When not directed away from your building’s foundation properly, water can seep in and destabilize the structural integrity over time. That’s why maintaining good drainage is so important.

Start by regularly clearing your gutters and downspouts of debris. Clogged gutters allow storm water to overflow inwards near your foundation instead of routing it outward as intended.

You should also grade the soil around your home’s perimeter so it slopes downward at a rate of 1 inch per foot for at least 6 feet away. This simple tactic helps rain and melting snow flow harmlessly off your property instead of pooling next to foundation walls where it can lead to water intrusion issues. Proper drainage is one of the most impactful steps you can take to prevent water from damaging your foundation.

Manage trees and plant

Plant roots that spread too close to your foundation’s perimeter can also lead to water problems. When trees and shrubs are allowed to grow directly beside or on top of your foundation, their root systems follow water and can eventually pry their way inside through even the smallest cracks in search of moisture.

Overgrown root systems have been known to crack and collapse foundation walls in severe cases. It’s best to give your foundation a wide buffer by keeping larger trees at least 10-15 feet back from all sides. If you have existing trees too close, consider trimming back branches and pruning root systems with care under guidance from a Certified Arborist to prevent damage. Controlling plant life reduces water pressures on your foundation’s structure from all angles.

Regularly inspect your foundation

Prevention is key, but it’s also important to inspect your foundation routinely for any signs of trouble.

• Seasonal changes and weather shifts can sometimes cause cracks or shifts that were not previously evident.
• Look also for:
  • Foundation cracks wider than a strand of spaghetti
  • Bowed or cracked walls
  • Uneven brick or stone patterns
  • Doors or windows that suddenly stick or do not close properly
  • Cracks in plaster or siding directly above foundation
  • Loose or sinking foundation vent covers

Note any detected issues and have them assessed by a professional as soon as possible. An expert foundation contractor in Fredericton can help determine if cracks should be sealed, repaired or need further investigation.

Ensure proper soil moisture levels

The type of soil around the foundation also has a big impact on its durability. Clay-based soils are prone to swelling and shrinking as their moisture content changes with the seasons in ways that can put pressure on your foundation.

Conversely, sandy soils do not retain water well which can lead to settling issues. It’s best to maintain consistent soil moisture levels to avoid these risks. Use mulch, irrigation, and proper grading to prevent wide soil moisture fluctuations around your foundation.

We also recommend implementing a soil vapor barrier and interior drain tile system during new construction projects to further mediate potential moisture problems in high-risk soil types.

Timely repair of any minor damage

Cracks are commonly the first signs of foundation distress, so properly addressing cracks when small helps prevent much larger problems in future.

• Hairline cracks: These fine cracks can be the first sign of issues. Ignoring them allows water infiltration and further damage over time.
• Stair step cracks: A series of small cracks formed in a stair-like pattern, usually indicating foundation shifting.
• Horizontal cracks: Signifies bulging or structural issues if formed across basements walls or floors.
• Leaning chimney: Could indicate inadequate foundation or excess moisture problems if chimney leans away from the house.
• Bowed walls: Appearing concave or convex instead of straight can point to inadequate structural support if walls bow in or out more than 1 inch over 10 feet.

Fixing issues promptly avoids more costly foundation repair projects or full reconstruction as problems are allowed to compound. Small problems can turn into big expenses if neglected.

Be aware of construction and renovation impacts

Nearby construction and excavation work should also be planned carefully if you want to minimize risks to your foundation. Vibrations and heavy equipment close to your property can disturb underlying soil and cause unintended cracks or foundation shifting. If major work is happening, consider preemptive reinforcements like underpinning support installed by a foundation contractor.

Also, communicate proactively with your contractors to prevent issues like over-excavation under load-bearing foundation walls. When renovating, minimize heavy equipment access immediately beside your foundation by creating a buffer zone and ensure proper compaction of any fill soil that is replaced. Being mindful of construction impacts reduces surprise problems and protects your foundation from unintended disturbances.

Implement proper landscaping practices

With planning, landscaping can work with your foundation instead of against it. Choose hardscaping materials like stone or concrete pavers within 10 feet to avoid rot issues. You should also avoid developing hard surfaces directly against foundation walls and grade landscape slopes away similar to yard drainage rules.

Make sure downspouts direct water at least 10 feet from your foundation when landscaping as well. Planting appropriate foundation-friendly trees and shrubs at least 5 feet away further protects against moisture and root intrusion issues. Following best drainage and landscaping practices lessens the variables that could destabilize your foundation over time.

Call Atlantic Brick & Stone for a free foundation inspection

As one of the best masonry repair contractors in Fredericton, Atlantic Brick and Stone can provide a thorough inspection of your foundation at no cost to help identify any potential issues. Our team is expert at evaluating foundations and determining the root causes behind problems like cracks, settlement, moisture penetration, and structural cracks or bowing.

During an inspection, we will examine your foundation both internally and externally, looking for signs of moisture, cracking, shifting, leaning, or other troubles. We can also check basement floors for signs of settlement and gaps. If any damage is found, we will determine the best repair method. By scheduling your free inspection, you will have the peace of mind of knowing the state of your foundation and identifying issues before they progress.

To close

Protecting your foundation is critical for maintaining your home’s long-term structural integrity.

By maintaining proper drainage, monitoring for issues, making timely repairs, and implementing prudent practices in landscaping, construction, and soil moisture management, you can significantly reduce the risks of expensive foundation damage developing over time.

Taking a proactive approach allows you to fix small problems before they grow into large, costly repairs that could run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Consulting foundation professionals like Atlantic Brick and Stone for occasional assessments and customized guidance tailored for your home’s needs ensures your foundation will remain sturdy and safe for a long period of time.

FAQ about masonry foundation repair

Can you fix foundation problems yourself?

While it may seem like a simple do-it-yourself project, foundation issues often have complex causes related to the home’s structural systems, soil conditions, and building design. Unless you have extensive masonry expertise, it’s always best to hire a licensed, insured, and experienced foundation repair contractor to fully evaluate your home’s unique situation and perform repairs correctly.

Does foundation repair really work?

Yes! When performed by qualified professionals, foundation repair is a very effective way to stop active foundation movement issues and prevent further damage. Proper repairs reinforce and restore the structural integrity of your foundation to extend its useful life. Ignoring problems only makes them worse over time as the structure continues deteriorating.

At what point does a foundation need to be replaced?

In extreme cases where over 50% of the foundation is impacted with cracks wider than 1/2 inch, bowed or leaning walls beyond tolerances, failing support piers or posts, or when water has compromised structural members, full foundation replacement may be necessary. A professional foundation contractor can assess whether repairs can sufficiently stabilize your foundation or if a more comprehensive solution like encapsulation or rebuilt foundations is required given the extent of the issues present. Structural failure and unsafe living conditions would also warrant replacement.