Foundation Water Damage

Foundation damage may be non structural or structural.

Foundation water damage. As it turns out water can affect the foundation in a number of ways both directly and indirectly. The best way to keep water away from your home s foundation and avoid the need for expensive water damage restoration is to ensure proper drainage. The house begins to shift under its own weight. Under the right conditions and given enough time water can make expensive foundation repairs necessary as well as infiltrate the house and cause indoor water damage.

Wet damp basement standing water in the basement or even a musty smell is another indicator that potentially harmful water is not draining away from the foundation. Here s how to identify the early warning signs of foundation water damage problems and address them before they turn into expensive home repair bills. To most people their home s foundation seems like a pretty big deal a massive slab of poured concrete or structure of concrete block. Structural damage to the foundation occurs when damage caused by water is prolonged and extensive.

How to fix a water damaged foundation. When you suspect water damage to your foundation it s a good idea to contact a foundation specialist to come assess the situation. Water damage to the foundation can also cause upheaval which is when the slab foundation is forced up. Typically foundation coverage more correctly referred to as foundation water damage coverage only serves to reimburse the policyholder for damage to the foundation that results from water damage from your plumbing.

Make sure the ground around your house is graded away from the foundation the soil around your house should slope at least 6 inches within 10 feet of the foundation. Perhaps a leak in a pipe within the foundation causes the foundation to sink leading to many potentially expensive problems. Here are three ways water can damage a home s foundation. It was built by a bunch of burly guys with big trucks so it seems like something that s here to stay almost impregnable.

Non structural water damage normally refers to seepage through small cracks in a foundation or cracks or gaps in joints of a concrete basement wall. These are signs that your home s framing may be warped by a shifting foundation or water damage or may indicate the need for added structural supports. Most homeowners insurance policies help cover water damage if the cause is sudden and accidental. According to the insurance information institute homeowners insurance may help pay for repairs if for instance your drywall is drenched after your water heater ruptures or an upstairs pipe bursts and water saturates the ceiling below.

Rot mold and mildew can damage pier and beam foundations. Dec 8 2013 by matthew stock. Water damage caused by seepage coming in from cracks in the foundation or at the exterior of the house allowing water to enter your home.