Causes and Signs of Foundation Failure

Foundation damage tends to happen very slowly, so it's often difficult to notice it.

Causes of Foundation Failure

Poor Drainage	Poor Evaporation	Poor Plumbing

Moisture beneath the center of your foundation remains consistent unless aggravated by the introduction of excess moisture, such as plumbing leaks or sub-surface water movement. As evaporation and transpiration cause the soils to dry and shrink around the perimeter of your foundation, the structure begins to move. Uneven moisture causes uneven movement, which can lead to both structural and cosmetic damage to your home.

• Evaporation - Hot dry wind and intense heat will often cause the soil to shrink beneath the foundation. This settlement may cause cracks to appear throughout the structure.
• Transpiration - Tree roots may desiccate the soil beneath a home causing the soil to shrink and the home to settle.
• Plumbing Leaks - Water from plumbing leaks is often a cause of foundation repair.
• Drainage - Improper drainage is a leading cause of foundation failure. Excess moisture will erode or consolidate soils and cause settlement.
• Inferior Foundation Construction - Insufficient steel and inferior concrete will contribute to movement in the slabs or perimeter foundations.
• Poor Soil Conditions - Poor soil and its expansion and/or contraction contribute to foundation failure.

The signs that indicate problems are often subtle. Sometimes you have to know what to look for.

Signs of Foundation Problems

Inside Home	Outside Home	Around Garage

• Signs on the inside of the home
  • Misaligned doors and windows
  • Cracks in the sheetrock
  • Doors and windows that stick
  • Sloping of the floor
  • Cracks in the floor or tile
• Signs on the outside of the home
  • Cracks in the brick
  • Gaps around the doors and windows
  • Cracks in the foundation
  • Fascia board pulling away
• Signs in the garage
  • Separation from door
  • Wall rotating outward
  • Cracked brick
• Signs in the basement
  • Walls leaning in or out
  • Cracks in the wall
  • Water intrusion

Don't wait for seasonal or climatic changes to further damage your home. Call or contact RamJack and let us evaluate your home at no charge. Ram Jack is the full service foundation repair company that pioneered the industry with professional evaluation study methods. Also, be sure to ask our experts for watering advice and drainage evaluation to help protect your home.