How to Spot Foundation Repair Issues

Your home’s foundation serves several important functions, including support and stability. It’s crucial to check the foundation regularly for issues like large stair-step cracks in the walls and sloping floors.

Foundation Repair

It is best to consult with a professional for the best foundation repair solution. A reputable company has the right tools, training and experience for this type of work. To learn more, visit https://www.apexplanofoundationrepair.com/.

Foundation cracks that run diagonally are a serious issue. They indicate uneven settlement of the soil that supports the foundation wall or slab, and can lead to a collapsed or unstable foundation. In many cases, addressing the underlying problem will resolve the cracks. This can be done by installing support beams or by using special injected concrete to strengthen the affected area. It is often necessary to remove excess backfill or install new footings in severe cases of settling.

Stair-step cracks in brick or block foundation walls are usually caused by soil settlement. They may be exacerbated by poor drainage around the home. Ensure that your gutters are directing water away from the house and invest in a drain system to keep moisture from pooling around your foundation.

Another type of crack that you should not ignore is a diagonal crack that is wider at one end than the other. These types of cracks often mean that the foundation is shifting or sinking in one part of the house while the rest remains stable. This is called differential settlement and is a sign of a serious issue that needs to be addressed by a foundation repair contractor.

Diagonal cracks are the single most reliable indicator of a home’s settlement. This is true for both slab-on-grade foundations and pier and beam/crawl space foundations. Settlement can be due to many factors including low-strength soils, expansive soils, poorly designed construction, and/or water-related problems.

In most cases, cracks that are hairline or can fit a quarter in them are not structurally significant and do not require foundation repair. However, they should still be monitored and checked regularly to make sure they do not get worse over time. It is also a good idea to take photos of any visible cracks so that you can document the condition over time and call in a professional if they appear to be getting worse. A foundation repair specialist can help determine the source of the problem and recommend the best course of action.

Horizontal Cracks

If you see horizontal cracks in your foundation walls, you should be concerned. This type of crack is indicative of serious problems that can lead to the foundation failing entirely. This is because of hydrostatic pressure, which builds up around the foundation walls when water is unable to drain away from it. This causes the walls to bear excessive weight, causing them to weaken and crack.

Another cause of horizontal cracks is frost heave, which occurs when ground freezes and expands, putting excessive stress on the foundation walls. Additionally, lateral pressure caused by something heavy that is parked too close to the foundation can also increase pressure on the soil and cause foundation cracks.

When a home has significant horizontal cracks, it is best to contact a professional to perform a foundation inspection and recommend repair services. These can include methods such as hydraulic jacking to lift sunken areas of the foundation, installing steel piers to stabilize the foundation, and reinforcing the cracked walls with epoxy injection or carbon fiber straps.

Generally, horizontal cracks should be repaired as soon as they are noticed to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of water leaks. This is especially important in Ottawa because of the fast weather changes that can exacerbate the problem and cause other structural issues.

In some cases, a homeowner may be able to fix these types of cracks on their own using products such as polyurethane foam or epoxy, depending on the severity and size of the cracks. However, for severe cracks and those near doors and windows, it is a good idea to call a professional to ensure long-term stability and safety of the house.

While vertical cracks aren’t as worrisome, it’s still a sign that there’s an issue with the foundation. Typically, these cracks are narrower at the top and wider at the bottom of the wall. They can be caused by settling, construction errors, and the concrete curing process, but they are more likely to cause water infiltration into the basement and need to be fixed promptly.

Stair-Step Cracks

Stair-step cracks, so named because they often look like a set of stairs, appear in brick or concrete block walls and are an indication of structural problems. These cracks can indicate differential settlement, a condition where one area of your foundation settles faster than another, or hydrostatic pressure (the water pushing against the foundation). These cracks should not be ignored, and you should consult a professional to assess their severity and determine an appropriate repair method.

Stair step cracks typically run horizontally along mortar joints or through the bricks themselves. They may extend down the foundation wall and lead towards doors or windows, or they can run up and down the vertical surface of the foundation. They can be a cause for concern if they are wider than 1/4 inch, but are less likely to be a serious issue than a bulging or sagging wall.

The best way to avoid structural issues caused by stair-step cracks is to keep moisture away from the foundation and to prevent groundwater from seeping into the home. This can be done by ensuring that gutters and downspouts are in good working order, and that the landscape is sloped so that drainage channels water away from the foundation.

