MAINE

The heavy snow, humid summers, and cold temperatures in Maine can be rather troublesome for foundations. Those who live in Maine should regularly examine their homes for signs of foundation failure and contact a professional foundation repair contractor as soon as any problems are found.

CAUSES OF FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN MAINE

The weather and soil conditions can have a big impact on your foundation. The most common causes of foundation problems in Maine include:

  • Hydrostatic Pressure: As the ground around your home absorbs more water, it will cause an increase in hydrostatic pressure within the soil. This pressure pushes on the foundation, leading to foundation shifting and crack
    formation.
  • Erosion: Erosion from excess rain or snowmelt can wash away the soil beneath your foundation, creating voids that cause foundation settlement and sinking.
  • Soil Shifting: Soil movement beneath your foundation can lead to a shifting foundation or foundation settlement. This soil movement can be caused by a variety of factors, including excessive organic materials, poor soil compaction, overloading, poor drainage and waterproofing, and expansive soils.
  • Heaving and Settling: During freeze and thaw periods, the soil beneath and around your home expands and contracts, causing the foundation to heave, settle, and possibly crack.
causes of foundation failure diagram

COMMON FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN MAINE

Foundation problems such as sinking, settling, or shifting can lead to a variety of structural issues throughout the building, including basement water issues, structural instability, and pest infestation. When the foundation sinks into the ground unevenly, it is known as foundation settlement. Shifting foundations are the result of soil pressure and movement, and can also cause foundation cracks. Other common symptoms of a foundation problem include:

  • Floor cracks
  • Sloped or uneven floors
  • Wall cracks
  • Sticking doors or windows
  • Ceiling cracks
  • Bowed or leaning walls
  • Leaning chimney
cracks in basement wall diagram

SOLUTIONS FOR FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN MAINE

Bowing and leaning foundation walls are often the result of a shifting and cracking foundation. Solutions for this issue include wall plate anchors and helical tiebacks. To install wall plate anchors, you must first install an anchor into the earth next to the affected wall. This anchor is then connected to the wall with a rod and plate, which are tightened to straighten the wall. The other solutions is helical tieback installation; these tiebacks are driven laterally into the ground to pull the wall into place.

The most effective repair method for settling foundations is to install helical piers or steel push piers. These piers are driven into the stable soils deep underground to provide support and stability to the foundation and to lift it to the proper position. The difference between the two types of piers is that while steel push piers are driven into the ground, helical piers are screwed into the ground.

My Foundation Repairs can help you find a professional foundation repair contractor in Maine to help you with all of your foundation repair needs.

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