Every house is built upon a foundation, but some foundations are more secure and practical than others, and recent models often have fewer foundation issues than others. Texan homes younger than 50 years, for example, are built upon slab foundations that may be superior to older models such as limestone brick foundations. Foundation failure may occur if a very old foundation is wearing down or if issues such as flooding or earthquakes strike a home, and foundation repair may be needed whenever such disaster takes place. The good news is that a foundation repair expert can always be called in to diagnose and repair a problem alone or with a crew, and a foundation repair expert may be sent from a foundation repair company to help a homeowner with their afflicted home. What can go wrong with the foundation or basement of a modern American home? Can a foundation repair expert fix these issues on time?

Common Problems

American homes, new or old, may have faulty basements that call for a foundation repair expert to take a look at the premises, and a foundation repair expert will be able to accurately diagnose the issue and recommend fixes and preventative measures in the future. Water is one such issue. Many American homeowners struggle with standing water in their basement, and this water can cause a lot of problems and may come from either inside the home or the environment. In some cases, a foundation may have leaks, and heavy rain or flash floods can cause a lot of water to seep into the basement every time there is a rain storm or floods. Even a sufficient quantity of melting snow can cause water to leak into the basement through a faulty foundation. And other times, the house itself is generating this excess water by means of leaking pipes in the floor. Rusted or damaged pipes may leak water constantly, and this dripping can add up over time and create pools of standing water in the lowest points in the basement without the homeowner ever realizing that there’s a problem.

This standing water can cause some distinct issues within the house. For one, all that excess moisture will foster a lot of mold growth, and many American households are aware of the dangers of mold in the home. Molds can release a lot of spores and other biological agents that can set off allergies or asthma in people or pets in the home, and sometimes, contractors or other professionals are called into a home just to remove mold growths. On top of this, water can erode the basement’s floor or walls over time, and the standing water can also damage furniture or other items down in the basement.

Radon gas is another issue. This radioactive element is found naturally in the ground, and it often emits into the air. But if a house is built over radon-rich ground, and its basement has cracks and leaks, this dangerous gas can easily seep into the home’s air and poison the occupants. With high enough concentrations, radon gas can even cause lung cancer. Thousands of Americans die each year from radon gas poisoning like this.

Foundation Work

A faulty foundation can be diagnosed and taken care of as soon as the homeowner realizes the need. Old foundations, such as those from the early 1900s, are often built from limestone bricks with mortar, but these old foundations can bulge and crack over time, especially with water-heavy soil pressing from the other side. In any case, foundation crews, and sometimes plumbers, can take care of these various issues. Plumbers can fix or replace the leaking pipes to stop water flow, and they can also set up channels and sump pumps that can gather and draw up excess water in the basement to prevent flooding. Foundation crews can seal up cracks or repair damage, and help prevent water or radon gas from getting into the basement. These crews can also set up concrete walls to help contain bulging limestone foundations and prevent further warping and cracking. A homeowner can also get a radon testing kit and check the air for dangerous concentrations if they suspect it.