Glossary

Similar to spalling. Concrete flaking involves the top layer of concrete peeling away from the hardened concrete.

A floor drain is a plumbing drain installed in the floor to allow water to drain in the event of a plumbing leak or flood. They can also be the cause of basement leaks, so be sure to have them inspected by a plumbing professional.

A footing is concrete poured into an excavated trench. Footings support the weight of the foundation by evenly distributing the load to avoid settlement.

The area of your home that has contact with the ground and transfers the load from the above structure to the ground.

A footing is concrete poured into an excavated trench. Footings support the weight of the foundation by evenly distributing the load to avoid settlement.

The freeze-thaw cycle refers to the process that occurs when water content in soil freezes. When water freezes, it expands putting pressure on anything it comes in contact with, when it melts a void is created. This process effects your foundation and the exterior concrete around your home. The better drainage system your home has, the less moisture is available to freeze in areas you don’t want it to.

An attachment added to your sump pumps discharge line just outside your home that allows water to escape in the event your pipes freeze.

As the ground around your foundation freezes and expands it adheres to your foundation lifting it up. This creates a void beneath it. In the spring, when the ground thaws the foundation lowers again, but because the soil shifted to fill the void, there are now gaps around the foundation edges.