According to StructuredFoundation.com, a foundation accounts for 8-15% of the total cost of building a home. It's critical to maintain the health of your foundation because issues with it will run up large repair bills and compromise the structural security of your home. This article will discuss some foundation problems that can ruin a home.

Expansive Soils

Expansive soils aren't a problem, necessarily, but they can lead to a lot of them. It's important to hire a foundation company that understands how to build a proper foundation on expansive soils. These soils can absorb and release water, causing them to expand and shrink. If they do this evenly along the foundation, there won't be any problem. Uneven expansions and shrinking will lead to issues.

When the soil dries out, uneven shrinking will cause a lack of support in some areas of the foundation. Uneven expansion can also cause your foundation to shift. You will see cracks in walls, floors, ceilings, and doors or windows may become stuck. It's important to call a foundation repair contractor immediately.

Soil Erosion

Proper drainage is critical to maintaining the health of your foundation. Without it, you can cause soil erosion in the ground beneath and around the foundation. Soil erosion is a serious issue that can completely destabilize your home and lead to buckling walls, cracks, and a tilting building.

Improper drainage can be caused by a variety of factors. For one, it's critical to have your yard and driveway graded at a gentle slope away from your home in order to prevent the pooling of water. Keep your gutters clear of debris and make sure your downspouts are properly installed to carry water off of the roof and away from your home. Make sure that your plumbing lines are in good order, as leaks from these can lead to foundation damage. If you have an irrigation system, make sure that it is properly installed and maintained to avoid issues.

Improper Construction

Speaking of proper installation, if your foundation is improperly constructed, you will be in for a lot of issues. The soil type needs to be properly identified, as mixed soils and clay soils, especially, are susceptible to erosion, shrinking, and swelling. Knowledgeable foundation companies understand how to properly prepare the soil in order to prevent these issues. However, it can be difficult to know which foundation contractor is legitimate, and who's an amateur. Here are a few tips to help you find a high-quality contractor:

• Referrals - Get referrals from loved ones that have hired a basement construction crew or foundation repair contractor. These are the best sources of information because you can trust the individual.
• Online Reviews - Delve into different companies and their online reviews. See how they compare with each other. It's especially important to see how the company handles a bad review. Do they ignore it or respond with excellent service and a remedy to the problem?
• Licenses and Insurance - It's also important to check licensing and insurance. Not just anybody can get the proper accreditation to be a foundation contractor, and businesses need the proper insurance to be able to run safely.
• Meet the Contractor - You will feel much better about your decision if you meet the head contractor before the job begins. It's difficult to put a quantitative value on a gut feeling, but if your stomach doesn't sit well with the potential builder, move right along.

Sinkholes

Sinkholes are formed by water draining from soil underground, leading to a subterranean cavern formation. Having one of these under your home is a huge problem. It's critical to be able to identify the signs of a sinkhole formation before they happen, which include:

• Tilting trees, telephone poles, or buildings.
• Windows and doors that stick.
• Sinkholes can cause water line leaks, so check for higher than usual water bills.
• Soft and spongy ground.
• Indentations in the ground.

If you see signs of a sinkhole under your home, it's best to call city authorities to inspect and remove yourself from the premises of the property.

Foundation repair causes critical damage to your home and puts the lives of you, your family, and your neighbors in danger. If you are in need of foundation repair contractors, come to Foundations First Northwest. We have over 40 years of experience in constructing safe foundations and repairing problems in your basement and foundation. Call today or visit our website for more information.