What Causes Foundation Damage in New Jersey Homes?
You may not see it, but your home’s foundation is your silent hero. It has “great power and great responsibility,” supporting every room, every furnishing, and every person.
However, it’s not uncommon for even the strongest foundation to suffer from damage over time.
Learn why your New Jersey home may have foundation damage, common bad foundation signs, and the answer for lasting foundation repair.
Digging Deep into Causes of Foundation Damage
Local Environmental Factors
New Jersey’s unique geological and climatic conditions create specific challenges for home foundations. The state’s varied soil composition—from sandy coastal areas to clay-rich inland regions—plays a significant role in foundation stability. Signs of foundation issues in New Jersey often stem from these soil variations combined with the state’s diverse weather patterns.
Soil Conditions
- The predominant soil types in New Jersey include:
- Marine deposits along the coast
- Clay-rich soils in central regions
- Rocky soils in northern areas
Expansive clay soils are particularly problematic because they expand when wet and contract when dry, creating pressure fluctuations that can damage foundations. This expansion and contraction cycle is one of the primary causes of foundation issues in New Jersey homes.
Weather Impact
New Jersey experiences distinct seasonal changes that affect foundation stability, including heavy spring rains, hot and humid summers, freezing winters, and occasional severe storms and hurricanes.
These weather patterns contribute to soil movement and moisture variations, potentially leading to foundation damage. During drought, soil shrinkage can create voids beneath foundations, contributing to foundation settlement. On the other hand, excessive rainfall can cause soil expansion and increased hydrostatic pressure.
Understanding the Clay Bowl Effect and Hydrostatic Pressure
The clay bowl effect occurs during home construction when the excavated area is backfilled around the foundation. This creates a “bowl” of looser soil around the foundation that collects water more quickly than the undisturbed soil around it. As water accumulates in this bowl, it creates hydrostatic pressure against the foundation walls.
Hydrostatic pressure is the constant force water exerts against foundation walls and floors. As water accumulates in the soil, this pressure can force water through tiny cracks and pores, cause foundation walls to bow or crack, lead to basement flooding, and accelerate foundation deterioration.
Common Signs of Foundation Issues
Recognizing bad foundation signs early can prevent more severe damage. Look for these key symptoms of foundation problems:
Interior Signs
- Wall cracks
- Drywall cracks or nail pops
- Sagging or uneven floors
- Sticking doors or windows
- Gaps between walls and floors or ceilings
- Bowing basement walls
Exterior Signs
- Foundation cracks
- Gaps between windows or doors and frames
- Separation of exterior trim or molding
- Cracking bricks
- Leaning or cracking chimney
- Water collecting near the foundation
Ignoring these problems or delaying their repair leads to worsening issues, safety hazards, and expensive fixes. Contact a foundation repair professional like Groundworks at the first sign of trouble.
Lasting Foundation Repair Solutions
Our team has many years of experience diagnosing and repairing foundation damage in New Jersey. We know exactly what to look for and how to fix it with solutions tailored to meet your needs. These lasting repairs include:
Foundation Piers
Foundation piers are one of the most effective solutions for stabilizing and potentially lifting damaged foundations, and we install three different types. Helical piers, which feature a screw-like design, are ideal for lighter structures and work exceptionally well in New Jersey’s varied soil conditions. Push piers are driven deep into load-bearing soil and are particularly suitable for heavier structures. Slab piers offer a specialized solution for homes with concrete slab foundations.
Wall Repair Systems
Wall repair systems provide crucial solutions for damaged foundation walls. Wall anchors effectively counteract bowing and leaning walls by connecting to stable soil beyond the foundation, allowing for gradual straightening over time. Wall braces offer an alternative approach, providing interior reinforcement for bowing walls with less excavation than wall anchors. They can also be effectively combined with other repair methods for comprehensive solutions. Carbon fiber supports are a modern, low-profile solution that prevents wall movement while maintaining a minimal visual impact.
Crawl Space Supports
For homes with crawl spaces, support systems using adjustable steel jacks provide essential structural stability. These systems effectively replace deteriorated wood supports and prevent floor sagging and other structural issues. The adjustability of these supports allows for precise leveling and ongoing adjustments as needed, ensuring long-term stability for the home’s foundation.
These repair solutions can be customized to address specific foundation issues, and often, a combination of methods may be recommended for optimal results. The choice of repair method depends on factors such as the type and severity of damage, soil conditions, home structure, and budget considerations.
Trust Groundworks To Repair Foundation Damage in New Jersey
Foundation damage in New Jersey homes requires prompt attention and professional assessment. But with proper care and timely repairs, your home’s foundation can continue providing stable support for generations to come.
If you notice any signs of foundation damage, contact Groundworks immediately. One of our many qualified foundation repair specialists will evaluate your home during a free inspection and determine the best course of action for your specific situation. You deserve a safe home. Repair and protect it with the best. Choose Groundworks for solutions you can trust.
Foundation Damage FAQs
Yes, foundation issues can significantly decrease your home’s value and make it difficult to sell. Proper repair can restore value and ensure structural integrity.
Foundation settlement can be a serious concern, as it may lead to significant structural damage if not addressed promptly. How serious? That depends on factors like how long the issues have been going on. Neglecting foundation issues results in visible structural damage and potential safety risks for the home’s occupants. Contact an expert for an inspection to assess the status of your home’s foundation.
Foundation repair is only covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy if the damage is a result of a sudden or accidental peril. These include but are not limited to, tornados, lightning strikes, vandalism, or a vehicle crashing into your home. Speak to your insurance agent for a complete coverage overview.
