High water can come from the sky in the form of rain or from flooded bodies of water. The water can cause damage by rushing rapidly, knocking down trees, buildings, and more. The flowing debris can cause even more damage, destroying roads, eroding soils, and demolishing structures. Commercial and residential properties can both be ruined by high water. Even if the building is structurally sound after the flood, the water can pollute the area and promote the growth of mold and pest infestations.
How Can High Water Affect Your Home’s foundation?
When floodwaters enter the interior of your building, it quickly works on destroying the wood and metal that is exposed to the moisture. Even when the water recedes, wood, carpeting, and furniture can be waterlogged a long time after the basement appears to be dry. You will most likely need commercial-grade heaters, fans, and dehumidifiers to completely dry the environment.
Even if the water doesn’t enter your home or business, it can cause damage to your foundation. The pressure of the water and oversaturated soil can put a tremendous strain on the foundation walls. The hydrostatic pressure can cause the walls to crack, bow, or even collapse entirely.
Signs Of Water Seepage
You need to check your home or business when it is safe. Don’t put yourself in danger to check the property. You should keep an eye out for downed power lines and structural damage. If it’s not safe, just wait until it is. The water is full of pollutants, bacteria, sewage, and debris. You can be injured or made ill due to things left by floodwaters.
If the area around your property is safe, you can look around for damage and warning signs. Make note of the building materials that are waterlogged, especially if they are load-bearing. Check for new cracks, gaps, and joints that are out of alignment. Look for bulging walls and sagging floors or ceilings. These are all signs of foundation damage and a professional will need to be called in to do the repairs.
It’s usually good to have a professional check your property if floodwaters have infiltrated it. They will be able to determine if the property can be repaired or if it has to be demolished. Many city governments have rules mandating the course of action depending on the amount of damage. It is important that buildings are safe for occupants to be in. Hopefully, there is insurance to cover the costs or at least help.
If the structure can be repaired, you will also need to have it professionally cleaned. There’s no sense in performing repairs if the building is contaminated with bacteria from sewage water, dead animals, and other pollutants.
How To Prevent Water Seepage From Affecting Your Home’s Foundation
Although raging flood water will certainly cause foundation damage, most foundation damage is caused by nothing more than excess moisture in the soil around the foundation. Among other things, excess moisture can cause clay-rich soil to expand and push against the foundation. With erosion-prone soil, excess moisture can wash away the soil causing voids to form under the foundation.
The best way to prevent this kind of water-caused foundation damage is to control groundwater around the foundation. Here are the best ways to do that:
Regrade your yard so that it slopes away from the foundation
This will prevent water from draining toward and soaking into the ground around the foundation.
Keep water-hungry flowers and shrubs away from the foundation
You don’t want to give yourself a reason to add water to the soil around the foundation.
Clean your gutters regularly
Dead leaves and other debris can cause water to spill over the side of your home and soak into the ground around the foundation.
Install downspout extensions
They will carry water away from your foundation before releasing it.*
Install either an interior or exterior waterproofing system
his is a gold standard when it comes to foundation waterproofing because it will prevent excess moisture from building up in the soil around the foundation.
Foundation Repair Contractors
If you do decide that you need to have foundation repairs done on your property, be wary of fly-by-night contractors. A lot of shady operators will pop up, trying to make a buck off of victims of floods and other natural disasters. AMC911 Crawl Space & Foundation Repair has been in the area for decades and we make Virginia our home and many of you are our neighbors. We have a reputation for honesty and quality work. It may be tempting to go with the lowest cost, but you get what you pay for: shoddy materials, poor workmanship, inexperienced workers, worthless warranties, and more. There’s no sense in having work done on your home or business, if it’s just going to allow more problems, perhaps even worse than the original issue, to occur.
Don’t be pressured into making a decision on the spot. An honest contractor is going to give you an estimate in writing and allow you some time to go over it and think about it. the easiest way to avoid high-pressure salespeople is to not even invite them on to the property. Look for a contractor that has been in business for a while with authentic references and free estimates. Foundation repairs are important and the decision shouldn’t be made lightly, quickly, or under pressure. Contact AMC911 Crawl Space & Foundation Repair to learn more about choosing a reliable contractor.
