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CAUSES OF FOUNDATION FAILURE
Many houses are constructed with foundations that are inadequate for the soil conditions existing on the site. Because of the lack of suitable land, homes are often built on marginal land that has insufficient bearing capacity to support the substantial weight of a structure.
In addition, there are many areas of the country where the near surface soils consist predominately of expansive clays that shrink and swell as their moisture content changes.
If the bearing soils consist of expansive clays, foundation movement can occur if wetting and drying of the clays does not occur uniformly across the entire slab. Any of the following can cause moisture in the soil to fluctuate: Vegetation (roots), poor drainage, plumbing leaks, evaporation, wet/dry rain cycles. Click here to download a brochure.
Slab-on-grade foundations depend upon the uppermost soil layers to provide sufficient bearing capacity to support the structure and keep the foundation stable. If the bearing soil was insufficiently compacted prior to construction, the foundation is subject to settlement as the supporting soil consolidates.
Most professional foundation repair contractors will be able to help you identify the source of your foundation failure. Click here to find a foundation repair contractor in your area.
Learn how to identify the Symptoms of Foundation Failure
Learn how to read a soils report
Learn about the types of piers
Learn about alternative repair methods
What should be expected of a foundation repair professional?
Learn about piers and hillside homes
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