Spring has finally made its debut across Middle Tennessee. But aside from warmer weather, March, April, and May can bring showers that leave the ground around our homes saturated. This does more than leave a muddy mess on your floor when the kids run through the door. Spring rain may damage your home’s foundation.
Soil Saturation
The biggest problem with prolonged rain is soil saturation, which reduces soil strength. In areas with heavy clay, the soil can actually swell when wet and shrink when dry. This constant cycle of expansion and contraction puts stress on your foundation.
Hydrostatic Pressure
When the ground is soaked, water can accumulate in the area surrounding your foundation. This creates what is known as hydrostatic pressure, which just means that water is constantly pushing against the walls of your home that are buried underground. This is especially a problem for concrete and block foundations that are not fully waterproofed. Hydrostatic pressure can also force moisture through tiny pores and cracks into walls that were previously waterproofed.
Poor Drainage
During times of continual rain, water can pool around the foundation of your home. Even properly graded properties can experience water intrusion from the entire perimeter.
Erosion
Fast-moving water can even wash away soil near your home’s foundation. And if you have the poor grading we just discussed, you may see soil slip away even faster. Homes that do not have proper ground cover, such as grass or mulch, may notice erosion more prominently.
Secondary Damage
Even if the structure itself is not immediately compromised, long-term water exposure can lead to problems. For example, persistent moisture can degrade concrete over time or rust the rebar inside reinforced concrete. Just as alarmingly, even small amounts of moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot.
Barrier Waterproofing Can Help
If you notice the air in your home seems damp or see cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation that were not there before, contact Barrier Waterproofing. Our waterproofing experts can help ensure that your dream home does not become a soggy nightmare.
Contact Barrier Waterproofing today for more information or to learn more about our customizable interior and exterior waterproofing solutions.