When it comes to repairing these types of cracks, the best option is to have a professional mason assess the severity and recommend an appropriate repair method. Small, non-structural cracks can sometimes be repaired with DIY solutions such as epoxy injections or hydraulic cement, but these fixes will only provide a temporary solution. Professional repairs will be able to address the root cause of the cracking and provide long-term stability and strength.

If you notice any of these types of cracks in your foundation, contact a professional mason for a free inspection. Early diagnosis and repair of foundation problems will help to reduce damage, save money, and keep your home safe for your family. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule your appointment! We proudly serve Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, and the surrounding Michigan communities.

Thin Cracks

Unlike diagonal cracks and stair-step cracks, thin vertical foundation wall cracks are not necessarily a structural issue. These cracks may indicate a small amount of movement in the foundation, but they’re typically cosmetic and don’t need to be repaired immediately. However, it’s important to monitor these cracks to see if they grow or if other signs of foundation movement appear. For example, if these cracks are found near doors or windows and interfere with their alignment or ease of use, they’re likely a sign of a serious problem that requires professional inspection and repair.

While these cracks aren’t a structural problem, they’re still a concern because they can allow water to enter the basement. If you find these thin cracks in your home, use a caulking gun to fill them with a waterproof sealant or epoxy injections. It’s also a good idea to install a sump pump to ensure that any moisture that seeps into the basement is quickly and completely removed to prevent damage to your foundation or other parts of your home.

These types of cracks are often caused by a settling foundation, as well as the expansion and contraction of soil due to temperature fluctuations. Other causes include improper grading, leaky water lines or sewer lines, and tree roots. Whether your cracks are horizontal, jagged diagonal or stair-step, it’s critical to get them assessed by a foundation expert as soon as possible.

If the cracks are narrow enough that a quarter can fit into them, they aren’t a problem and don’t need to be repaired. But, if they are wider or growing over time, it’s a sign of a major problem that requires prompt attention. Depending on the severity of the crack, you can hire a contractor to fill these cracks with hydraulic cement or epoxy crack injections. If these cracks continue to grow or worsen, contact a foundation repair specialist right away. These professionals will evaluate the cracks and recommend the best course of action to ensure that your foundation is safe and secure.

Eco-Friendly Practices For Septic Tank Management

Septic systems can contaminate surface water, affecting the entire ecosystem. They can also cause soil damage, resulting in unsafe environmental conditions and loss of agricultural productivity.

Luckily, there are several ways to prevent these issues. A few simple changes can significantly reduce the impact your septic system has on the environment. Talk with Septic Tank Armadale expert today.

septic tank

Avoid Disposing Of Harmful Chemicals

Septic tanks serve a vital role in processing wastewater from households that aren’t connected to public sewer systems. They separate solid waste from the water, allowing the solids to settle at the bottom of the tank and the filtered water (also known as “effluent”) to flow out into perforated pipes and a drain field for further treatment. The proper functioning of a septic system is essential to prevent contamination of groundwater and surrounding soil.

To ensure the proper functioning of your septic system, avoid flushing any chemicals or non-biodegradable materials that can damage or kill bacteria needed for healthy sewage treatment. It’s also important to keep in mind that certain materials, such as corrosive cleaning products or oil-based paints, can seep into the soil and contaminate water supplies.

To help prevent clogs and other waste-related issues, never flush items such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, or cat litter down the toilet. These items can clog pipes and lead to costly septic system failures. It’s also best to dispose of these types of materials at a hazardous waste disposal site instead of throwing them away in your drain or toilet.

Aside from avoiding flushing harmful chemicals and non-biodegradable materials, you can practice other eco-friendly practices in your household to further reduce the stress on your septic system. For example, it’s important to keep food scraps out of your septic tank, as they can cause a blockage and raise the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in wastewater. Instead, consider adding a backyard compost pile to help naturally break down your food scraps and other organic materials.

In addition, you should avoid parking vehicles or other heavy equipment in the drainfield area, as this can compact and limit the soil’s ability to absorb and treat wastewater. Also, it’s a good idea to designate a dedicated parking space away from the drain field to make it easier for technicians to access your septic system during maintenance inspections. Lastly, you should not use chemical additives to treat your septic system as these can also affect the health of your soil treatment field and reduce the effectiveness of your septic system.

Opt For More Natural Cleaners

Choosing cleaning products that do not harm the bacteria in your septic tank is one of the easiest ways to keep it eco-friendly. Harsh chemicals like bleach can weaken the bacterial population and cause your system to fail. Using eco-friendly products such as baking soda, vinegar, or natural enzyme treatments will not only help your tank function properly but also help keep the environment around it clean.

