6 Surprising Things That Could Be Messing with Your Home’s Foundation

Your home’s foundation is the backbone of your entire house—it’s what keeps everything steady and in place. But while it’s easy to assume that a strong foundation will always stay strong, there are a few unexpected factors that could be causing trouble right under your feet. Some of these issues might seem harmless at first, but they can have serious consequences for your home if left unchecked.

Plus, you first need to know the signs of a bad foundation because how else are you going to know that there’s actually a problem? So, with that all said, let’s go ahead and take a look at what could potentially damage your foundation, or at least what to be on the lookout for to prevent a bad foundation!

Tree Roots

While yes, it’s totally true that trees are a beautiful addition to any yard since they provide shade and a bit of added curb appeal. It’s not always just positives, though! Actually, those majestic oaks and maples might have a dark side when it comes to your home’s foundation. Now, it’s so important to understand that tree roots are relentless in their search for water and nutrients, and they can extend far beyond the tree’s canopy, often invading the space beneath your foundation.

Over time, these roots can cause the soil to shift or even push against your foundation, leading to cracks or uneven settling. The best way to combat this is by planting trees at a safe distance from your home, considering the mature size of the tree. If you’re unsure, consult with an arborist to determine the best planting spots.

Honestly, one of the major issues people have is the fact that they’re actually planting trees too close to their homes, like their windows. Usually, it’s to get more shade, but look into bushes or hedges, as their roots don’t go as deep as a tree.

Poor Drainage

Now, you really need to understand that water is one of the biggest enemies of your foundation. When rainwater doesn’t drain away from your home properly, it can pool around the foundation, seeping into the soil and causing it to expand. This can lead to cracks in your foundation as the soil swells and contracts.

But why does this even happen in the first place? Well, improper drainage is often a result of clogged gutters, downspouts that don’t extend far enough from the house, or sloping landscapes that direct water toward the foundation. So, to protect your home, all you really need to do is regularly clean your gutters and ensure that downspouts direct water at least five to ten feet away from the foundation. You might also need to regrade your yard or install a French drain to improve drainage.

You need to keep an eye on the gutters mostly in the summer and autumn months (due to debris and leaves), but you should also check to see how your yard handles water. That alone will be a dead giveaway as to whether or not you need to fix your foundation.

Plumbing Issues

Now, it’s easy to overlook what’s going on under your house; you can’t hear it, you can’t see it, and you might not even notice it until it’s too late (like a high water bill). But as you know, the second you see a plumbing issue, you’ll have to jump on it right then and there! While all plumbing issues are bad, the underground ones are just as dangerous when it comes to the integrity of your home- those are the ones that specifically damage your foundation.

But how exactly? Well, they can slowly erode the soil, creating voids that can cause your foundation to settle unevenly or even crack. Again, it’s about water because water causes erosion. So, if you’re suspicious of an underground plumbing issue, then you’re going to have to reach out to an underground plumbing specialist ASAP! 

They have the expertise to detect and fix these hidden leaks before they turn into a major problem. Basically, you need to have annual plumbing inspections so your regular plumber will most likely be able to detect if there are any issues.

Poor Construction

Sometimes, the biggest threat to your foundation is the foundation itself—or rather, how it was built. Poor construction practices, such as using substandard materials, not allowing for adequate curing time, or failing to compact the soil properly before laying the foundation, can all lead to problems down the road.

While there’s not much you can do about a poorly constructed foundation after the fact, you can look for signs of trouble, like cracks in walls, doors that don’t close properly, or uneven floors. If you notice any of these, it might be worth bringing in a structural engineer to assess the situation and recommend solutions.

Nearby Construction

Living in a growing neighborhood has its perks, but nearby construction can pose a risk to your foundation. So, just think about it for just a moment; there’s the heavy machinery, deep excavations, and even the vibrations from construction can disturb the soil around your home. This can lead to shifts in your foundation or cracks forming in the walls and floors.

If you know there’s construction planned near your home, it’s a good idea to take some precautionary measures. Document the condition of your foundation before construction begins, and monitor it closely during the project. If you notice any changes, address them immediately with the construction company or consult with a foundation expert. 

This might be the biggest one that people are just not aware of, but yes, even newly built homes can have their foundations damaged due to surrounding houses being built!

Seasonal Weather

Weather changes throughout the year can also play a significant role in the health of your foundation. It really doesn’t help that climate change seems to be getting far more prevalent and intense, too. 

For example, during dry periods, the soil around your foundation can shrink, creating gaps that allow your foundation to settle unevenly. But at the same time, during heavy rains, the soil can become overly saturated and swell, putting pressure on your foundation. Obviously, you can’t control the weather, and the only thing you can try to do is take preventative steps.