What is Raised Foundation - Know The Types & Signs of Problems
Every home needs a strong foundation to provide it with stability and the ability to withstand the forces of nature. Without a proper foundation, a home will likely experience various structural problems over time, such as shifting, leaking, and cracking.
But how do you know which type of foundation your home is built on? And how can you spot the signs of a problem with your foundation? Knowing the types of raised foundations and their signs of failure can help you carry out foundation repair easily and promptly.
Let's read the article to gain in-depth knowledge about these foundations and anticipate and repair their issues.
What Exactly is a Raised Foundation?
The primarily built raised foundation is the most common type of foundation used for residential homes. It is an economical way to build and make the home much more accessible for plumbing, electrical, and heating & cooling systems.
Raised foundations are also popular in beach towns due to their affordability and accessibility. Depending on your needs, they can be raised anywhere from 18 inches to several feet off the ground. This type of foundation usually comprises a footing, foundation wall, sill plate, rim joist, and exterior wall. Dirt is then leveled under the home with concrete pads supporting the girder beams and floor joists atop this structure.
Once the framework is completed, subfloors such as hardwood, pad & carpeting, or tile can be added depending on the age of your home. This type of foundation will save you money and be quite sturdy for many years.
Common Types of Raised Foundations
Crawl Space Foundations
When a crawl space is created using cinder blocks, bricks, or other materials, the walls are generally shorter than basement walls. This makes it easier to crawl around in the area under the structure. A crawl space foundation typically has easy access to plumbing and electrical wiring, so maintenance and crawl space repair is required to do in a more accessible manner.
An encapsulated crawl space is designed to offer the homeowner even greater benefits. It involves covering the walls and floor of the crawl space with a thick, puncture-resistant vapor barrier. This prevents any moisture from seeping into the area underneath your home. A dehumidifier may also be used to remove any extra moisture from the space and keep it dry.
Pier and Beam Foundations
You might have seen elevated ocean-front homes to protect them from the rising tide. These homes are built with pier and beam foundations, which lift a home above ground level and provide protection against flooding.
Besides offering extra protection for your home, one of the best benefits of a pier and beam foundation is that it allows easy access to plumbing and wiring beneath the house. This means that repairs to plumbing, wiring, and other utilities can be made more quickly and easily than if they were buried under concrete.
Raised Slab Foundations
Raised slab foundations are crawled space foundations filled with a material that easily drains instead of being left empty. Concrete is then laid on top of the material, and a raised slab foundation is created. This type of foundation has the advantage of giving your home an attractive appearance while relieving issues like crawl space moisture and mold.
However, it can be difficult to access plumbing and wiring when you need to make repairs, as you'll need to break up the slab. But you can always call a professional to help you with these issues.
Problematic Signs That Could Indicate Foundational Issues
Foundation inspections are always necessary to ensure your foundation is stable and undamaged. When a foundation repair professional inspects your home, they will look for any signs of problems, such as cracks in the foundation or wall separation.
Let's explore in deep about the concerning signs that could indicate foundational issues:
Possible Water Damage
One of the major causes of foundation problems is water damage. It is important to keep water, including both liquid water and moisture in the air, away from your foundation.
Ninety percent of basement foundation water problems can be cured by keeping water away from other components. To ensure, the soil should always slope away from the house foundation at least six inches vertically within the first ten feet horizontally. Hard surfaces like driveways should slope away from your foundation at least ¼ inch per foot.
To prevent roof runoff, a system of gutters and downspouts should be installed. The downspouts should discharge at least five feet away from the foundation. So, if there is water pooling around the foundation, a basement waterproofing professional should be called in to assess the situation and help you get it under control.
Hairline Cracks in Foundations
Hairline cracks might be more cosmetic than functional, but if the crack widens and gets noticeably larger, it's time to call a professional. Hairline cracks occur in concrete foundations due to weathering, soil expansion or contraction, settlement, or poor construction. Knowing when the crack is simply a hairline or something serious enough to require repair is the trick.
When a crack is uniform, homeowners may not need to do anything. But a non-uniform crack that varies in width and presents out-of-plane displacement requires attention. If the crack is wider than ¼ inch or is admitting water, a house foundation repair contractor specializing in correcting foundation problems should be contacted.
Soil Can Help or Hurt a Foundation's Integrity
The material under the foundation helps provide the necessary support for your home. The soil must be stable and strong enough to do its job properly. Having the right type of soil, like gravel and sand, is essential to ensure that a foundation can withstand the weight of a house. Moreover, clay-rich soils are known to be problematic as they are likely to expand and contract with changes in moisture, causing foundations to settle or walls to crack.
Choosing the right type of soil for your area is important to ensure that your foundation remains stable. You must also pay close attention to the conditions of your soil and make sure that it is not over-saturated or dried out. If you notice that your soil is no longer providing adequate support for your home, contact a professional who can help you address any issues before they become serious problems.
Issues with Windows and Doors
When windows and doors become hard to open or close, it might be due to a foundation problem. You may not need to worry too much if the issue is limited to one door or window. However, if you have difficulty opening and closing multiple windows or doors, it's time to contact a foundation repair professional for an inspection.
There may be an issue with the foundation that's causing it to settle unevenly. This will cause windows and doors to stick, which can be a major inconvenience and a potential safety issue. A professional can assess the situation and make sure your home is safe by making any necessary repairs.
Related Read: What Happens When You Don’t Fix Foundation Issues?
Wrapping Up
The sooner you address any issues, the less chance remains of any significant damage to your home. So, it's better to look for trustworthy house foundation repair experts in your area and get your foundation checked as soon as possible. That way, you can rest assured that the structure of your home is secure and sound!
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