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Updates & tips
Causes of Basement Walls Cracking in Denver
Let's go over a few of the factors leading the basement walls to crack in your home. Many homes are built in areas of clay-rich soils. These areas of clay infused soil are more desirable to home-building than sandy soils for a couple reasons. Basements and crawl spaces are able to be dug out and retain some stability during construction unlike sandy soils. The sandier the soil, the greater the possibility for a higher water table in the area. Home-builders would like to avoid homes on a water table due to the possibility of rising levels and consequent flooding. On the flip side, clay rich soils are more likely to absorb water should the surrounding conditions change after soil has been backfilled. With absorption of water comes expansion and an increased pressure on surrounding basement walls which could cause cracking. The exterior drainage pipes installed during backfill are very likely to clog with clay and soil and prevent proper drainage of water surrounding the home's foundation. If water stays trapped in the soil during cold winter months and begins to freeze even more expansion can occur causing an even greater pressure force on foundation walls.
Causes of Basement Walls Crack in Denver?
Let's go over a few of the factors leading the basement walls to crack in your home. Many homes are built in areas of clay-rich soils. These areas of clay infused soil are more desirable to home-building than sandy soils for a couple reasons. Basements and crawl spaces are able to be dug out and retain some stability during construction unlike sandy soils. The sandier the soil, the greater the possibility for a higher water table in the area. Home-builders would like to avoid homes on a water table due to the possibility of rising levels and consequent flooding. On the flip side, clay rich soils are more likely to absorb water should the surrounding conditions change after soil has been backfilled. With absorption of water comes expansion and an increased pressure on surrounding basement walls which could cause cracking. The exterior drainage pipes installed during backfill are very likely to clog with clay and soil and prevent proper drainage of water surrounding the home's foundation. If water stays trapped in the soil during cold winter months and begins to freeze even more expansion can occur causing an even greater pressure force on foundation walls.
What are signs my basement is leaking?
With all of this water hitting the Denver Metro area recently it is a good idea to be on the lookout for signs that water is making its way into your basement or crawl space. So what signs should you look for? First off make sure to keep an eye on any cracks in the foundation. These are vulnerable spots for water. If the cracks begin to grow call in an expert at Complete Basement Systems to take a look. Another sign of water intrusion is a musty odor or damp smell. That smell is usually linked with mold...the next sign of a leak. Mold is the third sign of a leaky basement space. Mold grows in environments with high humidity (60-70%). Organic materials such as wood, dirt, and drywall are perfect spots for mold growth. Mold can also be black, brown, yellow or green. That white chalk like substance that appears on your basement walls is evidence of water intrusion. It is efflorescence and is the deposit of minerals from the water. If you spot any of these signs in your home please do not hesitate to call Complete Basement Systems for a free evaluation. We are experts in the basement and crawl space environments and we are able to design a waterproofing system to permanently solve water intrusion problems.