How Does Hydrostatic Pressure Affect My Foundation?
How Does Hydrostatic Pressure Affect My Foundation?
What is one of the leading causes of basement damage that you may have never heard of? Hydrostatic pressure.
What is hydrostatic pressure?
The term hydrostatic means “relating to or denoting the equilibrium of liquids and the pressure exerted by liquid at rest.” Fun fact: The hydrostatic pressure fluid property was termed by French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal in 1647.
In today’s residential context, hydrostatic pressure occurs when the soil surrounding the home’s foundation becomes saturated with water that cannot drain away.
Concrete, though solid, is porous, allowing water to permeate through its microscopic pores.
When this water comes into contact with a home’s foundation, it evenly distributes the load pressure across the foundation. Then, underground water table starts to climb upwards.
If it isn’t relieved, it will start pushing against the foundation walls. In rainy months, the soil becomes over-saturated. When it dries out, an instant change in pressure starts to crack and bow the foundation walls.
How Can It Affect My Foundation Walls?
Hydrostatic pressure can cause foundation damage, foundation cracks, and cause a wall to leak, bow inward, or form cracks. This results in rising dampness (and musty odors) across the foundation walls. Eventually this ends up forming mildew, mold, and algae across the corners, walls, and floor of the foundation.
The most noticeable sign on your foundation is water in the basement without visible cracks.
How Can I Repair Damage?
There are many foundation repair options for your home, which is why it’s best to call a professional who can help determine the best option. Here are some common solutions used to repair or prevent hydrostatic pressure damage:
- Install an interior waterproofing system
- Remove water that accumulates around the footing and foundation
- Ensure the ground surrounding your home is sloped away from the building
- Gutters and downspouts should discharge stormwater well away from the foundation
- Install a footing tile (usually clay or perforated plastic pipe) that collects that water and channels it to a sump pit, and then a sump pump can discharge further
- Anchors and beams can be installed around the walls
Even the greatest foundation can suffer from water damage. As your Annapolis-area concrete and foundation repair experts, Alliance Inc. is here to help secure your home’s foundation for the future. Call us at 667-786-4914 to speak with one of our experts and schedule a free estimate!