Got foundation problems, or worried about having them? You’re certainly not alone. Foundation problems can be common in certain parts of Melbourne and, in recent years, light has been shed on the issue.
In 2014, foundation issues were the focus of news headlines, with thousands of homeowners being affected by inadequate soil reports and slab failure. This was largely due to waffle pod slabs be used in areas that weren’t suitable for them. These areas had more reactive soil than was initially reported.
So, the point is, foundation problems have, unfortunately, been more common in Melbourne than we’d like them to be. If you’re wondering about some of the most common problems to do with foundation in Melbourne, the experts at Techniblock inform us in this article.
Moving foundation
When we talk about foundation issues, we’re almost always talking about the movement of the foundation. This is because foundation is something that should, ideally, never move. So, what causes moving foundation?
Abnormal moisture conditions
Either the lack of moisture or increased moisture conditions, are the biggest cause of moving foundation. When abnormal moisture conditions exist the soil under your foundation, it causes the soil to expand and contract. The more the dirt expands, the more pressure is placed on your foundation. Expansive soils also shrink when they dry, removing support from your foundation caused by soil shrinkage.
The back-and-forth of swelling and shrinking causes repetitive stress on your foundation, making it weak and causing it to move.
Tree roots
Excess moisture is one part of the problem, but the drying up of that moisture is another part. As discussed, the repetitive cycle of increasing and decreasing moisture is what causes your foundation to shift. Tree roots can exacerbate this issue, as they drink up moisture from the earth’s soil. If large tree roots are growing next to your home’s foundation, they’re likely impacting the structure of your home in this manner.
Leaking pipes
Another common foundation problem in Melbourne is that of water seepage from hot water pipes or broken sewer or storm water pipes. Most hot water services have overflow pipes which, if stuck, have water dripping from them on a constant basis. This, if not directed away from the foundation, can cause excess moisture and result in foundation movement. Landscaping can play a large role in safely diverting moisture away from the foundation of your home, and so can connecting the overflow from the hot water pipes to a legal point of discharge. If you see movement in your foundations a licensed plumber should be briefed to do a CCTV inspection of your pipes to establish if they are all serviceable and there are no break s or leaks.
These problems surrounding your home’s foundation need to be inspected and resolved by a professional immediately. The team at Techniblock provide solutions for all of these issues and more. Since 1989, Techniblock have been repairing foundations across Victoria, restoring homes to their original state and making their foundations as strong as ever. To arrange an inspection and quote, contact the specialists at Techniblock today.