Things Homeowners are Doing to Destroy Their Foundations

The foundation of a home is integral to its structural integrity, so homeowners need to be aware
of the things they can do that may unintentionally damage their foundation. Unfortunately, many
activities homeowners perform can lead to costly and dangerous destruction of the foundation
over time if not taken into account. This article will look at some of the most common ways
homeowners might accidentally destroy their foundations. Knowing what to avoid is key to
keeping your home safe and sound. Preventative maintenance and keeping an eye out for
potential issues are essential steps in preserving the integrity of your home’s foundational
structure and ensuring your family’s safety.

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1. Poor Soil Preparation – One of the most common things homeowners do to destroy their
   foundations is poor soil preparation before construction. If the soil isn’t properly compacted,
   graded, or drained before building a home, it can cause issues with settling and shifting that
   could lead to serious foundation damage down the road.
2. Improper Concrete Mix – When pouring concrete for a foundation, it’s important to use the
   correct mix. If too much water is added or there’s not enough aggregate in the mixture, it can
   result in weak concrete, which is more susceptible to cracking and other forms of damage over
   time.
3. Water Intrusion – Allowing water to pool around your home’s foundation is a surefire way to
   damage it. Not only can this lead to extreme settling and shifting as the soil weakens, but it can
   also lead to mold growth inside your home’s walls.
4. Poor Drainage – Poor drainage is another common cause of foundation damage. If you don’t
   have proper gutters or downspouts around your house, rainwater can easily collect in the soil
   and weaken its structure, leading to serious settling issues for your home over time.
5. Landscape Features Too Close To Your House – Trees and other landscaping features
   should be kept at least several feet away from the foundation of your home to avoid damage.
   When planted too close, their roots can grow into the foundation or cause structural problems as
   they expand over time.
6. Neglecting to Clean Gutters – If you don’t clean your gutters regularly, it can lead to clogs
   which will prevent rainwater from draining away properly and collecting around your home
   instead, leading to water intrusion issues and possible foundation damage.
7. Mismatched Materials – If different materials are used in constructing a house’s foundation, it
   can lead to serious cracks and shifting down the line as the two parts settle differently over time.
   This is why it’s essential that all the materials used for a foundation are compatible with one
   another.
8. Not Leveling the Foundation – It’s important to ensure your foundation is perfectly level
   before building. If even one corner of a house isn’t completely leveled, it can cause serious
   shifting and settling issues over time as the other parts of the structure try to compensate for the
   height difference.
9. Poor Quality Filling Materials – Fill materials used during construction play an important role
   in stabilizing your home’s foundation. If low-quality or poorly compacted fill materials are used,
   they won’t be able to provide adequate support and could lead to significant damage down the
   line.
10. Insufficient Support For Load-Bearing Walls – Load-bearing walls need to be adequately
    supported to avoid settlement issues. If the walls don’t have enough support, they can start to
    shift and cause serious structural damage to your home over time.
11. Ignoring Minor Foundation Cracks – Homeowners often think that minor foundation cracks
    aren’t a big deal and ignore them altogether. However, this is usually a mistake, as even small
    cracks can eventually lead to bigger problems if left unchecked for too long.
12. Poorly Poured Concrete Footings – Footings are an essential component of any foundation
    and must be poured correctly to provide adequate stability. If footings are not poured properly or
    with a high enough quality concrete mix, it can lead to major issues.
13. Not Replacing Old Foundation Materials – Foundations often need to be repaired or
    replaced after a certain amount of time due to wear and tear. If old foundation materials are left
    in place, it can lead to serious structural damage over time as they become less effective at
    providing support for your home.
14. Building on an Unstable Surface – Building a house on an unstable surface can lead to
    serious foundation problems. Soil that is too sandy or not compacted properly can easily cause
    the foundation to settle unevenly and need repairs down the line.
15. Not Monitoring Water Leaks – Any water leak near your home’s foundation should be
    monitored closely, as it could lead to major issues if left unchecked for too long. Water leakage
    can cause soil erosion, weakening the structure of your home’s foundation and leading to
    settling and even collapse over time.
    By being aware of these common causes of foundation damage, homeowners can take steps to
    prevent them and ensure that their home remains structurally sound for years to come. Regular
    maintenance and inspection are always recommended to address any potential problems
    quickly before they become too severe. Taking proactive measures now will help you avoid
    costly repairs later on!