Foundation problems have a huge impact on homes. In the worst cases, they make them uninhabitable and unsellable. Even if they are simply cosmetic and the structure is sound, it can impact the value and deter buyers.
Why does it happen?
A number of different issues can lead to problems with foundations. It could be mistakes with the design, poor quality materials (including incorrect concrete mixes), improper reinforcement, soil compaction or composition, or moisture or groundwater.
Foundations may look perfectly fine initially, but start to deteriorate over time. Small flaws can soon spiral, especially when you consider the impact of water, soil movement, structural settlement, and changes to the structural loading.
Cracks
The most common problem with foundations is cracks. They can be a signal of serious problems beneath the surface. In other cases they are just cosmetic, so only require a simple fix. It's important to understand the different types and how to determine if a property has a potentially serious flaw.
Hairline cracks are by far the most common. Luckily, they are also generally the least concerning. In most cases they occur due to minor settlement, shrinkage because of drying, or temperature changes. You often only need to worry if they get larger, especially in a short space of time. In addition, if you repair them and they return quickly, you need to consider what is causing them.
As well as the size, it is important to look at the shape of any crack. Vertical cracks are the least worrisome, typically a sign of settling. Horizontal cracks on the other hand can indicate a more serious problem; lateral pressure. Diagonal or stair-step cracks are a sign of uneven settlement.
What to do?
There are a number of key things you can do to protect yourself. It can add significant value to residential architecture.
Firstly, make sure you put the work in initially. Do soil testing to ensure you fully understand conditions on the plot. It can give you a much better idea of the type of soil, compaction, water levels, and potential drainage issues. You can then use all of this information to refine the structural design.
Next, ensure the foundations and walls have sufficient stabilisation and reinforcement. This can account for ground movement and other issues. Additionally, make sure the designs include sufficient drainage and waterproofing.
Finally, make sure suppliers and contractors achieve the right standards. As we said, problems can occur because of issues with concrete mixes. Ensure you have quality controls in place. Plus, provide a suitable timeline for the project; if you have people rushing, standards can slip and mistakes can happen.