Even the sturdiest homes can experience problems with their foundation due to moisture, weather conditions, and shifting soil. Foundations rely on one thing, and that’s soil structure. If the soil is too dry or too wet, it can lead to problems with the foundation. The concrete will continually shift back and forth, causing damage like cracking, crumbling, and sinking.
While it’s not always possible to avoid foundation problems, you can be on the lookout for signs of foundation damage. By being alert, you can schedule residential foundation repair in Starkville MS in a timely manner, saving time, money, and labor. Foremost Foundations & Construction also covers other parts of the state of Mississippi as well as Mobile AL.
Here are the top causes of foundation problems in Mississippi homes.
Seasonal Changes
High temperatures in the summer can dry out the soil, causing it to shrink. Homes most susceptible to soil evaporation are those in semi-arid climates with a wet and dry season. Because Mississippi has long, hot summers, homes in the state can also be affected by evaporation.
Tree Roots
Transpiration is a process that happens when tree roots extract water from the soil. Trees must do this during a drought or dry season so they don’t die. They draw water from the soil to survive, but this causes the soil to shrink and cause foundation problems. Fortunately, it’s possible to control transpiration by planting trees and shrubs away from the home.
Poor Drainage
Flower beds and planters placed near your home can cause the same issues as trees can. Excess water needs to flow away from the home but most flower beds and planters aren’t designed this way. Daily watering and rainstorms can lead to water buildup against the foundation, causing the soils to move and create foundation problems.
Clay Soil
Mississippi has Yazoo clay, a type of clay that changes volume when exposed to moisture. Unfortunately, soils rich in clay have the greatest potential to damage a home’s foundation. Because clay is expansive, they can cause foundations to shift, heave, and crack. The best house foundation for Yazoo clay would be a helical pile slab-on-grade concrete foundation.
Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing lines close to the surface can also be a problem for foundations since they can crack and break due to the shrinking of the soil. Bathrooms and kitchens are most vulnerable because of the plumbing that these rooms require. Drainpipe leaks are the most common plumbing problem, but they’re not always visible right away.
These are the top reasons why you might require residential foundation repair in Starkville MS. Foundation problems won’t get better on their own so if you’re experiencing issues, make sure to address them right away. Foremost Foundations and Construction has many cost-effective options for foundation repair.