When cracks appear in Maryland basements, it’s important to address the problem now rather than later. Taking care of problems early makes it possible for repair contractors to resolve issues before they create more serious problems, saving money for homeowners. When dealing with Basement Crack Repair in Maryland, it’s also important to address the underlying causes of the problem to prevent reoccurrences. There are four common causes of basement problems in the region.
Frost Heaves
When the ground freezes, it will expand, putting unusually high pressures on buildings. The problem is exacerbated when there are repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. Since that’s a regular event in Maryland, area homes are subject to damage when the frozen ground pushes basement walls inward and upward. The deeper the frost goes into the ground, the more profound the potential for damage. Area foundation experts work with clients to repair any frost heave damage while, at the same time, recommending options for minimizing the chances of future damage.
Hydrostatic Pressure
When soils become saturated, they expand. As with expansion from freezing, saturated soils push on basement walls. This type of issue is especially prevalent in areas with heavy, clay-type soils. In this situation, regrading the site or adding gutters may be required in addition to basement wall repairs to reduce the threat to a home’s structural integrity. Foundation experts can generally suggest ways to reduce the hydrostatic pressure placed on basement walls.
Expanding Clays
This issue is closely related to hydrostatic pressure problems. Heavy clay soils tend to hold water rather than allowing it to drain from the site. In some cases, simply altering the topography to improve drainage will help. In other situations, the basement repair professionals will recommend other solutions to mitigate the drainage issues. Since every site is somewhat different, the solutions will be tailored to each home’s unique needs.
Tree Roots
Trees should never be planted close to a home’s foundation, but even trees somewhat removed from the home itself can send roots out that threaten basement walls. While some root problems can be easily resolved, others will require more drastic steps. In some cases, the offending tree will need to be removed. Discuss the various potential solutions with the contractor before taking any actions.