Monday, October 21, 2013

Know The Foundation Problems San Antonio People Experience

By Michael A. Long


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.

The signs of trouble include a sloppy and uneven floor. This will be observed over time and is caused by walls coming together or pulling away. These are the earliest signs and will be followed by the emergence of cracks along fault lines. These cracks are on floors or walls. They mainly are vertical or diagonal on walls while the floor may crack in any direction. This calls for urgent action.

Cracking and displacement of moldings is a sign of a weakening house. The walls begin to displace as the house disintegrate. This is followed by leaks all over the house and can be disastrous around the fireplace. Electric wiring and utility fixtures begins to pop out since walls are separating. If the cracks are not prominent, the walls will begin to get wet from broken pipes. There is a likelihood of electrocution if a wire that is buried beneath the concrete comes in contact with a metallic surface.

Faults on doors, windows and the roof are excellent early warning signs of issues with foundations. They begin to stick and become squeaky. They no longer fit on the sills where they used to originally fit. Nails begin to pop out of gypsum boards and sheet rocks. Similar signs will be seen on ceilings where the nails do not fit any more.

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.

Contractors should ensure that adequate grading is done when the foundation is being prepared. Addition of new soil to level the ground should be done in a professional way. The two soils should be compatible and not subject to erosion or excessive recession. Proper and expertise soil analysis leads to the right actions during construction.

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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