Foundation Repair Temple Hills
Nestled in between the beltway and Henson Creek, Temple Hills, much like the rest of the D.C. region, experiences unpredictable snow storms in the winter, hurricanes in the summer, and random storms throughout the year.
With its proximity to the Potomac River and its various creeks and tributaries, flash floods are also a common problem in Temple Hills. Most people think nothing of these occurrences, but they could be leaving permanent damage behind long after the waters have cleared.
Excess water is the root cause of a majority of foundation problems experienced by homeowners. If you suspect that water is creating problems in your foundation, you should contact a company specializing in foundation repairs in Temple Hills. A professional foundation repair company can mitigate any further damage to your home and foundation and prevent water from causing foundation problems again.
Common Signs Of A Leaking Foundation
The first indication that you have a foundation problem is the presence of water in your basement. If your basement always feels damp or there is visible water damage on your furnishings, ceilings, walls, or carpets, there is excess water making its way into your foundation.
If your foundation has been leaking for a long time, there will also likely be mold or mildew growing in your basement. Not only does mold and mildew cause an unpleasant smell, they can release spores and toxins into the air that are harmful to you and your family’s health.
There are three primary ways that water can work its way into your foundation. The most common reason, and the easiest to repair, is condensation. When humid air meets the cool basement walls, the vapor condenses into water and pools in your basement. Condensation can be handled relatively easily by keeping your basement warm and using a dehumidifier.
Runoff or subsurface water can also find its way into your basement through cracks or through hydrostatic pressure. A company specializing in foundation repair in Temple Hills can use several techniques to fix these problems, from simple crack repairs to the installation of drainage and pump systems designed to divert water away from your foundation.
Most people underestimate the effects of mold in the home, but even dead mold particles can cause health problems, so it is important to remove all traces of organic matter from your basement. A company specializing in foundation repair in Temple Hills can also provide mold remediation services to ensure that all the harmful organic matter is removed from your basement in a safe and efficient way.
Common Signs Of A Shifting Foundation
A leaking basement is one thing, but constant fluctuations in moisture level can result in a shifting foundation. The different types of soil near your foundation expand and contract at varying rates in the presence of moisture. If the foundation was not built properly, the shifting soil can cause the foundation to shift along with the soil.
Common signs that your foundation is shifting are:
• Uneven, sloping, or warping floors
• Cracking bricks, cinder blocks, or mortar
• Cracking or bowing walls
• Cracking foundations
• Doors or windows that won’t close or open properly
• Moldings separating from ceilings or floors
If left unaddressed, a shifting foundation can lead to significant structural damage in your home. A company specializing in foundation repair in Temple Hills can diagnose the problem and suggest the appropriate and most cost-effective solution.
Repair Methods – Foundation Repair Temple Hills
There are a variety of methods for foundation repair in Temple Hills. A shifting or sinking foundation can sometimes be repaired through a relatively simple and cost-effective called slabjacking. This method involves drilling several holes in your concrete foundation, and pumping a concrete mixture underneath the foundation through the holes to stabilize the soil underneath and raise the foundation back to a proper level.
More significant problem may require the use of a method called piering, in which steel beams are driven deep into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock. The steel beams are then attached to the foundation of the sinking home to act as supports against further sinking or shifting.
In a worst case scenario, a complete foundation replacement may be necessary, where the home is temporarily moved while the foundation is rebuilt, and then replaced on the new foundation.
If you notice any of these signs of foundation problems, you should call a company specializing in foundation repair in Temple Hills before more extensive damage occurs.