A common source of foundation problems is water accumulating in the soil around the foundation. The water causes the soil to expand which actually put pressure on the walls in the footings of the foundation. This pressure can cause cracks to appear. Start with the easy things first by checking the drainage around the house. Inspect the gutters and the downspouts to make sure they’re working properly. Ensure that the drainage takes the water from the downspout and diverts it away from the house. Â Check the grading of the soil around your house so that it slopes away from the house about 6 inches for every 10 horizontal feet.
Drainage repairs often cure foundation problems and many homes benefit from the installation of a French drain system. A French drain channels subsurface water away from the foundation. A trench is dug around the perimeter of the house with the proper sloping of the grade. Water goes downhill so always slope the grade of the French drain so water is delivered in the right direction. Drain system has a bed of gravel on which sits piping usually made of plastic or ceramic with holes in it. The perforated type is buried in the gravel. As water comes off the house and goes into the trench filled with gravel water accumulates in the pipe and is runoff away from the house. The drain may go to the street or connect to the sewer system.
A blocked French drain can cause water to accumulate in the soil and put pressure on your foundation walls. If this is the case with your home, a drainage repair could stop the cracking you’ve been noticing in your foundation. A foundation repair contractor knows how to spot this situation, and correct it.
