MASSACHUSETTS

The cold, snowy weather in Massachusetts can lead to several foundation issues. It is important to be aware of the signs of a foundation problem in your home and contact a professional as soon as any signs are found.

CAUSES OF FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN MASSACHUSETTS

  • Hydrostatic Pressure: When the water in the ground around your property increases, the hydrostatic pressure within the soil will also increase, pushing on the foundation, leading to foundation shifting and crack formation.
  • Erosion: If erosion occurs from excess rain or snowmelt, it can wash away the soil beneath your foundation, opening voids that will lead to foundation settlement and sinking.
  • Heaving and Settling: Freeze and thaw periods cause the soil beneath and around the foundation expands and contracts. This causes the foundation to heave, settle, and even crack.
  • Soil Shifting: Shifting soil under your home can lead to foundation movement. Shifting soil can result from: including excessive organic materials, poor soil compaction, overloading, poor drainage and waterproofing, and expansive soils.

COMMON FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN MASSACHUSETTS

If your foundation sinks due to soil movement or excess groundwater, it is called foundation settlement or sinking. Too much soil pressure can cause foundation shifting and lead to crack formation. Foundation problems such as sinking, settling, shifting, or cracking foundations often lead to many other structural issues, like basement water issues, structural instability, sagging floors, and pest infestation. Common signs of foundation failure include:

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

windows on home

SOLUTIONS FOR FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN MASSACHUSETTS

Shifting foundations can cause problems in the basement, such as bowing or leaning walls and crack formation. To fix these issues, install a wall plate anchor. The first step is to install the anchor into the yard next to the bowing wall. The anchor is then connected to the wall with a rod and plate that can be tightened over time to gradually straighten the wall. Another solution is helical tiebacks, which are screw-like devices that are installed from the interior of the wall to pull it back into place.

If you have a settling or sinking foundation that is causing structural issues in your home, you can invest in foundation piers such as helical piers or steel push piers. These devices are installed into load-bearing soils to give stabilization to the structure while lifting the foundation. The main difference between steel push piers and helical piers is that steel piers are driven into the ground, while helical piers are screwed into the ground. This can also help seal cracks that may have formed in the foundation.


For these and other foundation repair solutions, My Foundation Repairs can help put you in contact with a professional foundation repair contractor.

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