Keeping your yard free from toxic plants and grasses is another easy way to keep your septic tank eco-friendly. These plants and grasses can be a source of nutrients that could harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank and surrounding groundwater. In addition, reducing the amount of water you use in your home is another way to be environmentally conscious. Simply taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet while brushing teeth or washing dishes, and limiting your daily water consumption can make a big difference in how much stress you place on your septic tank and the environment.

It is important to have a regularly scheduled septic tank pump out and inspection to minimize environmental damage. During these appointments, your septic tank is inspected for leaks and cracks that may need to be repaired. Leaks and cracks that are not fixed quickly can lead to wastewater leaking out of your system and into the surrounding groundwater supply. This wastewater can cause a variety of problems including water contamination, soil erosion, and loss of groundwater quality.

Additionally, having regular septic tank cleanings prevents the buildup of waste and reduces the likelihood of clogs. The best cleaners for your septic tank are natural and biodegradable options such as apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide. These cleaners will eliminate odors, degrease pipes, and break down organic waste. In more severe cases of septic tank blockages and backups, mechanical septic tank cleaning is required.

In addition to reducing the environmental impact of your septic system, an eco-friendly septic tank will have advanced wastewater treatment systems that ensure less pollution is released into the environment. Septic tanks that utilize aerobic digestion and sand filters will be more efficient than traditional septic systems, which can leave harmful pollutants in the environment.

Avoid Overconsumption Of Water

Your septic tank works hard to treat wastewater, so it’s important to do what you can to help it function properly. A few simple, everyday practices can go a long way in protecting your septic system’s health.

Avoiding excess water consumption is one of the best things you can do for your septic tank and the surrounding environment. Too much water can dilute the concentration of bacteria that work to break down solid waste materials. As a result, the septic tank will be less effective in treating wastewater and it may require more frequent cleaning or maintenance.

Water conservation can also reduce your septic tank’s operating costs. Turning off taps when you’re not using them, reducing shower times, and repairing leaks promptly can help keep your septic tank functioning more efficiently for longer.

It’s also essential to avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Some products that are flushed down the toilet can interfere with the initial treatment process of your septic system, including pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides), medication, paint thinners or solvents, excessive amounts of cleaning products, and toys. Many of these substances can kill or weaken the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank, and they can travel into and pollute groundwater sources.

If you notice an unusually high amount of wastewater in your septic system, call a septic tank professional as soon as possible. There’s likely a clog or other issue in the drain field that needs to be addressed immediately.

Keep an eye out for signs of a clog or leak in the drain field, like soggy yard areas, lush vegetation, and standing water. You can also prevent clogs by diverting downspouts and irrigation systems away from the drain field.

The eco-friendly septic tanks on the market are designed to help you reduce your environmental impact without sacrificing quality or efficiency. These systems use soil absorption as a natural means of wastewater filtration, allowing treated water to be absorbed into the surrounding soil where it naturally purifies itself before entering the nearest water source.

Keep Your Tank Clean

As your septic tank breaks down waste, it releases bacteria and other microorganisms that treat the water before it goes into the drain field. These microbes help keep the sewage system working properly. But they’re not invincible, and some cleaning products can weaken or kill them. Using a chemical-free cleaner helps ensure that these important microbes can continue their work.

The septic tank and its drain field also need regular cleaning to avoid overflows. Overflowing waste can cause a host of health and sanitation issues. Moreover, it can damage the soil, harming plants and animals that come into contact with it. If you’re planning to start a business that offers septic tank cleaning services, it’s important to invest in an eco-friendly solution that reduces the amount of toxins released into the environment.

In addition to reducing the need for harsh chemicals, eco-friendly septic tanks and drain fields make it easier to avoid over-consumption of water. The average household uses about 70 gallons of water per day. If you have a water meter, you can track your usage and limit it when possible to keep the septic system working well.

Even small leaks can put a strain on the septic tank and the drain field. For example, a leaky toilet could waste as many as 200 gallons of water in one day. Such a large volume of water can increase the levels of scum and gunk in your septic tank, leading to a clog or overflow.

Another way to minimize your water use is by taking shorter showers and washing dishes. This can save you a lot of money while helping the environment.

Finally, always make sure that you save all maintenance records on your septic tank. These will be important to have should any problems arise or when you’re ready to sell your home. Eco-friendly septic systems are revolutionizing the waste management industry, allowing for greater sustainability and environmental consciousness. They are an excellent choice for those who want to live off the grid and reduce their reliance on a public sewage system.