Did you know that concrete is one of the strongest man-made materials you can use in homes? Depending on what the material mixes with, how much water to add, and other factors, poured concrete can stand up to extreme weight and weather conditions. These qualities make poured concrete foundations an excellent option for your home.
Sometimes even concrete can weather and disappoint. Issues with water seepage, cracking, or chipping can be costly foundational issues that could wreak havoc on your home and property.
So, how can you avoid these major problems? What else should you know about poured concrete before installing it as your home foundation? Read on to learn everything you need to know.
What Is Poured Concrete?
You may have seen concrete mixing trucks drive by in your neighborhood. Maybe you have even seen a work team pour concrete foundations. But have you ever wondered how to make concrete?
And what about concrete makes it so durable and affordable? To make concrete, you combine cement, sand, and water. The materials mix to create a thick paste-like substance. Then, the substance can be mixed by hand or churned by machinery.
Building the Foundation
To create a poured concrete foundation, experts lay down evaluate your lot, and begin digging. Then, footings or a grid must go in. This helps to mark and guide the foundation floor.
Then, the poured concrete funnels into the footing area. Poured concrete, unlike blocks or individual stone foundations, creates a seamless filled appearance. This ensures a smooth final production for your foundation.
Heavy machinery, skill, and expertise complete the job. That’s why you need to work with a professional team like Armored Basement Waterproofing. Experts know all the nuances of poured concrete, how to create the perfect mix, and lay the foundation.
Why Poured Concrete Could Be Problematic
Don’t think concrete is so simple anymore, right? As you now know, poured concrete takes a lot of mixing, effort, and skill to get right. After all, this is your house foundation at stake!
While poured concrete creates a smooth and seamless look, there are some bubbles or bumps in the road you can encounter. Let’s dive into some of those poured concrete foundation issues.
Installation Issues
If the poured concrete is installed incorrectly, this could present foundational issues later down the line. For example, the tracks or railings may have not been measured correctly. If the concrete pour installation resulted in air bubbles or an uneven surface this could affect the overall foundation and structure of your home.
Water Seepage
Water seepage is one of the more common poured concrete foundation problems that becomes a big headache when not addressed. If there is a crack or hole in the floor, wall, or joint areas, water can slowly seep through. If the concrete is porous, the water can get as far down as the foundation.
Water can cause damage and erode other materials like wood. This can cause serious foundational issues that make require extensive repair or a rebuild in the worst circumstances.
Structural Damage
Structural damage can occur when the concrete foundation begins to sink, settle or slip into the floor. This can happen as a natural result over time. For example, if you have an older home, older concrete may sink or settle over the years.
Or, if you have a newer home and foundation, this sinking action may signal a serious foundation problem. An expert can identify why the foundation is slipping and what structural or land issues are at hand. If this occurs, the foundation could split or crack.
Natural Issues
Additionally, structural damage can occur as a result of natural or elemental changes. For example, if your land or soil becomes overly wet with snow or rain, this will cause an expansion effect.
The expansion can push the concrete foundation to crap, chip, or buckle. In turn that movement and change will cause issues with the stability of your foundation.
How To Fix Poured Concrete Foundations
While there are many more potential poured concrete and house foundation issues, these are of few of the most common and serious concerns. If you struggle with any of these issues, you need a professional team to assess your foundation and develop a strategy. Here are some of the tactics Armored Basement Waterproofing employs:
Expert Installation
If building a new home from the ground up, trust that the team has the expertise and experience to properly install the concrete foundation. If there are any unexpected issues or bumps in the road, the team has the resources to address these problems quicker than the concrete will dry.
No Water Around Here
To determine the correct solution, the team will evaluate the extent of water damage. The first will pinpoint where the water comes from and how to stop the seepage from occurring.
For example, is there a loose or broken water pipe? Is the ground pooling or collecting water?
Tactics like concrete sealants are only temporary. Our methods are guaranteed for life. Each foundation requires an individual evaluation and action plan.
Poured Concrete Foundation Problems Can Be Fixed With Our Pro Team
If you have a poured concrete foundation in your home that is experiencing water leaks, you will need professional installation and advice to avoid structural issues, water damage, and more. Remember that poured concrete foundations can stand up to the test of time. But natural elements like excessive water or snow can cause damages.
Depending on the extent of your damage, a professional will create a tailored action plan and strategy to reinforce your foundation. This is a crucial expense to protect your home and keep your foundation safe. If you would have a concrete foundation issue and need an expert opinion or help, contact Armored Basement Waterproofing for a free inspection.
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