Foundation Damage Causes in New Jersey
What Causes Foundation Wall Cracks and Bowing Basement Walls?
A home is unique, and there isn’t a universal cause for foundation wall cracks and bowing. Many factors contribute to weakened foundation walls. In New Jersey, shifting soil, severe weather, hydrostatic pressure, and poor construction practices are just a few reasons foundations fail.
To properly treat a failing foundation, you must address the underlying problem – which can be challenging for homeowners to do alone.
Fortunately, the foundation damage repair professionals at Blue Umbrella have extensive skills and experience in identifying the causes of foundation damage and the resources and techniques to repair it. No matter what’s causing your foundation walls to crack or bow, our New Jersey foundation repair experts can help.
Common Causes of Foundation Wall Cracks, Damage, & Problems
While there is never a single, definitive cause of foundation wall problems, one of the most common issues homeowners in the Garden State face is hydrostatic pressure. In addition to hydrostatic pressure, New Jersey homeowners often deal with problems like tree roots, construction defects, or soil settlement, all of which can cause cracking or bowing of foundation walls.
With over 20 years of experience, innovative products from industry-leading brands, and extensive knowledge of the local climate, Blue Umbrella can help you repair your foundation walls. Below, learn more about some common causes for bowing or cracked foundation walls – and how we can help.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Dams are built to hold water back and prevent flooding. However, if too much water accumulates and isn’t properly drained, the pressure rises and can cause the walls to crack and fail. Your foundation walls are essentially the same; they should keep water out but are susceptible to external pressure. As water builds in the soil, pressure also builds, and as the pressure pushes against your foundation wall, it can cause cracks and/or bowing.
Foundation Drainage Problems
Without proper foundation drainage systems in place, your foundation walls are at risk. Water that accumulates near your foundation needs somewhere to go. If your drainage system is not working properly, or if you don’t have one in place, hydrostatic pressure will build, and you already know that stress can cause walls to crack or bow.
Blue Umbrella offers multiple drainage solutions in New Jersey from french drains and perimeter trenches to sump pumps and exterior discharge systems, ensuring that water will flow safely away from your foundation.
Water Leaks Under Foundation
Water leaks under a foundation can weaken the soil supporting the structure, leading to shifting and settlement. These leaks may be caused by improper grading, problems with your drainage system, or a high water table.
As the water softens the soil, some areas surrounding your foundation may sink or settle, while others remain stable, leading to uneven pressure on your foundation walls. This imbalance can cause your foundation walls to weaken, crack, or bow.
Expansive Soil (Backfilled)
The potential for foundation wall cracks due to backfilled soil begins with the construction of yourNew Jersey home. Contractors had to dig a large hole in the ground to build your home.
As the framing and foundation walls were being completed, the space around the foundation needed to be filled, and backfilled soil was the most common method. Excavation loosens the soil, which means that it absorbs more water than undisturbed ground, which can lead to water collecting somewhat like a bowl surrounding your foundation. This is known as the clay bowl effect.
Soil Settlement
Many areas of New Jersey have expansive clay soils that shift over time due to changes in the soil’s moisture, poor compaction, or natural settling. This can cause areas of your foundation to sink while others remain stable.
An uneven amount of pressure surrounding your foundation walls leads to stress and tension and, ultimately, cracks or even bowing. Often, homeowners will notice stair-step cracks when soil settlement is part of the cause of their foundation damage.
Temperature Changes
New Jersey’s fluctuating climate can be a problem for your foundation. Not only will temperature changes affect the soil surrounding your foundation, but these fluctuations can also cause thermal expansion and contraction. It sounds complicated, but it’s pretty simple: concrete expands in hot weather and contracts in cold weather.
This repeated expansion and contraction stresses your foundation, leading to problems like bowing or cracks over time.
Trees and Roots
A meticulously landscaped yard filled with lush green trees looks beautiful, but it can also be problematic for the health of your foundation. Tree roots are a common culprit for foundation damage in New Jersey.
Tree roots are heavy, and while they might grow slowly, they are persistent and spread wherever they can. This continued growth can create stress for your foundation, and tree roots can also work their way into existing cracks in your foundation, making them worse.
Construction Defects
Poor construction practices can be a significant contributing factor when it comes to foundation damage. In NJ, poor construction practices can lead to wall cracks, including improper soil compaction, misplaced foundations, inadequate footings, and poorly mixed concrete.
If even one of these issues is present on your property, your foundation is at risk.
Shrinkage of Concrete or Mortar
If you’ve noticed vertical cracks in your foundation walls, shrinkage of concrete or mortar is the most likely culprit. While these cracks are often smaller, they can still pose a significant threat to your foundation if left untreated. So, how does shrinkage cause these foundation wall cracks? Like most foundation damage, shrinkage of concrete or mortar is rarely due to one specific cause and is more likely a combination of factors.
Concrete naturally shrinks as it cures, which can cause shrinkage cracks, also known as hairline or spiderweb cracks. Additionally, thermal expansion and contraction can cause concrete to shrink or expand as the temperature changes.
This repeated expansion and contraction creates internal stress, leading to cracks in your foundation walls. While some shrinkage cracks are not a cause for concern, it’s best to let the experts assess your foundation to ensure your New Jersey home remains structurally sound.
Trust Blue Umbrella to Treat Your Foundation Damage
Foundation damage is like a cavity in your tooth. At first, it might only affect a small area and seem like it’s not a big deal. Over time, and left untreated, decay can grow deeper and affect the nerve of your tooth, causing infection or severe pain. Similarly, a small amount of foundation damage can lead to significant structural issues and costly repairs.
That’s why it’s important to consult the professionals when you first notice foundation wall cracks or bowing. With more than two decades of experience,
Blue Umbrella is your New Jersey foundation repair company you can trust to deliver the highest-quality products, services, and customer satisfaction. We’d love to help you maintain a strong, stable foundation, so give us a call today to learn more about how we can repair your foundation damage!
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest tips, tools & news!
For more information about basement waterproofing services or to find out if Blue Umbrella serves your area, see our complete service area.
