Concrete Foundation Problems
Do You Have Concrete Foundation Problems?
Know what is causing your problems before it’s to advanced. A foundation problem may seem like a severe problem at first glance. However if you identify the damage and causes before it becomes to large, most foundation problems can be corrected and save you money if recognized in the early stages. Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights, is dedicated to providing you with the expertise information, correct foundation repair methods, systems and Grip -Tite Manufacturing products to solve your issues.
Concrete Foundation Problems & Failure Signs
On your Home’s Interior you should look for the following:
- Cracks in sheetrock/plaster walls or ceilings
- Cracks in walls and corners
- Cracks in walls above doors
- Trim or molding misaligned
- Torn or wrinkled wallpaper
- Doors and windows that stick or are to open/close
- Cracks in floor or tile
- Un-even floor surfaces or sloping of floor
- Cracks in concrete floors wider than 1/16th of inch
On your Home’s Exterior you should look for the following:
- Diagonal (stair-step) cracks in brick or stone walls
- Brick or mortar joints that vary in width
- Tilting or leaning chimney
- Separation of wood trim at joints and corners
- Fascia board pulling away
- Separation of concrete driveway, patio or sidewalk from the foundation
- Gaps around doors and windows
In your Home’s Basement you should look for the following:
- Bowed or leaning walls
- Cracks in foundation walls
- Cracks in block walls
- Foundations are sinking
- Water leakage through cracks in floors or walls
In your Home’s Garage you should look for the following:
- Bowed or leaning walls
- Cracks in foundation walls
- Cracks in block walls
- Foundations are sinking
- Water leakage through cracks in floors or walls
Concrete Foundation Problems & Failure Causes
Water And Soil
The ground your home is built on is extremely important. Foundation settlement is the movement of your foundation when the soil around your foundation can no longer support the weight of the structure. In the San Francisco Bay Area, we have several types and mixtures of soil. The three most common soils are sandy soils, loam soil, silt, and clay soils. Each one of these soils reacts differently under wet or dry conditions. Sandy soils expand and contract very little in response to changes in water from wet to dry conditions. Water passes through sandy soils. Loamy soils are also very stable and will change very little with water changes. Clay soil is the worst soil for damage to a foundation. Clay soil is the most porous of our soils in the Bay Area. Clay soil absorbs water at a high rate and can be the largest cause of foundation problems.
Drainage
Surface water around the house must not be allowed to stand or pond. If water is allowed to build up and soak into the soil around the foundation, the soil will eventually weaken and become soft, and the foundation will shift, sink, and often crack.
Evaporation-Drought
Long dry winters cause the soil to dry out and shrink. When soil dries out for long periods of time, the soil around the foundation often pulls away from the foundation and leaves gaps where the foundation can settle, and can cause sections of the foundation to crack.
Trees
Tree roots can dehydrate the soil around and under a foundation and leave gaps between the soil and the foundation. The foundation can settle in these gaps and can cause sections of the foundation to crack. Maturing trees can have root systems that have very large roots that press against the foundation and can cause foundation cracks. Arborist rule of thumb on tree roots: if the branches of a tree extend over your home, most likely the roots will extend under the house also.
Plumbing Leaks & Broken Water Lines
Plumbing leaks in the house water lines can leak under a slab foundation or the perimeter foundation and cause the soil to become saturated and become a major can weaken the support and cause sinking. Or this may cause a pressure build-up of the soil and cause lifting of the slab or foundation, which is what we call heaving.
Poor Building Site Preparation or Compaction
Sometimes soil is removed from part of a building site or brought in from another location to fill a hollow area, or is stacked on existing soil. This fill soil should be prepared or compacted properly before a foundation or slab is built on top of it. If the soil is not compactecorrectlyly it may begin to settle underneath with the weight of the foundation, slab, or home. This settlement will cause movement of the soil and result in settlement problems that can damage your foundation or slab.
Transform your home in San Francisco, CA, with our expert General Contracting Services. From simple updates to complete renovations, Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights has the expertise you need. Contact us for a free estimate and let us help you create the bathroom of your dreams.
Words of Appreciation from Our Valued Clients
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights installed a large Velux skylight for me in August 2017. The entire experience was wonderful and the skylight is beautiful, both functionally and aesthetically. Janet made sure the work was scheduled to be completed before a trip I had planned. Jimmy measured carefully when he quoted the work and even accommodated a last minute change on the location when he arrived to do the work. They protected my new floors and were careful to keep dust to a minimum. Archie came by to ensure that all was going smoothly. Freddy helped matched the stain on my nearly 70 year old tongue and grove ceiling that really took some effort and he even matched some a few small spots that a previous contractor had sanded and removed the original stain. EVERYONE was cheerful and knowledgeable. Now, my little mid century house has emerged into the light!
Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights replaced two aging skylights in our bedroom and installed automatic blinds on four skylights. This was not an easy job, since our bedroom has very very high cathedral ceilings. In fact, one other skylight installer refused to do the job altogether, and a second made a bid that was almost twice as expensive as Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. Janet Mares, who was our main contact for the job, was a pleasure to work with. Her son, Jimmy, who led the installation, was fearless climbing the ceiling, and he eally knew his stuff. We’re thrilled with our new and improved skylights, and we appreciate Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights’ solid, reasonably priced, work. Thanks guys!
I’ve had Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights install 3 sun tunnels in my home and most recently, 2 skylights in my garage/art studio. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the quality of their work and professionalism! All my communications with their office and installers have been extremely pleasant. I would use them again (and again) and highly recommend them to anyone looking to install Velux skylights/sun tunnels in their home!
Being a new homeowner, i really did my research before having someone come out and give me a quote on a skylight. You never know what to believe when you read yelp reviews. So, i went ahead and had Jimmy from mares and dow come out and give me an estimate. He was right on time, came out and measured and was very professional while he was here. Janet called me a few days later and sent me over an estimate. I went them them and couldn’t be happier. It arrived in the time frame she had told me, and they were out that week. The workers came out on time, and were very friendly and professional. Dennis ( one of the owners) came out as well and checked on the job. The went above and beyond with their work. The skylight looks beautiful! Night and day from the old one. If you are wanting a skylight, i strongly reccomend going with mare and dow
We had Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights install a Velux skylight in our new master bathroom. The space was small and dark, so Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights suggested a big skylight to add in lots of natural light. They built in a double crown molding to beautifully frame the skylight, and now the space is open and airy with wonderful natural light. We can open the skylight during warm months to let in fresh air. It was a superb addition to our bathroom renovation and a great suggestion from Mares & Dow Construction & Skylights. They did a fantastic job and were great to work with! Thanks guys!
