Causes of Foundation Damage In Ashland, VA
Even the strongest of construction materials, such as concrete, isn't impervious to the tests of time. Despite its impressive load-bearing capabilities, concrete has its limitations, particularly when it comes to tensile strength. A slight shift in soil and water can exert enough lateral pressure to inflict damage on your Ashland home's foundation.
Although foundation repair might not be at the forefront of homeowners' minds, understanding the factors that contribute to foundation damage in Ashland is vital. If you notice any signs of trouble, it's crucial to reach out to the professionals at Stable Foundations promptly. Delaying could lead to escalating damage and increased repair costs.
Major Causes of Foundation Damage in Ashland
The foundation of your home sits upon soil, an element known for its instability. Expansive soil, abundant in clay, swells with moisture during wet periods and contracts as the water evaporates in drier months. This repetitive expansion and contracting in the Ashland region cause the soil supporting your foundation—and by extension, your entire home—to shift. The resulting uneven settlement of your home's foundation induces torsional irregularity, stressing the concrete.
When this pressure surpasses the concrete's tensile strength, the foundation may bow or crack. Over-saturation of the surrounding soil can also strain your foundation through excessive lateral force, also known as hydrostatic pressure.
However, water damage isn't the sole risk to the foundation of your Ashland home. Soil movement caused by collapsing air pockets can fracture the concrete. Additionally, subsidence—the downward movement of soil triggered by a sinkhole or material loss—can occur when underlying materials like water, natural gas, or oil are removed from beneath your foundation.
Indicators of foundation issues include:
- Zigzag or diagonal fractures in your concrete or masonry
- Wall cracks or room corner fissures
- Doors and windows that stick or are difficult to open
- Floorboard buckles and wall trim distortions
- Floors that sag, creak, or are uneven
- Basement or foundation walls that bow
- Gaps where the foundation has lost contact with the ground
Stable Foundations has been at the forefront of foundation repair, crawl space repair, encapsulation, and basement wall repair in Ashland since 1992. With a heritage rooted in three generations, our Virginia-based family-owned company is deeply committed to the highest quality of service, treating every client as a valued neighbor. If you've observed water damage or signs of soil movement in your Ashland property, don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Stable Foundations: The Leading Foundation Repair Company for Ashland
For the security and integrity of your home or business foundation in Ashland, Stable Foundations is the clear choice. Renowned for our thorough crawl space repair services, we bring decades of experience to help protect your home’s foundation from water damage and soil movement. Entrust your property's foundation to our seasoned professionals—get in touch today to arrange your no-cost consultation.