What Soil Erosion Can Do To A Foundation
Foundation failure can be caused by the shifting of soil underneath a structures foundation. This soil movement can be caused by a variety of factors. One of the most common throughout the nation is erosion.
When the surface soil near or underneath a foundation begins to erode, it can cause several problems. In this blog, we are going to review some of the dangers of soil erosion and its effect on foundations.
What Soil Erosion Can Do To A Foundation
Many business owners and homeowners do not realize the negative effects of soil erosion. It can also cause foundation problems for residential or commercial buildings. Soil erosion generally occurs when there is an excessive amount of rainwater or groundwater washing away the soil. It is common surface water washing away the topsoil. While the top soil is being washed away, the soil beneath the surface can also be affected. This is especially common after dry spells when the soil shrinks from lack of moisture. The dry earth creates gaps and spaces for water to flow through. When the soil beneath the surface erodes, it forms voids that do not offer enough support for any foundation. This will eventually lead to foundation settlement and sinking.
Not only can the erosion of soil cause a foundation to sink and settle, it can cause water seepage and other issues to the structure. If enough of the surface level soil around your home is eroded away, it can create spaces and dips that allow water to collect and pool around the foundation. This water is more likely to leak through any foundation cracks or seep through porous concrete material, often creating some serious issues for buildings with basements.
Foundation Repair Products You Can Rely On
Foundation repair company’s are aware of soil erosion issues. Quality products are needed to make reliable foundation repairs. Various underpinning techniques and methods can be utilized to help lift and stabilize a shifted foundation.
At Magnum Piering, we manufacture high-quality steel piling and foundation repair materials that many contractors and foundation repair companies trust for reliable repairs. Some of the products we manufacture for foundation repairs due to soil erosion include:
- Helical Piles. These are anchoring devices that are screwed into the surface under the foundation and is used to support and lift a settling foundation.
- Slab Piers. Slab piers are specialized types of helical piers that often are used for lighter-weight structures, such as concrete slab foundations or stoops.
- Steel Push Piers. Steel push piers work in a similar way to helical piers, except they are driven into the ground until they reach load-bearing soils instead of being screwed in.
If you are interested in learning more about Magnum Piering’s high-quality products, contact our friendly representatives today!