Floor and wall gaps are one of the most shocking forms of foundation damage. If you notice these gaps in your home, it can look unnerving. Foundation damage of any kind should be addressed quickly before your entire home is damaged. Tar Heel Basement Systems has the tools and experience to repair floor and wall gaps and stop them from appearing again in the future. Here’s everything you need to know about this foundation problem sign.
What Causes Floor and Wall Gaps?
Weather Changes
Weather plays a huge role in the health of your foundation. That’s because certain weather patterns can damage soil to the point that it can no longer support your foundation. One example is heavy rain or snow. When any form of precipitation permeates the soil in your yard, water drains below the surface, disrupting soil particles and potentially eroding sections of the ground. Not to mention, the ground becomes muddy which makes it much more likely your foundation will sink into the soil.
On the other hand, is dry weather. North Carolina has experience drought before, and these conditions dry out the soil which causes it to shrink and crack. As the soil shrinks, gaps open up between the ground and foundation, and the weight of your home crushes through the brittle soil. No matter what weather patterns weaken the soil, it can leave floor and wall gaps in your home.
Bowing Walls
Bowing walls are another foundation problem sign that can end up leading to floor and wall gaps. Usually, bowing walls occur in homes with basement foundations, but similar effects can be experience with a concrete slab or crawl space foundation. Generally, the main cause of bowing walls is hydrostatic pressure. This is a force that occurs when water drains deep below the surface. As the water goes deeper and deeper, the more gravity pushes down onto it. Increased gravity leads to more pressure exerted by the water. With enough pressure, the water can push soil up against your foundation walls until they bend and crack. Floor and wall gaps show up quickly as a result.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can extend right below your foundation. This becomes a problem because the roots disturb soil as they pass through, potentially causing sections of the ground to crumble below your home. Additionally, tree roots suck moisture from the soil – which could cause it to shrink in volume and become structurally weak. In fact, tree roots can grow to be twice the size of a tree’s canopy. Look out for trees especially close to your house. They could cause your foundation to sink, which in turn leads to floor and wall gaps within your home.
Floor and Wall Gap
FAQ
Many people may be tempted to seal a floor and wall gap as soon as they see one. Unfortunately, hardware store solutions like caulk or spackling only go so far. While these sealants might make your home look better for a while, they don’t solve the root of the problem. If left unchecked, the cause of your floor and wall gap will keep causing damage – eventually ripping through the caulk or spackling. The best thing any homeowner can do is leave repairs to a professional foundation service like Tar Heel. Expert solutions provide a permanent fix!
Yes. Floor and wall gaps can cause other parts of your home to become damaged. Look out for wall cracks both inside and outside your home. Doors and windows may also become unaligned, leading to them being stuck in their frames. Since floor and wall gaps are caused by foundation damage, you might also other problem signs such as a leaning chimney if the problem isn’t solved quickly. Don’t ignore floor and wall gaps, as they can definitely lead to even more damage around your home.
It doesn’t matter what size the gap between your floor and wall is, foundation damage has occurred. Gaps don’t naturally appear between the floor and wall, so if you notice any, don’t just shrug it off. Even the smallest of gaps has the potential to grow into a huge problem for your home. Make sure to contact a professional as soon as you notice a gap inside your home. They can determine the cause of the problem and work with you toward steps to fix it for good.
Explore Solutions
Floor and wall gaps can be scary, but foundation solutions exist to keep your home safe. Tar Heel Basement Systems uses a number of solutions to keep your walls and floors protected from damage. Pier systems, wall anchors, crawl space supports, and carbon fiber reinforcements are all tools our team uses to repair your foundation and close gaps in your house. Explore all of our foundation solutions below!
Call Tar Heel for a Free Inspection
Nobody’s home deserves to be damaged by floor and wall gaps, especially when it puts the rest of your home at risk for damage. At Tar Heel Basement Systems, it’s our goal to provide efficient service to homeowners in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill metro area, Wilmington, and the Winston-Salem/Greensboro/High Point metro area. Since 2003, we’ve been solving foundation problems of all kinds, and our success is proven by thousands of positive online reviews and awards from the Better Business Bureau and Home Advisor. Contact us today to learn more about our foundation repair services and schedule a free inspection with one of our technician specialists!
