Saturday, October 5, 2013

Handling The Foundation Problems San Antonio People Face

By Christopher Janus


Foundation problems San Antonio resident faces are caused by a number of issues. They range from environmental ones that are beyond direct human control to structural weaknesses. Some are temporary and can be corrected while others will require a total re-engineering of the structure. There are obvious signs that the groundwork is flawed which should be addressed as fast as possible.

Some of the signs to watch out for include a slopping and uneven floor. These changes develop over some time and result from two sections of the same structure pulling apart or coming together. What follows are cracks on walls as the fault lines become clearly evident. The cracks emerge on both the walls and the floor. The floor cracks in multiple directions while the wall is either diagonal or vertical. Urgent action should be taken to prevent further damage.

Displacement or cracks on moldings indicates weaknesses on the structure. There is obvious displacement which will be followed by leaks on walls or from the roof. The fireplace and brick walls are early indicators and most affected. Utility fittings and electric wiring are likely to pop out as the walls separate. Wet sections on the wall indicate an interior that is pulling away and eventually, cracks will emerge. It is likely the pipes inside are broken. Electric shocks are possible if wiring comes in contact with exposed metallic structures.

Doors, roofs and windows give the earliest signs that something is wrong with your house. They no longer fit either by getting squeaky or leaving some space. Nails begin to pop from gypsums boards and sheet rocks. Across the ceiling, there are obvious cracks and the nails no longer fit the areas they originally did.

A lasting solution lies in identifying the correct cause of the problem. Some of the causes include the reaction of the soil to climatic and weather conditions. Heat and water cause expansion and contraction of underground soil. This leads to mushiness and instability that result in cracked walls. The changes underground will be felt in separating walls and wobbling structures.

Improper grading of the soil used at ground level will cause trouble in future. Most leveling is done with new soil which must be graded to hold the entire structure in place under all environmental conditions. Proper work prevents damage from soil erosion and recession. It takes an experienced professional to study the soil around the area and advice on appropriate action.

The drainage around the structure is a likely cause of trouble. Any changes in landscaping should bear in mind the potential of affecting the stability of the structure. Leaking pipes inside walls or on the ground affect the strength of the soil or the wall. They should be checked regular to ensure that they are in proper condition.

Foundation problems San Antonio residents face could be attributed to the overgrowing of roots around houses. Trees take away water from the soil which affects its pressure. They push structures as they grow bigger. Failures during construction or repair are likely to affect the stability of any structure. The approach should be professional and comprehensive to ensure that long term measures are put in place to guarantee stability.




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